America Cares Letters
(Updated 2007-12-19)
(The following was faxed to various newspapers in New Jersey on December 19, 2007.)
Letter to the Editor
RESTORING AMERICA'S RIGHTFUL IMAGE AS A GENEROUS, COMPASSIONATE NATION
Despite the unprecedented outpouring of generosity by Americans directed to victims of recent catastrophes that have occurred across the world, there are still some countries and peoples who hold nothing but contempt for our country. As a means of counteracting the wrongful vilification of our nation and its good citizens, I am seeking to resurrect a care package program that provided aid to thousands in the world's greatest time of need.
During World War II, and its aftermath, a program was established that allowed individual Americans to send food, clothing and other desperately needed items to a war-ravaged Europe. I have vivid recollections from my youth of preparing packages that were sent overseas. Later on in life, I learned of the tremendous good will it created toward America among people of other nations. This lifesaving assistance was an extension of the courageous acts carried out by what is commonly known as "The Greatest Generation" who, through tremendous personal sacrifice, shaped the better world that emerged from a devastating global conflict.
Working with both state and federal legislators, I am attempting to create a federal program predicated on similar principles, entitled An American Cares, that would allow individual Americans to send care packages to those in need throughout the world. Utilizing modern technology not available 60 years ago, the Internet, I envision a federally hosted website created to list information, including but not limited to, the populations identified by the government (along with legitimate approved relief organizations submitted by our citizens) as in need as well as suggested items that would be of the greatest assistance. Individuals choosing to participate would have the unique opportunity to play an active role as an ambassador of good will and have a direct, personal say in our country's foreign aid policies.
Under this proposal, the U.S. Post Office would be directed to offer pre-paid postage America Cares boxes in various sizes for persons to send needed items. An unmistakable identifying mark, most preferably the American flag, should be placed on the package as a symbol of the generosity's origin. Recipients of these packages will have personal knowledge and experience of Americans' compassionate nature, a heartfelt gesture that no dictator's message of hatred and propaganda can suppress forever.
While the overall effort is still in its infancy, I have created a website, http://www.AnAmericanCares.com, as a line of communication and a gathering point for those interested in seeing that America Cares becomes a reality. The content of the website includes updates as well as suggestions on how to help advance this initiative. Presently, legislation has been introduced in the New Jersey State Legislature calling for federal action. This is only the first step in the process. I hope you will join me in striving for the final step that will only be achieved through a grassroots-driven effort with the goal of restoring of our rightful place in the eyes of the world community as a generous nation, composed of compassionate people.
Thank you,
Gösta "Swede" Lovgren
Lavallette, NJ
(While my signature is on the letter, and I accept full responsibility for it, the letter was actually "ghost" written by a Public Relations person experienced in writing press releases, etc. He prefers to remain anonymous at this point. - GHL )
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