An appeal to our President-elect

Dear President-elect Trump,                                                      November 28th, 2016

 

First of all, I must offer you a word of congratulations.  You managed to beat long odds to win the office of president.  I am also offering up some prayers for you as you take on the highest office in the land.  I am really hoping that you and your administration will govern wisely and compassionately and that you will hold true to your promise of being the president for all Americans.  It has been said that being elected president changes the person who takes on that challenge.  I really pray that those changes will be uplifting for you and for all of us and that one of your focuses will be that “all men are created equal”.  I also hope that you will govern more from a sense of a positive, secure self and not feel easily wounded if someone offers criticism.  But, please, also feel confident enough to listen to some folks that you might not always listen to.

So who am I?  My name is Rhiannon Tibbetts.  I am a pre-op transsexual, author who lives in Madison, Wisconsin.  I barely survive while living on Social Security Disability, Medicare and Medicaid.  I have been unable to do any competitive work for almost three years, now.  I have multiple chronic medical conditions that sap my strength, stamina and energy.  I have “sold” about three-thousand copies of my books, online, but most of those sales were promotional in nature.  I am also a devout Christian and a member of a local Baptist Church.

 

This is me; I recently turned 58 years old.

So, why am I writing?  I am writing to you, today, to appeal on behalf of the LGBT community, as well as to appeal on behalf of so many Americans that only survive because of government benefits.  We are hoping for your thoughtful care and understanding.  In reality, we are no stronger than our weakest links as a society.  And, it would make a very bold statement of love and concern if you were willing to show your support for some of your fellow Americans who are really struggling and even fearful.  I don’t know, maybe you’ve never known a transsexual and maybe you are fortunate enough to not have any members of your extended family who depend upon Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.  But, there are millions of Americans that find themselves in just that kind of a difficult, precarious place.  Believe me, if I were able to manage without my benefits, I would gladly do so.  This beleaguered part of the population has a lot to offer you all, when given the chance.  So I am begging that you look kindly upon us and that you will truly be the President for all Americans.

 

Thank you,

Rhiannon M. Tibbetts