Cost of Immigration Inaction - Undocumented Immigrant Nova Bajamonti Unable to Pursue her American Dream

.@vbelle5 is at our #OFAcademy with @OFATX_Houston and wants @CongCulberson to know the #CostOfInaction. pic.twitter.com/03snSJiRaY
— OFA TX (@OFA_TX) April 5, 2014

Undocumented immigrant Nova Bajamonti recent coming out present me with an opportunity to continue my efforts to help President Obama deliver on his 2008 and 2012 Comprehensive Immigration Reform campaign promises. When President Obama signs an Immigration Reform bill, innocent undocumented hardworking people living in fear can come out of the shadows. People like Nova can use their God given talents to pursue the American dream and become lawful productive human beings.

A comprehensive immigration reform bill will affect me personally because it will make America a more just democracy for all of its citizens. Comprehensive Immigration reform would force candidates to be mindful of the needs of all Americans and not just one race or the rich in order to win an election. 

A Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill will built on the foundation for Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of equality. King's powerful statement "that people be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin" will become a reality and not a dream for my grand boys and all of America’s children. 

Lastly, Immigration Reform will change America forever for the better because more citizens will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. President Obama will be the first of many more African-Americans, women, Hispanic-Americans, and other minorities to become president of the United States, senators, congressmen, governors, judges, and mayors, in America.

Vera Richardson

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer

This isn’t a Damn Game Speaker Boehner – Steven and Nathaniel Lives Matter

The Republican’s party determination to enact former candidate Congressman Paul Ryan’s 2012 Vice Presidential Platform of austerity measures towards the poor, uninsured, and disabled must be denied by Congressional Democrats. They must fight to keep The Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” the law of the land. Obamacare will provide Steven and countless people like him the health care coverage and benefits that they need to have a measure of joy, care, and health. Insurance companies can no longer deny health coverage to disabled Americans with pre-exiting medical conditions.

I am a close family friend who loved and was loved by Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hopson for many years. My dear friends are the parents of three adult men.  Two of them Nathaniel Hopson Jr and Steven Hopson have pre-existing physical and emotional medical conditions.

In April 2013 Nat Senior died. I decided that I had to go by any means necessary to support his loving fragile wife Joyce and their children. During my time with them I attended an event to honor Steven.

Steve Hopson volunteers at Bob Dye Clay Family YMCA in Orange Park, Florida. Steve who has been disabled since birth started volunteering at the YMCA after his younger severely disabled brother Nathaniel Hopson Jr began attending Daystar.  (Credit YMCA 2009 annual report) Nate,has cerebral palsy, a medical condition that affects control of the muscles and makes Nate physically unable to care for himself.

This is a brief look into the lives of the Hopson family lives. These two disabled adult men and the other disabled people in this video deserves to have continued health care coverage and other benefits that bring meaning and joy to their lives. 

Most people believe what Steve said in this video “we want to take care of ourselves.” Most aren’t looking for a handout but are willing to work and/or volunteer to take care of themselves and others in need. At this time in their lives like many unemployed they can’t provide for themselves but they shouldn't have to worry about affordable health care.

If Speaker Boehner and other GOP leaders want to implement their party’s vision and agenda for America they must WIN an election. They should once again present their case to the American people. If after hearing their case and the case of opposing Democratic opponent they win the 2016 Presidential election then and only then should the PEOPLE allow Republicans especially Tea Party Republicans to FORCE their vision and will of their wealthy donors on Americans.

Vera Richardson

Author of Screwed by Former Governor and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer