What Really Matters
by Jennifer on 01.18.2010
Sometimes when you see things side-by-side it really helps you better understand your priorities in life. That experience just happened to me over the weekend, and I want to tell you about it.
I got back late Friday night, after a terrific event in Twinsburg.
Dog tired, I walked into the kitchen, poured a glass of juice, and started reading the paper. The first story was a tragedy - the aftermath of the horrible earthquake in Haiti. Tuesday's earthquake was the worst natural disaster to hit that country in more than 200 years. As news coverage unfolds, the extent of the loss and damage is almost overwhelming.
Then I read the story about candidates publicizing their campaign prowess, one crowing about his new total and another criticizing it as "anemic." They've even been scrambling to outdo each other to help raise money in the Massachusetts special election for former Senator Ted Kennedy's seat.
President Obama has said it's time to put politics aside and help Haiti. It's notable that even former Pres. George W. Bush has said that now is not the time to focus on politics; it's time to focus on helping people. Today is the perfect day to do that.
Last month, when I asked you to make a charitable contribution to those in need for the holidays, the response was overwhelming. Thousands of Ohioans took proactive steps to help others. Together we raised awareness and money for those in real need - and I'm proud of that. Let's keep that going.
With the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday being celebrated Monday, let's redouble our efforts for Haiti in his honor. I just had my staff post a new link on my website, www.jenniferbrunner.com that you can click on to donate directly to the new Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Contributing to this fund will give you the peace of mind that your dollars to aid Haiti will be well-spent and targeted to the organizations that are providing the most immediate assistance to alleviate Haitian suffering. Think of it as doing your part on the national Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
You'll be helping Haiti and at the same time casting your support for the bipartisan cooperation of two former presidents, something we could all stand to see more of these days.
Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Dr. King spoke out and led nonviolent protest against the oppression of racism and poverty. It is only fitting that we honor his life and work by helping our brothers and sisters suffering oppression under the circumstances of poverty compounded by natural disaster and grief.
I know times are tough, but what Haiti needs most is our financial support. Each of us can give as we are able - especially on this day of service.
I assure you, I will be working hard to be elected as Ohio's next Senator so that I can do the work that draws me and so many others to public service, helping people. But I can't separate my campaign from those goals, because the work of helping people calls us now, not just when we achieve victory in an election.
I hope I can count on your support at the polls come May, but for right now, I hope you will join me and my family in helping the earthquake victims in Haiti.
Thanks so much.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Brunner