Dear Mr. Romney,
I am writing this letter as someone who was straddling the political fence. I wanted to be open- minded about your campaign since I am covering the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte in less than a month. I wanted to give you a fair shake, so I went to your website to learn more about you and your policies.
Sadly I didn't have to investigate how your politics have changed since you were governor of Massachusetts. Then you were a swell guy: You thought abortion should be safe and legal; you refused to be in line with the NRA; you endorsed equal rights for gays and a generous immigration policy; you instituted universal health care. But all of those promises and ideals have changed.
It seems between now and then you forgot about real America. That's the place I live. John and Jane Doe might not know that electing you will ensure policies that favor the super wealthy, diminish the middle class and restrict the rights of average Americans. They won't know until it's too late.
Mr. Romney, your campaign promises to focus on economic policy for the betterment of all of America. I assumed this meant all of us, including the working class. Yet it has been reported that you ignore the small guys down here who are so low you can't see us. According to The Nation, "on top of already unsustainable budget deficits -- an additional $10.7 trillion in tax cuts over the next 10 years, with fully 33 percent directed toward the top one-tenth of 1 percent."
In order to pay for all of your tax breaks for your wealthy friends, many important social programs will have to be cut, hurting the most vulnerable among us. I know from personal experience how much people depend on help from the government.
How does that serve real Americans? How does adding a clause to the Constitution declaring marriage only between one man and woman do anything but hurt the America I live in? How can a country free and at the same time hate its inhabitants?
Say it isn't so, Mr. Romney. Is this your America? It sure isn't mine. The country I grew up in made it possible for a kid who had no chance in life to climb up and help himself. I'm a product of 40 foster homes, three group homes and finally adopted parents who passed away -- I know the importance and need for social programs. You can't reasonably expect that the private sector will care for everyone in need. My own biological family members turned their backs on me because of their own ignorance and selfishness. Sadly, they are some of your staunchest supporters.
We have real human rights needs in our own backyards. Cutting social programs in pursuit of fewer government controls will harm the American public, some who suffer as if they were in a third world country. I know if it were not for a semi-intact foster care system and people to give me a helping hand after my parents were killed, I would not have survived. Instead I would have been cast down, groveling to make ends meet and would likely have succumbed to life. That is not my America, though it seems that's the America you and your supporters hope for some.
Sincerely,
Victor Lopez