Dear 2020 Candidates,

Thank you for investing your time, money, and energy in campaigning for President of the United States.

The road ahead of you is long – and it’s expensive, and not just financially. This campaign will test your commitment to the office which you hope to hold one day – and it’s good practice. As President, there is rarely a moment that belongs to you – and the campaign trail does a good job of preparing you for that new life.

Becoming the President requires you to be of sound mind and body – and we can only hope that your ethical compass is pointed in the right direction.

I’d like you to know that while you’re campaigning, I’m going to be listening with my ears, my eyes, and my heart. There are millions of others like me – 34 million to be precise – caring for a loved one. What you say, how you behave, and your track record – for me – are all going to be determining factors in whether or not you’re the right candidate for the job.

I’m also going to be paying attention to the special interest groups (PACs and Super PACs) contributing to your campaign – because I know they’ll be knocking on your door for favors down the line. It’s just the way things are over here – and while I hope that this aspect of campaigning will change one day, I’m not holding my breath. 

As a newly minted American citizen, you may think that my vote doesn’t count. That I don’t understand America, what she stands for, and how a first-world government works. You’d be wrong. You see, I came from a first-world country and I have high expectations for the government I elect to serve me and my family.

I’m no fool – government’s purpose is to serve its electorate.

Want to know what I’ll be listening for? Information pertaining to:

• Healthcare spending – including proposed changes that may include cuts, prescription drug laws, ACA, Medicare, Medicaid, ect.
• Taxes – including proposed changes to credits for caregivers
• Proposed changes to FMLA
• National Institute of Health (NIH) funding changes
• Social welfare programs
• Strategies for bolstering the economy – especially since we’ve been hearing frequently that a recession is on its way
• Support for Caregivers

Some might accuse me of being a single-issue voter, but what issue is more pressing or greater than the health and welfare of all Americans? Especially since America spends more on healthcare than any other developed nation. That amounts to 18 percent of the gross domestic product, approximately $3.5 trillion. More than twice the average among developed countries. That’s a lot of money. And are we any healthier? Not according to a bunch of studies – our health metrics are actually pretty abysmal for the amount of money we spend.

So, I’ll be listening. Intently. Dazzle me with your sincerity and brilliance.