I am one of the people Mitt Romney displayed so much contempt for in talking to his rich pals at a $50,000-a-plate fundraising dinner.
I paid $159 in federal income tax last year. I benefited much more than that from Medicare and Social Security.
I reject his characterization of me as someone who doesn't take personal responsibility for my life. I don't believe I am a victim. I would take a job if I could find one for an 82-year-old woman with health problems. I contributed to Social Security for my entire working life.
Mitt would love to get rid of Medicare and Social Security. He has made it clear his job is not to care for me or anyone else who is dependent on government programs.
Given a Republican House and Senate, if elected, he will eliminate affordable health care and privatize Social Security. With $250 million to look after himself and his family, why should he care about me?
Of all his remarks about money, I remember best the one where he advises young people to start a business. If they don't have money, they should borrow it from their parents. Yeah, right. His father owned American Motors.
If Medicare and Social Security are eliminated, I will become dependent on my children. I know many people my age who do not have children. They will have no one and nothing.
Vote for Barack Obama. He does care about me. And you.
Sally Raisbeck
Wailuku
