While reading the article "How Tough is Our President?" on Robert Reich's Blog I came across this comment: Please read this letter from my son. I think he addresses the tough issue here:
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing you today with a heavy heart. I am a Democrat and a Chicagoan. I spent my youth playing stoop ball and buying hot dogs not far from where the Cubs toss around a small white ball to the cheers and tears of longing fans. I have lived my 34 years as an observer of Chicago and its people. I find the humanity of this bustling, rusty city inspirational and realistic. In many ways Chicago is a microcosm of the rest of this grand nation. The struggles of Chicago are the struggles of Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Austin, Compton, and New Orleans.
Americans in my city, my home, my place of struggle, want change Mr. President. We want meaningful change. In early November, on a crisp, clear Chicago night we welcomed you with our hearts in the hope that you would be an advocate for our struggle, our hope. It was our hope that through your eloquence and thoughtful policy making, meaningful change would come to the streets of Chicago. Chicago is a city of many things, but first and foremost, we are a city of fighters. In Chicago, we want you to fight for meaningful healthcare reform.
I have never written to a president before and in many ways I feel as though I am writing to myself, like a prayer said through a computer keyboard. It is only faith that helps me believe you will hear what I have to say. I am currently reading Dreams from my Father and your glistening narrative provides a wonderful insight into who you are and where you stand. Even though I have only just started your book, I can tell that you are a fighter. Your step father taught you to fight, to box, to defend yourself. We need that boy with boxing gloves now. We need you to fight for a public option for the American people.
You know the facts on healthcare. The numbers are dire. Millions of Americans die and millions of others are forced to declare crippling bankruptcy because of insurance company greed, malfeasance, and lack of compassion. We need you to fight for us. This healthcare struggle is just as important as abolition, the civil rights legislation of the 1960s, the struggle for the right to vote, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The brave men and women who struggled for those causes did not compromise with the obstructionists and naysayers who decided to fight against the tide of change, freedom, and the rights of man. The obstructionists who oppose meaningful healthcare reform are on the wrong side of history. We need you to fight for us. Please fight for the public option, and know that in Chicago we still love fighters. My best to you Mr. President, and please know how much you mean to those passionate about real change in this country.
With warm regards,
Frank Adam Brenner
This is indeed a prayer of sorts, and a beautiful one. We will know soon enough I suppose whether we will have real reform or an unforgivable, government subsidized giveaway to the insurance industry.
Posted by: MotivatedMama | August 28, 2009 at 02:26 AM