One Voice... One Nation

This is an original letter pinned by my mother...at her request, I am very proud to post it and ask that anyone... everyone... read it and pass it on....

To: Members of The United States Congress

I understand that the ‘people’s house’ is for sale. I would like to make an offer. The short-term benefits are minimal; however, long-term benefits will outweigh any losses you might incur.
As we all know, the current owners of the ‘people’s house’ are special interest groups. They have the wherewithal to finance campaigns, provide lavish perks and determine the outcome of legislation through their highly paid lobbyists.

The offer I am making is on behalf of the ‘common folk’. For the purpose of this letter, common folk are defined as the portion of the American population who represent a larger percentage of voters than the current owners. They consist of various ethnic and religious backgrounds, and usually are middle to low /poverty income. Most were struggling to make ends meet prior to Katrina. Many have to choose between feeding their families and getting needed health care. Dental care is a luxury. They live pay day to pay day hoping energy cost will not prohibit them from keeping their families warm this winter. Some exist on welfare, a system that currently punishes those trying to get out of welfare by denying assistance once they get a job. These jobs are usually entry level, and health benefits are too expensive. Previous middle income, two wage earner families are struggling after downsizing has cost one of them their job. They include fathers, mothers, sons and daughters serving in Iraq and around the world. Many have lost loved ones serving this great nation. They have lost all confidence in their government, and lost the will to participate, knowing as individuals they can’t really make a difference. Their lives are so full just trying to survive that participating in the political arena seems to be a futile waste of time.

Here is the offer we are prepared to make:
1. We will offer you the opportunity to return to your job as a public servant with the possibility of advancement.
2. The United States, once looked upon by the world as a mighty nation, now appears to be no longer willing to take care of it’s own people. ("Many were struck by ... poverty, at times shameful, in rich America," Cordes told Vatican Radio.) You will be able go down in history for having restored us to a nation that is respected around the world, and a government that is once again “of the people, by the people, for the people.

The war in Iraq, the unprecedented hurricane season, and related expenses are threatening to break the backs of us ‘common folk’. You now have the opportunity to do the right thing and cut all the non- essential (porkbarrel) projects out of the transportation bill. Museums, walking and bike trails, highway beautification projects and the like are a nice thing to be able to do, but I suggest that you go over all the proposed funding bills and trim the fat. If you budgeted our tax dollars the same way we budget our household accounts, I am certain we could cover the cost of Katrina, and Rita without raising taxes or postponing the Medicare prescription drug plan.

Thank You.