My 63 yr old mothers letter to the House and Senate

kywildcat

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Thu Oct-20-05 08:38 AM
Original message

My 63 yr old mothers letter to the House and Senate

Dear Senator

I am writing to you as a citizen of what used to be a great country. I
am mourning the end of that time and realize it is gone forever.
However, I believe we can still have an impact on our future quality of
life to some degree. And it is with that hope that I'm writing to
you.

I believe that the US Congress can cement its reputation as the most
corrupt and obscene in our history, or conversely as the Congress that
rose to the occasion and literally saved our country from third world
status.

To the average citizen, it is inconceivable that our representatives
would give huge tax breaks to the wealthiest citizens and corporations
while we struggle to make ends meet and to survive in this increasingly
competitive world. It is inconceivable that our hard earned money would
be carelessly and callously spent on the enrichment of cronies and
business associates. It is inconceivable that our elected officials
think so little of us that they openly and with unconcern not only waste
our money but use it against us.

The one certainty is that it is a complex world in which we need a
sense of unity and commitment to the common good. While I'm sure that
the wealthiest Americans will be able to afford whatever it takes to
have potable water and perhaps breathable air, I wonder if they too
won't mourn the loss of our natural resources and beauty. I wonder
if they too don't mourn the loss of our oneness as a people and as a
nation.

The Republican strategy of divide and conquer has certainly worked, but
I ask you to consider what you have won. You have not won honor, nor
respect, except the grudging respect one predator gives to another. You
have not created anything worthwhile that will be remembered by future
generations, as great or beneficial. You have not improved the quality
of our lives, and certainly not the moral fiber of our society. You
have not helped us be ready for a future that will be challenging enough
without the added burden of poverty and all the problems that accompany
it.

Instead this administration and this Congress has, with unspeakable
cynicism, sold us and our assets to the highest bidders. Until now I
thought that it was just that the Republican Party was comprised mostly
of men who have been overcome by their need to compete and win, with
only some who are overtly corrupt. But I have come to realize that
those of you who turn a blind eye to what goes on all around you, simply
employ a different kind of corruption. It is the day by day decisions
built one on another, that over time erode character and responsibility,
even the ability to recognize what is ethical and correct.

I ask, most sincerely, that you step back from the august group to
which you belong, and picture yourself as a working man, perhaps a blue
collar worker. Picture yourself as a working parent who is very worried
about the future of his children and grand children. Picture yourself
as an American now hated in the world community. Picture yourself as a
citizen of a once great country that has sunk into a swamp of
corruption, debt and the stench of deceit and division. I truly ask that
you take a long and honest look and see your real constituents, the
working people, and cast your votes for us, not against us.

I believe that you and every member of the United States Congress has
an opportunity to change the legacy you are leaving to us and to our
children from one of despair and distrust to one of hope and
possibilities. I ask that you live up to your responsibility to
represent us, the people.

Sincerely,