I watched your speech with anticipation last night as the Republicans picked up enough seats to claim the majority in the House of Representatives.  You will be their next leader, and I am looking forward to watching you as you set the legislative agenda for our country. Prior to last night, I was unfamiliar with your story, how you have worked hard at so many different jobs and truly lived the American dream.  I thank you for sharing that so eloquently with the American people. In fact, many of your newest members share similar stories.

I am a wife and mother living in Oklahoma and I care deeply for our country.  I feel incredibly fortunate to have been born here and want a better future filled with endless opportunities for my children and grandchildren.  I long for them to dream, and dream big knowing that they live in America, the land of the free and home of the brave.  I want them to believe that with hard work, patience and perseverance, anything is possible.  My husband and I have worked hard to instill in them those same values and ideals upon which our country was founded.

However, our children have been learning a different lesson from the examples being set in Washington.  They hear volumes of denigrating, partisan rhetoric and observe career politicians who serve for personal gain. They see a heavy handed government that acts as if it holds the solution to every problem, a wasteful government that punishes success and spends our money in frivolous fashion.

My children know better.  I think you know better.  I hope and pray that you do.  You now have an extraordinary opportunity to lead our country back to those timeless principles upon which it was founded.  Godspeed and good luck Mr. Speaker, we’re rooting for you! Our children’s future depends on it.

Sincerely,  a Senator’s wife in Oklahoma