Kalysha Clark

"There are 47 percent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what. All right, there are 47 percent who are with him, who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them, who believe that they are entitled to health care, to food, to housing, to you-name-it. ... My job is not to worry about those people. I'll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives." -Mitt Romney

It's about time I address this quote. 

I am a full-time student and work part-time in an office on my campus. I volunteer and am involved in many extra curricular activities.

I receive financial aid that makes it possible for me to get my education.

I am on medicaid, which makes it possible for me to stay healthy. 

I am a recipient of food stamps.

I used to be ashamed of these things, and I still am a little bit. 

My parents are hard workers. My mom takes care of her parents full-time and my father works full time at a recycling place making $9.00 an hour. My parents have worked all their lives and paid their fair share. They've paid taxes. 

We are the 47%. Yes, I am reliant and dependent on government assistance. I have no choice. I eat macaroni for dinner and peanut butter sandwiches for lunch just about every day. Without the government assistance I have, I would probably be dead. I would not be able to get an education, would not be able to contribute to my society as a citizen and community member and I would NEVER be able to break the cycle. 

One day, I will be off of government assistance. I will be able to pay for things on my own. But as of now, I can't do that. I make $40 a week, which is barely enough to survive on. 

I am not receiving an entitlement, as Mitt Romney says. I am receiving an opportunity. That is why I will vote for President Obama in the 2012 Presidential election.

Oh, and Mr. Romney, I am taking personal responsibility for my life.

If you don't know what it's like to struggle and you've never gone hungry a day in your life, you have no right to talk about how people are too dependent on the government.