Hello? ... Sen. Kerry Please?

In my position at work, I am in direct and constant contact with one of the most vulnerable age groups in America, the senior citizen. I would love to expound on the grim circumstances facing our current elders, and the grave consequences ahead for the unprecedented number of aging Boomers, Gen-Xers (or whatever name we're labeling the generations nowadays, but that's not what you're asking for. However, in view of their collective circumstances, allow me to mention a few actions that could quite easily be considered in the effort to cut our deficit; add JOBS (the apparent buzzword for the current election) stabilize the economy, increase productivity, use more natural resources and, most importantly, provide Americans with a renewed sense of security and faith in the people rich and powerful enough to have the privilege of being elected to serve in Washington DC.

I for one simply cannot wrap my head around the logic of continuing with (or ever having started) the enormous tax breaks which are bestowed upon the wealthiest folks in the country. But even more senseless are the huge, shameful, bonified larcenous tax breaks given to major corporations, especially those who make/made these pots of gold off the "what's left after taxes" budgeted finances of we underlings who work for them. I wouldn't be opposed to a small tax hike on my salary if it was universal. The white kid benefit gloves need to come off the pampered hands.

I think lobbying should be eliminated, or at least kept in check. Honest discussion about the benefits of a certain product/issue/law can and must be kept to a minimum. No gifts, trips or financial support in any way should be allowed by any corporation or entity vying for the head table... or the back seat! NONE.

Legislators, particularly those who hold office only for one term obviously, Senator Kerry, should not be recipients of a life long retirement or healthcare or any other lifelong benefit. Are the same benefits offered to our veterans?

Our vets put their lives on the line and are too often treated as blisters on the feet of those in the government who want to move on politically. This is absolutely disgraceful. I work with veterans all the time and I will say no more. But there's a huge allotment of Military funding that needs to be reallocated, cut in the right places and placed in the right, excuse me, I mean most deserving hands!

Certainly I, like so many others are strongly in favor of returning our military back home. I do have compassion for the suffering of other countries. But I can remember back as far as freshman year Latin at St. Joseph's High School where we learned from the Romans, "divide et impera", divide and conquer. It’s a little unsettling to have so many of our soldiers away from home. I believe we need to put America back in first place... with Americans! The military budget can and should be readdressed to care for the veterans, strip the fluff at the Pentagon and bring a much larger number of soldiers home.

I now understand that some states are beginning to bulldoze the empty, decaying foreclosed homes and turning the lands over to the towns, cities or states. Why not HIRE people to repair the reparable ones, buy the materials from U.S. factories, and set up housing for the homeless and the elderly who are still well enough to be somewhat independent, and would benefit from a "family" environment. Here again, jobs managing these houses would be available, seniors would get in-home care and the cost to Medicare/Medicaid would be drastically reduced. These savings could be used to supplement the rent and pay the house managers. It's really something to think about Sen. Kerry. It would solve a lot of problems.

I could go on and on as I am passionate not only about the needs of the elderly, and our Vets, but about my country. I love America!

I am proud to be an American. I have travelled fairly extensively around the world. I was always proud to be seen as American. But it
grieves my heart to see how we have slumped in the eyes of the world.

Washington D.C. has a responsibility to us, to the world and to the Founders of our country to return us to a place of integrity, honesty, true grit, and primarily, decency.

I plead with you Senator Kerry, to consider those values as you move forward with this “special” committee.