Dear Senator,
A pro forma accounting entry such as raising the debt ceiling has been allowed to morph into a politically absurd theatrical production. This kabuki is consuming the political oxygen in Washington, DC at the expense of any meaningful discussion on job creation or dealing with an unemployment rate not seen since the Great Depression, and is simply unacceptable.
It is crystal clear that the White House and congressional Democratic Party leaders (House and Senate) have put cuts to programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid on the table in debt ceiling negotiations. As someone who is quickly approaching retirement age, it is again simply unacceptable to me that these social safety programs are potential sacrificial lambs on the alter of "fiscal responsibility" (a concept that hasn't been demonstrated, particularly by the GOP, since the Clinton era).
I'm starting to believe that those living inside the beltway bubble (including yourself) just do not understand the bare threads that many of your constituents are hanging onto. This apparent lack of empathy by both political parties is not going to translate well at the polls next year for any incumbent candidate in either party.
While I appreciate your response to my phone calls and prior emails, it's apparent to me that your response was most likely a standard form letter that was left over from prior budget negotiations. Please ask your staff to update the form letter, and allow me to reiterate that my present concerns were not centered on past budget negotiations, but rather, the ongoing debt ceiling debate.
As a lifelong Democratic Party activist and supporter, I once again urge you to use the power of your position to deliver a strong message from me (and many of your other constituents) to both the White House and party leadership: Cutting lifeline programs in this time of economic uncertainty won't fly with the American public. Don't put us further behind the 8 ball - put us back to work.
Sincerely,
Richard
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