Editor:
Attached is a letter that I drafted and sent to President Obama this week. It is my response to an article that the News-Sun ran last week, about the Last Chance Ranch closing due to lack of funds.
It concerns me that our government puts more emphasis on elaborate Washington affairs and Presidential vacations, than it does on children in need. Wouldn't it make more sense to scale down the Inauguation, replace it with a simple ceremony to show the world that we continue to beleive in our countries traditions, and use the money saved for local, worthy causes? I'm sure many would agree that investing in our youth now would yield a higher return in the future for our nation.
According to your article, 750 graduates have successfully come through the program at the Ranch. That's 750 potentially, productive citizens from just one county! With 67 counties, Florida has the potential for more than 50,000 graduates! Just imagine nationwide ....
I don't know if one person can really make a difference, but if I've got some people thinking (or re-thinking), then I've fulfilled my personal, moral obligation to speak up ....
Dear Mr. President:
I respect your position and realize that you are a very busy man, but I feel obligated to send you this e-mail.
While watching the ABC morning news this morning about the planned inauguration and the amount of tax payer's money being spent on it, I became disheartened. Please allow me to explain;
Here in Highlands County, Florida, we are facing the closure of a much needed organization that has helped our county's youth for the last 30 years. It's called the Last Chance Ranch, and due to the lack of funding, will be closing their doors this month. This was a good organization that I had the privilege of interacting with by hiring some of the kids to work for me. They worked hard and did a great job, and went on to graduate the program as productive citizens.
I have linked the local newspaper article for you to read. As it will tell you, there have been some 750 graduates from this program who are now leading stronger, productive lives because of their good fortune to be involved with the Last Chance Ranch. It just doesn't seem right that this is happening when keeping the organization running would cost a tiny fraction of the money being spent on (in my opinion) unnecessary things like the inauguration or Hawaiian vacations.
I would lend myself to helping in any way that I could to reverse this situation. Could you please look into this matter to see what government help is available for them? This situation shouldn't be ignored. Don't you agree that the youth of this country are our future?
C. Thomas Wirth
Sebring
The letter was copied to Florida Governor Rick Scott.
Sunday, January 27, 2013 - www.newssun.com/ltr-012713-wirth