I
have been watching your campaign for months now. and now I have reached the
point where I feel the need to respond to something directly. I
have chosen to write to you now, because with that particular statement at the political fundraiser, your
campaign became more personal for me.
I
am a psychologist in private practice, and have been practicing psychology for
the past twenty years. My area of specialty
is rehabilitation: specifically, my clients are coping with the ramification of
disability, medical illness and injury.
In addition to that, I also work with clients who are facing depression,
anxiety and difficulties in their relationships with others. I am very blessed to be able to
practice the profession that I have loved for years.
Mr.
Romney, I need to tell you that the vast, vast majority of my clients who are
not employed would like nothing more than to be employed. The idea of needing
to take a “handout” is anathema to my clients. Employment is not simply about the money. It is about identity and self-respect. My clients do not expect the government
to solve all their problems, and they do not blame their difficulties on the
federal government. To say that
half of my clients wish to be seen as victims, or not paying taxes - is not
only grossly untrue, but it is very insulting.
The
comments that you made also struck me within my own home. Six and a half years ago my husband
sustained a disabling injury which necessitated multiple surgical
interventions, and more than a year of rehabilitation. My husband’s story is one of
success. He is a professor, loves
being a professor, and works for an institution of higher education that values
him and his contribution. Because
of the length of time of his illness, he did receive Social Security. But, he, and his employer, were able to
benefit from programs within Social Security, designed to provide a benefit
cushion while the person is trying to reintegrate into the work
environment. Simply put – he, his
employer, their long term disability company, and yes, the federal government,
all came together to give my husband the best chance that he had to returning
to gainful employment (and of course, pay our fair share of taxes). I am proud to say that he has returned to
full time employment, and as a family, we are proud of the people and the
programs that were part of the support system that helped to make this happen.
Mr.
Romney, I encourage you to see individuals for who they are; as opposed to
Democrats and Republicans: with me or against me. Black and white thinking rarely serves as a benefit. In my personal politics I am not afraid
of looking beyond party label to consider the entire candidate. Perhaps you might consider that, as you
move forward in your campaign.
Sincerely,
Marcia
Liss, Ph.D.
Dr. Liss is a psychologist in
private practice in Rhode
Island, and has been practicing psychology for the past twenty years.
Her specialty includes working with individuals who have experienced
disability and medical illness. In
addition to her practice, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children
and their two dogs, and is an avid quilter. She and her family
are proud members of the 47%.
