Letter: Don't restrict anyone from American dream

To the Editor:

I’d like to share a story about a woman I know who embodies the American spirit and is living the “American Dream.”

She grew up in a duplex in a middle-class neighborhood in Cambridge, Ma. Her parents raised her while both working multiple jobs and continuing their education at a local university. She graduated from high school and went on to the University of Massachusetts where all the while she worked full time for Harrell’s Ice Cream Shop to pay for her college education. A few years later, her parents relocated and she purchased their modest duplex and made it her own.

Dreaming of starting a business, she and a business partner used every piece of collateral and every available line of credit they could to come up with the money to open a new concept coffee shop and eatery on a busy street near a college campus. Through blood, sweat and tears, they slowly built a nationally recognized, award-winning café and after many years opened another new concept café just a few miles down the road.

Both businesses continue to grow and thrive and they gainfully employ dozens of people at each business and have become leaders within the local business community

A few years ago she met someone special and, after dating for a few years, they decided to get married and start a family. We are happy to report their first child is due in December.

This woman is my cousin. She is the American Dream and, yes, she is a lesbian.

She wants the same things you and I want. She wants to work hard and earn her keep. She wants to be involved and help shape her community. She wants to love and be loved. She wants to provide for and raise a family. She wants the benefits she earns to be able to be shared with her loved ones and protect them if anything should happen to her.

While millions of Americans have similar success stories there are still millions of others who continue to be denied the same opportunities as you and me. I urge you to vote no on the marriage amendment and to preserve the rights for all people to have the chance to live the American dream.

Dave Lewis

Red Wing

Tags: opinion, letters