Below is my open letter to President Barack Obama.
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Vice President Joe Biden |
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All Interested Parties |
Dear Mr. President:
Today I write with an impassioned plea to continue staying strong against the opposition you face and to, if necessary, use your executive power, as granted by the Constitution of the United States to raise the debt ceiling and end the federal government shutdown.
Mr. President you face an opposition that is willing to use the livelihood of our citizens as a bargaining chip to advance a political agenda. You face an opposition inspired by an ideology guided not by altruism, but one devoid of all empathy. You face an opposition that claims that government is the enemy of the people. Yet they forget that our government is one for the people, by the people. It takes tremendous determination to face such a motivated, yet misguided, adversary. I commend you and your colleagues for efforts to stand with the American people. This is why I urge you on behalf of all Americans to not give concessions on any safety net programs that Americans fought so hard over the years to obtain.
To give in to concessions on programs that provide Americans with a hand-up out of poverty would be heinous. It would limit aid the distressed and reinforce our opposition's position by making government less helpful to those that need it most. All citizens have paid into this system. We have given up far too much already.
Mr. President I urge you to end this shutdown and raise the debt ceiling by using your executive power if required. Your restraint and deference to the Constitution in using this power is admirable. Your concern of the repercussions demonstrates your deference to the founding principles of this nation. Using these powers is not to be taken lightly. I cannot begin to imagine the pressure you face given the circumstances and your duties as President.
Through it all please remember that the American people are behind you. We are seeking strength from the executive in this crisis and will recognize your consummation of it as your willingness to courageously represent us in the face of opposition.
I am making my correspondence an open letter. I ask your permission to make your response to me available to the public as well. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Andres C. Vogel
