1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

Dear Representative Smith, It’s day ten (or twelve or fifteen) of our government shut down. I’m not sure. What are you feeling right now? Are you feeling anything right now? I am feeling sad, real sad. What are you feeling right now? Are you sad too? Or are you mad? I get the feeling you are angry. Are you angry with us constituents? Is it something we did? I mean putting our faith in you is pretty risky right now. Is that so wrong? If that doesn’t bode well with your party leaders I guess I have to say I am sorry. If trusting in what you value doesn’t align with what me and neighbors value and it hurts you, I am sorry. What are you feeling Mr. Smith? You must be feeling something? Are you scared like me and my neighbors? Maybe that’s it. Why would you treat your constituents with such contempt? Whatever it is I am sorry. One of the reasons I am sad is SNAP benefits are gone for my elderly neighbors are hungry. It is inevitable Meals On Wheels will run out of money soon. I’m sad about the young families in NJCD04 losing their health care benefits because it’s unaffordable. I know people are worried about losing their jobs and the high costs of living. Personally I am nervous because I had plans to fly to visit my new grand baby but those plans may change because of staffing and safety. I’m anxious as my partner is schedule surgery after a long illness, won’t be able to return to the workforce and cannot start the process to apply for SSI disability. No one is picking up the calls. He’s really sick and now worried too. Well to be honest we both are. Anyway, I hope you feel better soon Mr. Smith and you get to return to work. Do you have a date to get back to work? I hope so. I’ll write back soon when I’m feeling better. In the meantime, I’ll keep you posted on my neighbors wellbeing. The good news is we are tired of the politics and stop talking about it. Lot’s a Trump signs are down. I think we all feeling a bit sad and worried and a bit confused about the way we are being treated by you and the rest of your party. We are realizing we have much much more in common these days. We past the time commiserating over our inability to afford groceries, medicine and healthcare all at the same time. Be happy for US Mr Smith and if you are sad Feel well soon. God Bless America Mr. Smith. You certainly demonstrate what your love for your country is all about and we won’t forget it.