David Welch in his letter "A reason not to re-elect Obama," July 22, confuses President Barack Obama's message. The message isn't about where and how we drive or what and how we learn, it isn't even about who should get the credit. The message is about the middle class.
We're — the workers who build the infrastructure that enables businesses to produce, market and deliver products — the consumers who buy the products. We're also the mentors who inspire future entrepreneurs. We're absolutely the reason why business can be in business.
Mr. Welch confuses that message with socialism. The message, in reality, is community. Though the rhetoric implies it, not everyone wants to risk everything, to work 90-hour weeks or to fulfill some innate need to be successful in business. The majority understands that social contract and simply wants to raise a family, keep them safe and healthy, and give them the opportunity to participate.
We work hard building the infrastructure, teaching children and helping business succeed by toiling in factories, warehouses and offices. In our spare time, we participate at church, coach youth sports, and volunteer where our help is needed.
Everyone that misunderstands President Obama's words, or twists them into some right-wing battle cry, needs to remember the meaning of one simple word: Community. Community doesn't mean communism or socialism. It means standing alongside your neighbors and building a world where our children can thrive.
We need an innovative and growing business sector. We get there with a stable, smart and energetic middle class. For that, we need: the best teachers; the best education system; state-of-the-art infrastructure; health care everyone can afford; clean land, water and air; energy policy emphasizing sustainability; an economy that favors fairness and integrity; unions to give voice to individuals; regulation that protects our safety; and, most importantly, we need to rely on and cherish community.
Tony Emanatian
Watervliet