Robert

Bob, 44, is a fisherman struggling to make ends meet in Park Heiden, a town of 120 people in rural Alaska. With five sons to support and a beleaguered fishing industry, Bob takes whatever odd jobs he can to supplement his income and learns as many new skills as possible. Currently, Bob is a certified plumber, EMT and haz-mat worker and still unable to find steady employment. Bob voted for Bush on the basis of his job creation promises and now regrets his decision every day.

My Story
I've done everything in my power to get steady work in Park Heiden, but the jobs just aren't there. Primarily, I'm a fisherman, but even when the fishing season is at its peak, I'm still just scraping by. I take as many odd jobs and work training opportunities that come along. I'm certified to be a plumber, EMT and haz-mat worker. Even with all this work training under my belt, I can't get a steady job.

I worry often for the future of my five boys. How will I pay for their educations when I can barely put food on the table and keep the lights on in our house? My oldest son was forced to make an expensive move to Anchorage to find work, but is having hard luck there as well. I try to reassure him, but it's hard when he can see how rough it is for someone my age and with so much experience.

My entire community is in the same boat I am. Throughout Park Heiden, I see a number of home foreclosures and depression as a result of the jobs crisis. Where can we turn when all our president sees is economic recovery?

Regrettably, I voted for President Bush in 2000. He made great promises about job creation and has lived up to none of it. I won't make the same mistake twice!

The people of Alaska and the rest of the United States are not asking for much-we simply want the opportunity to make our livelihood through hard work, a shot at the American Dream. We need to elect a president who knows the working man and will help him achieve this simple goal.