Dear American citizens with children under 25 years old:
I am, in order of importance, a husband, father, family member, physician, member of the community, an outspoken activist against doing what is popular, easy, or convenient, and, an American. And I say American last as doing what is “patriotic” or simply for the country alone NOT to trump what is best for my family, my patients, my neighbors and community first. No, I am an American and I care about my country, but, I don’t care for what allegedly presents as representation by our politicians, as it pathetically pales these days in just adding debt and despair by those only interested in political party and very limited, self serving interests.
So, why am I writing to any and all who come here to read this missive? I am deeply concerned the rhetoric of the extreme and rigid polarities of Left/Democrat/Progressive versus Right/Republican/Regressive political agendas has hijacked dialogue and responsible problem solving, and I just want to note what defines caring and concern, versus controlling and containing. I am in the corner of caring and concern, and just want to note one thing: I am not happy with the course of this country since the year 2000, as Republican majority interests, then followed by Democrat majority interests, do not parallel the needs of the people.
And those needs not only include, but should be paying strong attention as a substantial focus to what we are preparing for our children to accept and attain for progress and success as we fade out in the process of life. Our kids should have it better than us. I don’t think the pervading opinion and actions by those in charge, and by the majority voters who place these “representatives” and then keep them entrenched in office, see this and respect it!
I have two daughters who are under 25, and I am not happy with their future as this country seems to be leading them to live. I just want to ask anyone else in my place, are you happy with the status quo? Are you happy with the people you consider leaders, be them political, business, community, family?
If you are, then good for you if you honestly and truly feel your children will do better and offer further benefits to future generations based on what these leaders not only offer, but demand of you and your family.
But, can you honestly and truly say this with what transpires now in America? If you pay attention to the news, not only domestically, but globally, do you see healthy hope and opportunity?
I write this to encourage contemplation, consideration, and action. Just remember this, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I am not asking nor encouraging selfless and possibly reckless sacrifice, but, I do know deep in my heart, the status quo is a status woe, and I do not accept it. Nor should you. If you are a caring, invested, and insightful person as much as a parent, then you should be wondering who, what, where, and why we are doing what we are doing currently, and how to consider change. Not only for the immediate better, but for the foreseeable future of our children.
Our children may be our future, but we are what we allow them to access for this future. If we don’t care not only about what goes on around us, as much as what goes on within us, then we don’t care.
And what kind of future can we strive for if we don’t care.
Think about it. And thank you for your time in reading this letter. Be safe, be well, and be invested!
Sincerely,
Joel Hassman, MD
