Given our bad economy today, many people are struggling to pay the bills and provide for their families. Being surrounded by people who are unable to provide the correct assistance, one is left to seek someone who actually has the authority to change the circumstances. Who is more likely to shed a light of hope during these tough times than the president? The president is the one who we look to to make a difference in our country. Because he holds the most power, it is him we expect to make changes that will benefit our country's economy and overall well-being.
Destiny is an example of a woman who did just this. She wrote a letter to President Obama asking for "a sign of hope in tough economic times." She was lucky enough to receive a letter from President Obama in return, thanking her for her "moving letter" and complimenting her on her "positive spirit." He then assures her that "things will get better for [her] and [her] family."
Not everyone is fortunate enough to get an original, handwritten letter despite his or her efforts to obtain one. Typically, when one receives a letter from the president, he or she will keep it for memories' sake and maybe even pass it down for further generations to keep. Destiny, however, did just the opposite. Because of her circumstances, being a single mother of three children with no job and soon to be without a home, she decided to sell the letter for money.
It is unfortunate that she had graduated at the top of her class yet is found in such a messy situation because of her job loss. The argument that people who are poor and homeless are simply lazy is evident to be false through this instance. Destiny is an example of many people in the world who have tried their best in taking advantage of their potential, if not gone beyond that, and have still ended up struggling because of the economy.
She is hoping that one will buy the letter for $11,000 so that she can provide support for her family. But even if they do, it will only last her for so long. $11,000 is not enough to pay for herself and her three children's education, clothing, food, in addition to the bills of the home forever.
Destiny is only one of a million others struggling to survive with low funds. If even those who have worked hard through school and in their jobs ended up in this position, what hope is there for those who haven't? The president's expressed sympathy might not have done much for a person who decided to keep the letter instead of sell it, at least in the physical sense. In this case, sympathy does equate to some dollar amount. We can only wish that the president could send sympathy letters to everyone who is struggling and that there are people, who sympathize with their stories as well, who are willing to help out.
