Dear Chicago and Residents of Illinois’ 7th District,
My name is Lien Choi, and it is an honor just to have you hear me out.
What exactly does a Congressperson do all day?
To what extent can the power of a Congressperson be exercised for the good of their constituents?
I am weary of the repetitive cycle of political rhetoric that seems to dominate every election season. It feels as though candidates recycle the same empty promises and clichés, offering little in the way of genuine substance or change. Our voices and concerns are drowned out by a tide of superficiality. The issues that truly matter—like the economy, healthcare, education, and climate change—are often overshadowed by sensationalism and partisan bickering. It is disheartening to witness the same old tactics being employed year after year. When people really need change. A fresh perspective, solutions and authentic leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the people over political gain, would be refreshing and so helpful.
All of this glittery talk and legislation that amounts to nothing for us here in the dirt.
I need help now. After a 3-4 hour wait for help, when there is no higher supervisor to make simple decisions on common sense issues to people who are left with no choice but to be dependent on the system. How about one of us become the ultimate supervisor. Not only bringing solutions but to be the one to have to answer to.
All that is needed is to give a person some room to breathe in time of crisis. Be human. Allow for humanitarian discretion within these systems.
For some reason, that is the hardest thing to do, in terms of legislation. Giving more rights that empower people, not more and more laws to restrict and oppress people. Or worse, create and leave loopholes for the already wealthy and connected.
They tout numbers and crime statistics that are going down. But that's not how it feels here in the city.
At this point, no one wants to go to the West Side, all up and down the 7th. In already hard hit areas.
It is shocking to see it.
It is mortifying to experience it.
But to actually go through it, is tough to describe. To do it justice, I can only say that, I would reckon that people come to this point in a myriad of ways. But you would definitely know it if you've been through it.
Sitting in a foggy haze asking yourself, "what is the difference between this life and hell?" Still, cautious to tempt fate as you know it could be worse.
It can always be worse. Right?
IL-07 is a perfect example of this diversity and disparity of neighborhoods that are mere miles, even blocks apart.
Yet, it also shows how much potential our district has. Potential, left completely unfulfilled. Lost and wasted in the communities that could have used a partner in the US Congress the most.
Someone who has your back. Not the back of all the favors he owes, to the already wealthy and powerful.
When I read some of the goals of the other candidate(s), I don't know what they are talking about, do you? Their words, have become so meaningless and hollow.
Especially after so long. It is ridiculous.
We shouldn't tolerate this nonsense any longer.
Come on, look at what the choices are.
Is that just the way it is? Will things ever change?
I need more than this. I really need help. Help a lot of people could use. And I am not even near the worst, but I got and continue to get a good taste of what it is like. A bungee jump head plunge into a raging river full of logs below. More like a volcano.
Imagine what could be accomplished if we took care of those with the least. Not just by throwing money at the problem and having the vultures scam every penny from us, but bringing about real and practical solutions. Bringing people back to being productive members of society, rather than picking at their bones. This is why doing for the least benefits everyone.
It comes down to, What does it mean to be an American.
Most of all, in time of dire need, imagine if you didn't have anyone? We should be able to trust our government, which is just us collectively as a people. We just lost our loving nature along the way to greed. Don't deceive yourself. We are paying for it. Dearly.
We deserve more than that.
A whole lot more.