Dear Friends and Family,
 
  I don't normally do this kind of thing, but In 31 days we will elect the next leader of the "FREE WORLD" , I hope you are all registered to VOTE! I'd like to talk about the free world for a minute, actually I'd like to locate it, could someone point it out on the map for me? I have been moved by a couple things this week, that made me need to say something outLOUD to someone, anyone that might listen. A guy my age and his wife and in-laws checked into my campground this week, He is about 6 weeks back from Iraq, we've all heard about the 1000 yard stare from Vietnam vets, but this guy's eyes were VACANT. Sometimes, he could engage me in conversation, sometimes, he simply could not put together words at all. Sometimes, he was very pleasant, sometimes his energy was so ANGRY, that I had to step back. That guy is BROKEN, maybe forever. We continue to fund this war, but offer little for the returning vets. THINK when you VOTE! Then there was the bailout. I don't know Freddie or Fannie, or anyone that works at AIG, and apparently WAMU shouldn't have been giving away so much free stuff. But, somehow you and I are all paying for corporate irresponsibility. I've heard figures between $3000.00 and $10,000.00 per American family to fund this bailout. How many people that live like most of us, paycheck, to paycheck can deal with that? Hmmm, kids won't get milk this week, damn can't make that already exorbitant health insurance payment this month. THINK when you VOTE. And lastly, there was the VP debates. I don't want to be Joe six-pack, I have dreams, I want to be Joe 12 pack. I don't want to be a soccer Mom, but I MIGHT want to be a soccer Dad. I am NOT a one issue voter, and I never will be, however, it is TIME, for things to change for the GLBT community. Many of you have known me for many years, some of you, all my life, and some of you for a shorttime. All of you know how I walk on this planet. All of you know how I care for the people in my life. Is it really okay that "I should be able to visit my loved one in the hospital" is a highbar? I don't deserve to be a "TOLERATED" part of the population. I deserve to be PART of the population. Both parties are failing me, and the "us" of the GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender/trans-sexual) community. Statistically 1 of 10 people are gay or lesbian. If all of the GLBT people in the "caring" fields were to stand up today and say, unless you recognize us, we will not work, healthcare could come to a slowgrind. If all the GLBT people in the military stood up and said, ok, we're gonna tell, there would be significant issues in the military machine. Your neighbor that you like, but don't really know, that really nice cashier at the grocery store, that sweet kid that helps you at the cellphone store, your cable guy. Look at them all. And then don't just THINK before you vote, but please, contact your congressman and senators, and encourage them to give ME, someone you know and love the same rights YOU have. I deserve those rights, our kids coming up deserve those rights. I'm sending this to alot of people, and politically we don't all agree, but I believe we share a vision of humanity...I encourage all to send open letters of your own. Thanks for listening, and VOTE, 

Jen