http://serform2.sos.state.oh.us/sos/pubAffairs/general/uncommonsensebooklet.pdfHelp me give this guy insomnia!
J. Kenneth Blackwell
Ohio Secretary of State
180 E. Broad Street, 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Dear Secretary Blackwell:
I've been reading UncommonSense on-line, and it occurs to me that there is a major "disconnect" between the actions of many of our federal and state government leaders and your web site's Model of Business Ethics. Of course, as you stated on another page of the site, no one is perfect, but I hope to persuade you to do the right thing when it comes to addressing the needs that would benefit citizens of Ohio who have faithfully supported family, community, and country.
My husband and I are currently struggling to keep our 33-year marriage and family together under oppressive tactics perpetrated by corporations allowed to pursue their interests in this country and overseas at the expense of the American citizens, some of which happen to live in Ohio. While the actions are perhaps legal, the ethics and morality of these actions can only be, in my humble opinion, somewhat more dubious with regard to intent and purpose. Of course, I am speaking of technology jobs, the ones that were boasted of as the "jobs of the future." If the leaders of this State don't act soon to stem the flow of jobs, the remaining workers of this State will bear the burden of the elected/appointed leaders' neglect in rectifying an economic agenda pursued solely for greed and influence. Without primary manufacturing jobs and without technology jobs by companies that mandate and provide continuous training of every staff member, and without discrimination by reason of age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, etc Ohio's strengths will continue to decline.
Furthermore, the co-mingling of fundamentalist evangelical religion versus traditional religious tolerance with the affairs of State and employee behavior is seen by many as unconstitutional and is further complicated by the loss of civil liberties under the federal Patriot Act. Will intolerance and spying inspire the poor or challenge the rich to do the right things? Heavens, I believe my odds of getting hit by an uninsured drunk driver are greater than being injured by foreign terrorists. However, losing one's job to corporate economic terrorists has happened with regularity over the past months across America.
Tell me, Mr. Blackwell, which would do more to improve the quality of life in Ohio, the pancakes and prayers of the wealthy as they compel Ohioans to kick butt in their name in a foreign land or action in funding local jobs, access to adequate health care and basic necessities such as housing, and nourishment right here at home. Our prisons are overflowing now with the human products of despair, while those with enough money and clout to buy their most outlandish dreams remain free and unaccountable to anyone for their part in the colossal messes and quagmires that have left untold numbers of Americans without the prospect of suitable employment, psychologically and economically hurting, and in temptation's way. What is correct and moral is no longer so clear, is it?
Sir, we are in danger of losing our home, even as we struggle to provide for the needs of an elderly parent on a fixed income who has little hope of renewed health. Since that fateful September 11, 2001, my husband has been laid off twice for a total of over 13 months. My full-time hours as a medical transcriptionist for a physican with a specialty private practice have been reduced because elective surgeries, usually not covered by insurance, became one of the last things in which to indulge. While my life dissolves, my substanially reduced hours at work are filled listening to well-heeled "ladies" complaining about a few wrinkles and sagging breasts, not how to pay their rent or keep the lights on. That was o-kay, though, because my sacrifice would allow others to stay working too. The indignity of that naivete is overwhelming. However, time passes, and no personal family emergency fund lasts forever. I'll soon be a full-time caregiver without insurance too, and I envision the vultures scooping up the spoils for which my husband and I have worked and struggled so hard to keep.
My husband's "opportunities" for sustained employment as a Programmer/Analyst or Systems Analyst on IT contracts both in the private and government sectors have been terminated along with his health insurance. As an American, over-40-year-old, VietNam era honorably discharged veteran, it is particularly irksome to be "hung out to dry" even before retirement age by manufacturing, technology, and service corporations that have made up their minds not to hire Americans, by military and federal contracts doled out to "friends" without bidding, and by those who would subvert our free elections with flawed equipment. Pardon me, Mr. Blackwell, as you so well know, stereotypic ideas of the unemployed as lazy are just not so, but indeed, this is one field where skills certainly will deteriorate over time without continuing work and/or training, both of which he's been siderailed from obtaining.
Our funds are all but exhausted as we "put on that happy face" and move our best foot forward into what has become a fruitless search for work in southwest/Central Ohio. I'm humiliated that the leadership of this state appear too impotent to put into action plans that will keep Ohioans healthy and economically strong. Isn't that what we really mean by having a "superior" character. Now tell me again why and how you wanted to serve the citizens of this state….
Mr. Blackwell, my husband needs a job. He's required to care for his father by state law. I've been a good helpmate over the past 33 years, and at the sacrifice of a career profession I raised decent, well-educated children that continue to live and work in Ohio as adults, my replacement taxpayers. Adjustments need to be made now to fend off burdens this State will be hard-pressed to carry. There must be dozens like us, Mr. Blackwell. As you 've taken the time to point out for anyone that looks, there's more to life than dollars and, even if we aren't all perfect, some of us still believe in that philosophy over and above our party affiliations.
Practice what you so eloquently preach in your manual, Mr. Blackwell. Do the correct thing - Be my hero - Speak out for this fellow Ohioan! Show some character!
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
