Published: April 09, 2008 09:51 am         

Bartlett asked to work on Neat family’s dilemma

Editor’s note: This letter to Rep. Roscoe E. Bartlett was released to the Times-News for publication.

Dear Rep. Bartlett:

I have always supported you in your representing our area in the House of Representatives. I would like to continue to voting for you in this capacity but I am very disappointed in your office in the handling of the deporting of Sue and Walter Neat back to Canada. (“Home isn’t always where the heart is — just ask the Neats; Couple now living in Canada,” March 6 Times-News)

Sue and Walter joined our Barton United Methodist Church while I was the pastor there. Walter loved coming back to his home area after serving his country with two terms in Vietnam and also service in the Gulf War. Sue and Walter came to mean much to our church and community. They bought a home and car and were such great citizens. Every body in the community loved then. In time they became custodians of our church and also headed the Community Food Pantry.

I know Sue had problems with immigration but they were in touch with them and your office and I thought everything was working out well. Then suddenly Sue had only three days to leave our country. What happened? Who left them down? Is this how we treat a three-time veteran? Sue couldn’t leave our country without her loving husband. He recently went through heart surgery and now has a heart pacer. He couldn’t survive without her. So they left their home and new car and took off for Canada. There they were both welcomed. What happened to us?

Perhaps nothing can change that but they would still like the privilege to visit back with friends and family from time to time. Can this not be worked out? I would hope and pray so! Sure there was some wrong in the past but cannot our great country forgive and forget? I pray so! Please continue to work on this. I have great respect for you and your many years of service.

Certainly, something can be done! I want to continue to vote for you but cannot understand why your office could not do more. Sue arid Walter have suffered greatly and so has the Georges Creek Area. This could be the greatest thing you have done for this area. Please give more time for this! At least let them visit from time to time.

Wishing you the best in this! Certainly, our Lord forgives us when we sincerely ask. Why can’t our country also?

Rev. John S. Park

Swanton