Dear Mrs. Clinton,
I owe you a huge apology. I have spent a lifetime voting for RNC candidates and listening to their rhetoric, including the things they say about you. And I'll be honest, I had planned to vote for Bernie this year because I knew I could never vote for Donald Trump. I knew this way before the 2005 tape emerged.
While I was raised in a conservative white Christian southern family, I was always taught that we are all equal. After all, that's what my Bible says. It is a lesson I have kept with me all of my life, and taught to my children.
I have many friends who don't look or think like me. Many, I know from my 39 year nursing career. Black, white, latino, asian, gay, straight, bi, Christian, Muslim, atheist, agnostic; it was a very diverse working environment. I learned a lot from these people, and while we don't agree on all issues, some very important to me, I respect these friends and have been shown respect by them.
As friends, we often discuss issues that we don't agree on. In doing so, sometimes, we nudge each other's opinions in one direction or another, and sometimes, we just agree to disagree. The great exception to this, is a male friend from high school who is a Trump supporter. The minute I questioned his post saying disparaging things about anyone who doesn't vote for Trump, he unfriended me on Facebook, but not before spewing filth aimed at me. Of course, because I was unfriended, I couldn't respond. I've never had a friend who wouldn't discuss the issues before this.
When Donald Trump first started talking about his wall and his deportation plan, all I could think about was my diverse group of friends and their children. I could not stand the idea of the hate filled, hostile country that Donald Trump and his supporters want.
Then, I thought of the thousands of people trying to flee oppression, starvation and violence. How can anyone turn their backs on these people? I ask this, especially of the Christians I know but also of any human. Where is the compassion?
I was also reminded of other walls, such as the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China and what that meant for those countries.
When you won the DNC nomination, I began researching you and the other candidates who were left. I was amazed at all of the accomplishments you have made on behalf of women and children. The Clinton Foundation, which I knew practically nothing about, and which I found out is one of the most highly rated nonprofits in existence is a remarkable organization. I actually got teary reading about all of the outstanding work that it does around the world.
So, it is with pride that I say, “I'm with her!”
Thank you for all that you have done on behalf of women, children and humanity, in general. I feel that it is imperative that you win this election. And I plan to vote straight party ticket and hope that Deborah Ross wins, as well. (Please do whatever you can to help that happen - she is behind in the polls now!)
I'm very worried about the safety of our country and your safety, as well. I believe that you will be our first female president and I fear that the white supremacist faction in our country may follow through with some of Trump's suggestions. While I'm sure you have an active security detail, I hope that they are keeping a pulse of the situation and adding to your security as needed.
I look forward to a kinder, gentler America. One where every voice matters, everyone has access to affordable healthcare and an economy that works for everyone, and not just for the Trumps and their kind. Thank you for running for president. Thank you for running a clean campaign. Thank you for cleaning house at the debates!