Dear Mr. President

My name is Anna Godwin. I am 19 years old, a resident and registered voter of Maylene, AL. In November 2008 I was given, for the first time, the great privilege and responsibility of casting my vote in a presidential election. Although my vote was not for you and your running mate, I would like to congratulate you both on the victory and express my appreciation for your willingness to serve our country. Your families and advisers are continually in my prayers.

When I was in the 5th grade I bet my best friend that I would be a better President than he, and more importantly that I would achieve that goal first. For as long as I can remember I have loved the history of our great nation. I have made it one of my highest priorities to continue to educate myself on the principles it was built upon and to stay informed of the events currently shaping its future. I was taught, and used to believe, that Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators and Congressmen are public servants. They are representatives of the people and protectors of the law. Watching the news these days, I have to ask... What changed?

I no longer feel any political party or representative in Washington represents my views or works to pursue the issues important to me. I feel anything but served. Quite frankly, Mr President, I feel betrayed and I'm afraid I'm not alone. Perhaps though I have simply not been making myself heard. Perhaps now is the time to do just that. The following is a list of my veiws and the issues for which I seek representation. You should know, sir, that I am most certainly not alone in these matters. I'm sure you have recieved versions of this letter in scores.

One, illegal immigration. I want you to stop coddling illegal immigrants and secure our borders. Close the underground tunnels. Stop the violence and the trafficking of drugs and people. No amnesty, not again. Been there, done that, no resolution. P.S., I'm not a racist. This isn't to be confused with legal immigration.

Two, the TARP bill, I want it repealed and I want no further funding supplied to it. We told you no, but you did it anyway. I want the remaining unfunded 95% repealed. Freeze, repeal.

Three, Czars. I want the circumvention of our checks and balances stopped immediately. Fire the czars. No more czars. I don't know how many different ways we need to say it. Government officials answer to the process, not to the president. Stop trampling on our Constitution and honor it.

Four, cap and trade. The debate on global warming is not over. There is more to say. Listen.

Five, universal healthcare. I will not be rushed into another expensive decision. Don't you dare try to pass this in the middle of the night and then go on break. Slow down!

Six, growing government control. I want states rights and sovereignty fully restored. I want less government in my life, not more. Shrink it down. Mind your own business. You have enough to take care of with your real obligations.

Seven, ACORN. I do not want ACORN and its affiliates in charge of our 2010 census. I want them investigated. I also do not want mandatory escrow fees contributed to them every time on every real estate deal that closes. Stop the funding to ACORN and its affiliates pending impartial audits and investigations. I do not trust them with taking the census over with our taxpayer money. I don't trust them with our taxpayer money. Face up to the allegations against them and get it resolved before taxpayers get any more involved with them. If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, hello. Stop protecting your political buddies. You work for us, the people. Investigate.

Eight, redistribution of wealth. No, no, no. I work for my money. It is mine. I have always worked for people with more money than I have because they gave me jobs. That is the only redistribution of wealth that I will support. I never got a job from a poor person. Why do you want me to hate my employers? Why ‑‑ what do you have against shareholders making a profit?

Nine, charitable contributions. Although I never got a job from a poor person, I have helped many in need. Charity belongs in our local communities, where we know our needs best and can use our local talent and our local resources. Butt out, please. We want to do it ourselves.

Ten, corporate bailouts. No one is too big to fail. Sink or swim like the rest of us. If there are hard times ahead, we'll be better off just getting into it and letting the strong survive. Quick and painful. Have you ever ripped off a Band‑Aid? We will pull together. Great things happen in America under great hardship. Give us the chance to innovate. We cannot disappoint you more than you have disappointed us.

Eleven, transparency and accountability. How about it? No, really, how about it? Let's have it. Let's say we give the buzzwords a rest and have some straight honest talk. Please try ‑‑ please stop manipulating and trying to appease me with clever wording. I am not the idiot you obviously take me for. Stop sneaking around and meeting in back rooms making deals with your friends. It will only be a prelude to your criminal investigation. Stop hiding things from me.

Twelve, unprecedented quick spending. Stop it now.

Take a breath and listen to the people you are supposed to be representing. We entrusted you with protecting our constitution and doing what was best for our country. The whole country, not just big corporations and politicians. The rest of us are tired of being ignored. We will make our voices heard- be it in letters such as this, phone calls to the office you occupy, or rallies at your front door.

Years ago another group of Americans that you'll remember were faced with a similiar situation. They called it taxation without representation. They wrote a letter, that we now know as the Declaration of Independance, and they made their voices heard. The Americans of today are not so different. We have not forgotten. I believe that you and others in Washington may have.

Consider this a gentle reminder.