INCLUSION DAILY EXPRESS--Windy Smith letter to G.W. Bush

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Windy Smith's Letter To Presidential Candidate George W. Bush

August 2, 2000
The following is the text of a letter from Windy Smith to Texas Governor George W. Bush, which she read for the Republican National Conventionon:

"Dear Governor Bush,

"Hi, my name is Windy Smith and I am 26 years old and pulling for you to be our next president of the United States of America. I love to vote and I always stay up to watch the returns.

"One day, about two years ago, I saw you on TV and I told my parents that I was going to vote for you for president. They said we would have to wait and see if you were running for it and then I saw you again and you said yes and I said yes to you for our country.

"I have won a silver medal in gymnastics in the International Special Olympics at Notre Dame (did I mention I have Down syndrome?) and I competed against 76 other countries in 1987. I know what it's like to work very hard and to win too!

"I know what it's like to give a speech, too. I gave one of 5 speeches made at my high school graduation in 1996 from Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, at Thompson-Boling Arena -- home of the great Lady Vols.

"My uncle J.W. lives in Texas in the hill country and my great-grandfather lived there. J.W. is a fishing and hunting guide all over Alaska and the world. Every summer we go visit him and my aunt.

"This June we were at the airport and we saw Mr. Lamar Alexander. He was traveling and making speeches and I went up and talked to him -- he knows me because I was on TV with his wife, Honey, for special kids one time and he let me visit his office and they introduced me to the Tennessee House of Representatives.

"I've seen him other places, too. And he knows my name. I didn't tell him I was going to vote for you because I think he's a nice man and I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

"I have a sweet cousin who died this year and my Tennessee governor came to her funeral. I guess politics is just in my heart but so is God and that's the reason it's important to vote the right way.

"When I'm in Texas I like to watch you talk to your state.

"My mom says Texas and Tennessee are like family.

"Remember the Alamo and remember why you want to be president!

"I'm sending you a check for $25.00 (I work at Goody's Clothing Corporate Office) of my own money to help you get to be president. I have a lot of friends that vote and I'm going to tell all of them to vote for you and they will.

"I wish I could be at your big party when you win because it will be a happy time for America. May God bless you and your wife and family.

"I love you, Windy Smith

"P.S. -- I ran with "Flo Jo" (runner Florence Griffith-Joyner) for an opening ceremony one time and she said to ignore the crowd and run for the finish -- you just keep running, Gov. Bush."

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