Dear Mr. President,
Today is the 11th anniversary of 9/11, a time for all
Americans to reflect on that horrific day, and how it has changed all our lives
in such a profound and irrevocable way. It is a day for us to remember that as
a result of that single terrorist act, hundreds of thousands of men and women
were committed to two wars, wars that plunged this country into the deepest
recession since the Great Depression.
Since the illegal invasion of Iraq we’ve watched our Vets
get short changed on safe helmets and armor to protect their vehicles, putting
our troops at even greater risk. We’ve seen our war wounded come home to face
inadequate rehabilitative care and job retraining services, and our Vets are
quickly becoming one of the largest percentages of the homeless in America,
because they lack comprehensive mental health care, and adequate
job opportunities.
I know that you have done a great deal to turn things
around, ending the war in Iraq and establishing a date to end the war in
Afghanistan, and most notably, fulfilling your promise to eliminate the
mastermind behind the 9/11 attack, Osama bin Laden. You’ve brought closure to
thousands of victims and their families and justice for America. I also know
that the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden are working diligently to address the
problem of homelessness in our Veteran population.
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| Mitts "Laundry List" of things that are important |
What I find completely amazing is a recent statement by Gov.
Romney when asked about why he didn’t mention the troops in Afghanistan during
his speech at the Republican Convention. Here’s what Romney said, “When you
give a speech you don’t go through a laundry list, you talk about the things
you think are important.”
Really? What on earth can possibly be more important than
American Troops fighting in a foreign country to keep America safe from
another terrorist attack? I guess in RomneyWorld, if his five sons aren’t
serving in the military then other peoples sons aren’t important enough to
mention, even when you’re running to become not only President, but “Commander
and Chief” of the armed forces.
So not only did Romney ask for, and receive, four deferments
from serving in Vietnam, but he feels that his sons are “showing support for
our nation” by helping to get him elected. Does he really believe that is in
any way comparable to our service men and women serving in the military? What
planet does this man come from? In what parallel universe does working on a
campaign, or fighting for your country seem the same?
As we look back at the tragedy of 9/11, besides the loss of
3000 innocent lives and the continued suffering of thousands of families, there
is no greater sacrifice being made today than those who served in Iraq and
those who served and continue to serve in Afghanistan, and the tens of
thousands of men and women who have died while serving in these wars.
It may be on a “laundry list” of unimportant things for Gov.
Romney, but I can assure you it has the highest priority for families in
America and the families of the coalition forces, and all caring and
compassionate Americans, and Mr. President, I know it is one of your top
priorities to bring our men and women home safely, to be reunited with their
families, to end the war, and to reaffirm your promise and commitment to peace.
Most Respectfully,
Marcia Reimers
Your Gadfly Granny
