Dear government workers who haven’t been paid in a month and a half: thank you.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
As a loyal centrist Democrat, I thank you for your vote in last Tuesday’s election. I realize that government workers, many of whom haven’t been paid in nearly two months, have sacrificed so much for the country. Yet even so, you turned out. You delivered Virginia. It was an amazing win!
The Democratic Party counts on you for your vote. You are a vital part of our coalition. We cannot win in many states without you. I know you must be frustrated that some apparently only see you as political pawns. But I know differently. You don’t deserve this disrespect. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
No one should be asked to work for free.
No one should not get paid.
I hope you realize that the shutdown was because of the Republicans and not the Democratic Party, although I’m sure by now many have heard some Democrats saying government workers should not get paid for days, weeks or months. For as long as it takes. Regardless of the cost to you. But I disagree. No one should be put in that position. Especially not loyal Democrats and most likely union members.
I do want to assure you, I am not one of the people saying you should not get paid until the cows come home. I simply want to say, thank you for your service.
Thank you for weathering the storm. I imagine that some of you might have lost your home. Some of you might have liquidated your kids’ college savings accounts so you don’t lose your house. Or perhaps had to take money out of your 401. I’m so sorry. But thank you for being a dedicated public servant. We need you.
And thank you for being a loyal Democrat.
I’d be curious to know if any of the folks who think you should not get paid until they get what they want, has reached out to you. To let you know that they got your back through the nearly two months you didn’t get paid. I’m wondering if the folks told you they know the sacrifice you’ve made and are making and have taken out a second mortgage to help you pay yours. Or that they sold their 401k and took the penalty, knowing you had to do that. Or their college savings. Wonder if you needed a loan to help you get by?
Did anyone simply say: Thank you.
If not, I’m sorry. So let me be the first. To thank you. To recognize that you and loved ones, your children, went through hell the past two months because politicians played you.
Thank you for your service. For your sacrifice. And your vote. You delivered Virginia for us! Amazing! We can’t do change this country without you. I hope you continue to support our cause. I hope next election you remember there are some of us in the Democratic Party that don’t take you for granted. Regardless of what you might be reading on the Internet.
I want you to know, regardless of what others may be saying, there is a place for everyone in my Party. Even people I don’t agree with.
Centrists like me know we need you and know that you might be regretting your vote. But please, don’t let the few ungrateful make you not vote. Not serve. Not continue to sacrifice.
Did anyone tell you thank you over the past few days?
I hope they did. You deserve our nation’s gratitude.
Thank you.
