OPINION

Mary Francis: Here's why I thank you, Mr. Trump

Mary Francis
Mary Francis

Dear Mr. Trump,

I wanted to thank you for running for president this year.  You see, I’ve watched you hire and fire people on TV and even once thought about how cool it would be to get advice for my little family business from a man that runs many companies and has claimed to be self-made and very rich. I’ve learned a lot this year about you and your business success and your smart tax practices. I learned that I measure success a bit differently. I may sound naïve, but I’m actually proud to invest in my community through taxes and personal charitable contributions.

I want to thank you because I have a beautiful 7-year-old daughter I try to make proud every day by being an example of love, kindness and acceptance. I’ve taught her that her body is sacred and that she is smart, powerful and strong. That she is not an object to be desired or dismissed based on your opinion of her. I’m teaching her to do the right thing and live a life of integrity. Something you taught me even the wealthiest of people can’t buy.

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I want to thank you because I have a handsome 7-year-old son with the heart of a lion. He is incredibly smart and works hard every day to remember to keep his hands to himself and not to talk over his sister or friends. He’s learning not blame others for his mistakes or have tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. You have taught us all that words and actions matter and having a really good brain doesn’t mean much if it’s not connected to your heart.

I thank you because your campaign has spurred a lot of conversation with my husband and myself and confirmed that I married a wonderful man and role model for my children. A man who put his career on hold a few months after we got married to move home and take care of his dying mother. A man who considers me an equal partner in our business and marriage and one that honors and respects his daughter, mother, sister and wife.

Donald Trump speaks at a rally at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland on October 3, 2016. Trump is under pressure from fellow Republicans to quit his campaign following the release of vulgar comments he made about women.

 

I thank you because I have an incredible niece that has married a wonderful woman and together they are creating a beautiful family together. They are both caring doctors and mothers to my adorable nephew, and they deserve equal rights and benefits to raise their family in America. Thank you for making me realize just how important it is to continue to fight for marriage equality and basic human rights. 

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I thank you because I have a sister born with a developmental disability who works a job that pays minimum wage. She is the breadwinner in her family and probably the sweetest, most loyal person I know. She deserves to go to work every day and earn a living wage. She also deserves to have a president who will work as hard as she does and not be mocked for her challenges. Thank you for helping me remember how important that is. A living wage shouldn't only be afforded those who were able to attend college or born with family connections that secure their future.

I thank you because my grandfather was a poor Italian immigrant who traveled to America on a cattle boat with his family in search of a better life. He was young and without much education but worked on the railroad most of his life. With my grandmother, he raised six amazing children that became farmers and business owners and leaders in their community. Thank you for reminding me how fortunate we are to have such a rich multicultural heritage. Italians did not have a great reputation back then. Many of them were thought to have mafia ties and to be involved in criminal activities, but they were welcomed just the same. Your thoughts on immigration and race made me grateful that in this great country we have the freedom to chase our American dream no matter the color of our skin, our birthplace or origin of our ancestors.  

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I feel like I’ve kept myself educated in previous elections, but I’ve never considered myself a political person. I’ve usually kept my opinions quiet. But thanks to you, Mr. Trump, I’ve never read so many fact checking articles or been so interested in presidential debates. You have inspired me to really question my values and where I stand on these important issues. My mother taught me that my vote matters, but today I realize that my vote is so much bigger than I ever imagined. When I vote I am not voting just for me, but I am voting for my son and daughter. For my niece and my sister and my grandfather and for so many others.

So, thank you Mr. Trump. Thank you for helping me realize how powerful my vote truly is. My vote is my voice, and I can’t wait to speak up. 

Mary Francis writes about family life and parenting for the Coloradoan. Contact her at FrancisTeamColorado@gmail.com.