It was so cold on Saturday I cannot believe two of my sisters, my brother-in-law and I stood for two hours in the freezing cold waiting for the doors to open to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake so we could hear Donald Trump speak. All I can say is that it was worth every toe and finger that I froze. Just kidding. It was so unbelievable. Truly amazing.

He spoke for an hour and a half without notes, cue cards or monitors. I can understand how this man became the success he is today. I saw and heard a true leader.

He reiterated what Obama lacks in negotiations with world powers. The weakness the U.S. has shown to enemies foreign and domestic. To announce to the world the date, time and place of withdrawals of troops and to then name the exact number of special ops coming into a country from the U.S., it is like placing an X on each and every service person’s back. To come from a place of weakness at the bargaining table is to undermine everything we hold sacred. And Obamacare. Oh, I don’t know about you, but I am still waiting for my $2,500 health care rebate. I just know my premiums are coming down too. Just got a bill and not sure where they made a mistake, but it went up. But seriously, I believe everyone is entitled to health care. This mismash is beyond all comprehension. Why Obama did not just institute a MinnesotaCare type program for all those without health insurance and leave alone those with health insurance is beyond the pale. We will be seeing the complications of this program and its demise when health care insurance giants such as United Health no longer participate due to extreme decline in revenues.

Finally, the disrespect this administration has shown to the middle class working person is just plain wrong. I know couples laboring many long hours just to put food on the table and have been told that if one of the spouses did not work, they would be better off financially because they would qualify for food stamps, health care, etc. I have worked with others who can only work so many hours or they will lose their benefits. Something is wrong with this system. Before being labeled an elitist, let me tell you, I personally had help 40 years ago as a single mother struggling. There is nothing wrong with helping people who need help. I had a rough time going and needed assistance and got it for a time, but I also went to college to get a degree. That is life, and we all have to determine what is best for us. To work hard and show our children responsibility and respect are so very important. That was Donald Trump’s message. We stand tall. We stand together. We help those that need help. But we all take personal responsibility for our actions and our lives. So, after his speech was done, I went up to one of his staffers and talked with him. I told him to tell Donald Trump that what so impresses me and millions of others about him are his children. They are responsible, hard-working, self-respecting individuals. And I’m telling you in this day and age that is something.

 

Vicki Pestorious

Albert Lea