Thank you, Senator, for taking the time to speak with me today. I really do consider myself a "regular guy" and even use that term to describe myself in an online personal ad.

 

Although I don't have a wife and kids, I am worried about my family. My widowed mom is in her 70's now Sir, and struggling to get by on less than $1000/month from Social Security and can barely pay the electric and heating bills, the price of gas and food and, of course, her taxes. Fortunately my to sisters live with her now and that makes things just a little bit easier for all three of them.

 

Speaking of my sisters Sir, one is a flight attendant who flies internationally  for a major carrier. Although she's a strong person - she did beat cancer about ten years ago-, her job is inherently more dangerous than when she started ten years ago so we naturally worry about her whenever she's not home.

 

My other sister is fighting her own battle with breast cancer as we speak. It's tough to watch this star athlete and coach struggle to keep her job while simultaneously fighting for her life. I mean, I know how I felt when I lost my hair, and I wasn't even sick.....

 

My oldest sister died a few years ago at age 49.

 

I've got a brother, too Sir, whose a retired police officer now struggling to start a small business of his own in the landscaping field. He's a lot like you Sir, a successful politician who twice won a seat on the local city council.

 

I could not be prouder to be part of this strong fourth generation American family and I love them all dearly.

 

It is flattering that you care about me, too sir, but no need to worry, thank you very much. I'm even tougher than they are, ya know, being a former Marine and all.

 

Oh, no need to thank me for my service sir, my fellow Americans do that every time the VA buys me a new glass eye or pays for another operation. Why just two weeks ago I checked out of a local hospital "AMA" when I discovered the emergency surgery that my work sponsored insurance covered would cost between three and five thousand dollars, at least, in co-pays alone. No Sir, I learned my lesson three years ago when I racked up nearly $40,000 in hospital bills when I was sick and uninsured. It would have been more, but neither Dr. Tardif or any of the other doctors billed me, since they knew I couldn't pay anyway.

 

Speaking of my job sir, I recently found out that the company I work for is being bought by a huge Japanese firm, kinda like those other companies are now, too. You know, the King of Beers and all that. Interesting Sir, isn't it, that all these foreign companies are doing so well while we struggle so. Fortunately for some, our stock price has blossomed with this news, but lots of my friends got laid off as well. We are also shutting down our Houston sales operations and I myself found out that I will probably lose my job before the election.

 

So I am glad you are listening to me Senator, because I sure am listening to you.

 

I vote religiously Senator, but not for a party really. For me, the party is pretty much over now anyway. I vote because I love American, American and our way of life Sir. My dad was a successful businessman who taught me that the United States and its people shine brightest just when the world is at its darkest. I believed him then and do so now more than ever.

 

Yet I am scared now, Sir, afraid of what tomorrow will bring for my family, my friends, my fellow Americans and even, when I am honest, afraid for myself.

 

I know you are busy now sir and probably don't have time for stuff like this, what with the election and raising funds and all. So I am including my contact information for when you do have a brief moment, hopefully before the election. I don't have a land line sir, and if you call my cell and it's not working it is not because the phone is broke.

 

It is because I am.

 

When that happens, you can email me.

 

Thank you Sir, and good luck to you, too.

 

Semper Fi!

 

Respectfully submitted,