Dear Mitt,
I am not a victim. I am a wife, mother, and educator. I have a college education. I critically examine the issues that face this country. I have thoughtful discussions with friends and family on both sides of the isle. I have compassion, empathy, and respect for the people who work hard and still struggle. I pay taxes. My family income is less than $100,000. I own my home and have no personal debt. I take responsibility for my finances, my children, and my life. I work hard, live within my means and am happy with, "enough."
I have used the government safety net as a child when my dad couldn't find work as a contractor. I am thankful that the government helped to feed my family and did not consider food an entitlement. I took advantage of a very small pell grant to help me with my college education at a modest state school. I have used the medical assisstance program in my state to help pay for prescription drugs for my children with disabilities whose prescriptions costs are more than a mortage payment. Getting a hand up from the government does not make me a victim and it does not make me less.
I will cast my vote for Obama not because I expect entitlements or because I'm incapable of discerning who is the better candidate. I will cast my vote for Obama, not because I am a victim, but because, Mr. Romney, you have no idea who I am. I am invisible to you. I am somehow worth less to you. I will cast my vote for Obama because I believe in a country where we care about everyone. Where food, shelter and health care are rights available to everyone. I will cast my vote for Obama because I believe in a society where we are judged, not by how much wealth we can accrue in a lifetime, but by how we take care of those who are unable to care for themselves. I will cast my vote for a true leader.
You are not that man, Mr. Romney. You have deeply insulted me. You have done more than make comments off the cuff or spoken unartfully. You have dismissed me. Big mistake.
