An open letter to all presidential candidates

[Droopy]

I want to share with you all a little of my personal experience in America. I have struggled a great deal in my life in this land of the free. I'm a member of the working class. I drive a truck for a living. I wanted a better life for myself. I tried very hard to make it through college, but it wasn't in the cards.

I used to haul for an auto manufacturer. I made enough money there to buy a small home and provide for myself. In 2005 that auto manufacturer had to cut production due to lagging sales. That meant a loss of $200 a week for me. It probably doesn't sound like much to you, but to me it meant going into debt just to meet my monthly obligations. That loss was more than my monthly house payment. I tried to stay afloat for a while. I'd worked for that company for six years and I tried to get extra work, but my loyalty didn't seem to matter much to them. I was forced to find other work to make ends meet.

I was unable to find decent employment for a while and it forced me to sell my house and move in with relatives until I could get back on my feet. I was fortunate to have somewhere to turn, but at the same time it was a great blow to my confidence, pride, and self esteem. How many people do not have anywhere to turn in this country? One is too many in my view, but I'm afraid the number far excells that.

Complicating matters is that I have a medical condition that is very expensive to treat. I finally found gainful employment, but I would not receive full medical benefits for six months. I had to pay for 80% of my treatment which turned out to be about $400 a month. That is two-thirds of one pay check for me and it is more than a lot of people pay for a car every month.

Despite those set-backs I was able to make it out on my own again. Also, despite those set-backs I feel fortunate to live in the country that I do. I know that I have it better than many of the working people in the world. At the same time I think that is a great injustice. Not that I have it all that great, just that in many countries in the world I would be considered a wealthy man despite my troubles. That is horrendous.

I am not unique. Most people in this country share in the struggle that I do. When will we be truly represented? When will our needs be addressed? I hear promises from you, but none of you are actually doing enough. While my working class brothers and sisters die in Iraq and Afghanistan you feed us consessions about a gradual pull out.

We want health care. We want equality. We want representation. We want justice. In the land of the free who will step up to give us what we need? We have it within our power to make life better for everyone- not just for those within our borders. Will you do what is right?

Sincerely,
Tobin