Dear Congressman Chaffetz

Dear Mr. Chaffetz,

First let me thank you. You were the only one of our legislators to take the time to answer my letter. I appreciate your effort and concern. It makes me feel as though perhaps the people do have a voice in Washington, albeit a small one. I also appreciate your directness in answering questions and issues without the usual Congressional doubletalk. Simple, clear. The rest of your group could learn a lot from you.

We differ on how to handle the economic crisis, though we share many of the same concerns. The first stab at the stimulus bill was certainly bloated and partisan. It was night and day better than the former administration's bail out, but you're right, it had the appearance of being cooked up in a Democrat back room. And I don't trust the Speaker or her friends.

What bothers me is how the Republicans all chose to play partisan games instead of represent the will of the people. Last November we made it very clear that we wanted Washington to take a new direction. We want change. We need it desperately. We watched as Congress lavished our money on Wall Street. Yet when it came time to do something positive for the citizens you refused.

We're in serious trouble. We're losing our jobs and homes at alarming rates. Personally I just lost my business, am facing a career change after more than 30 years and we barely saved our home from the auction block. I'm no different than millions of other citizens. While we're trying to keep from drowning, we see how financial and insurance companies are abusing our hard-earned dollars; how fuel and other corporations are making all time record profits; how our own legislators have the power to correct things but won't. Your answer... do nothing that directly impacts and lifts the rank & file, and give more tax breaks to businesses.

And to add insult to injury, after the bill passed without you, some are quietly supporting it while others are still refusing to accept funds for their constituents, people who want and need them.
With all due respect, I hope the members of Congress that have an "R" next to their names will put away Newt's book of party tactics and start listening to the people who voted them into office. And those with a "D" need to wipe the smirk off their faces. We need you all to work together for our interests for a change. With every election, those that don't will find themselves back in the private sector, watching Congress and hoping they'll represent them... for a change.

Sincerely,