Dear President and Mrs. Obama, I would like to thank you both for inviting me and so many other members of the Latino community to the White House this week, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a very special way. What a delightful and meaningful event this was, not only for those of Mexican descent, but for all of us Latinos present. We were just thrilled to have this opportunity to spend this intimate time with you both, as well as with Vice President Biden and other officials.
Your warmth and sincerity and your relaxed, informal manner made me feel so welcome, and so comfortable. As a Latina woman, who is both a mother and health professional, I have great hopes for this nation, my second home country. I know that we can do great things, and that you, President Obama, stand ready to lead us toward them.
Indeed, you have already begun. The passage of SCHIP – expanding health care to children, was an important first step. Mrs. Obama, your visits to the DC neighborhoods, and your establishment of the White House community garden, have made the White House feel like our house. As we say in Spanish: mi casa es tu casa. Truly, we all feel so welcome and so inspired and invigorated to work with and for you both. We especially look forward to supporting your efforts to pass a major health care reform bill, and to working with Health Care for America Now, a group that includes many of us from so many regions of the U.S. Our priority, like yours, is to ensure that all Americans are insured, and afforded quality health care.
In your 100 first days, Mr. President, you have accomplished more than others have done in their entire terms. Who would have thought that health care reform, the war, the economy and immigration reform would compete with new crises like the flu, a measles outbreak, and even, pirates attacking American ships? But your determination and your genuine concern for our welfare assures us that we as Americans can and will overcome all the obstacles that confront us. We are there not only to “Kumbaya” with you. We are there by your side, and at your back, determined to support your hardworking and committed staff to do whatever it takes to bring about the changes we need in this nation.
On behalf of the entire Latino community, I say, “Muchas gracias!” Thanks for being the inspirational President that you are, and the force of power that unites the multicultural quilt that inhabits our Washington metropolitan area. With great respect and gratitude,
Maria Gomez
President and CEO Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Care
No comments:
Post a Comment