How Will Amendment 2 Hurt Seniors? Ask Paulina...

As a home health nurse, I have the amazing opportunity to work with Florida Seniors. Many of these seniors, approaching their 70's, 80's, 90's and sometimes 100's, have outlived their first husband or wife. Some of these seniors, have been lucky and blessed enough to find another life partner. Though, with respect to their first spouse, they choose to not remarry, these seniors may live with their 2nd life partner for 5, 10, 20, 30 + years.

Now, let's all be honest... how much do you know about your mother/father that lives out of state? Do you know how often they see their doctor?

Do you know what medications they take? Do you know if their diabetes is under control?

Most likely, you don't know the answers to those questions. It's because you live far away, and you have your own obligations and responsibilities in your own home. Your kids, your work, your spouse... the list goes on and on.

These life partners- whether gay, straight, old or young know all the answers to those questions. They know their partners, because... they are emotionally married and emotionally committed. What gives government the right to judge WHO should be ALLOWED to be considered "married". Since when does a piece of paper symbolize MORE than years and years and years of togetherness can symbolize?

I'm deeply saddened by the conservatives who preach about "less government"... but then want to micromanage my home and the homes of millions of Floridians.

Sincerely,

Paulina Testerman
Sarasota, FL