Lisa Autry is registered Independent and a Raleigh, NC businesswoman. A letter she sent to Senator Richard Burr, R-NC ,  appears (with her permission) below.

Dear Senator Burr: I am writing you about the ridiculous standoff over the debt ceiling.  First and foremost, I am a registered Independent.  And I am here to tell you, that based on everything that is going on in Washington right now with the debt ceiling I will not vote for a Republican ever again… including you.

Here is the bottom line:  The President is right and the Republicans are wrong.  President Obama’s willingness to compromise to get a deal done is, and always has been, the American way.

Who in the world thinks, in any dealings in any relationship, whether it is personal or professional, that one side gets everything he or she wants and the other side gets nothing, or they simply walk away.  And in this case,  you are also holding the American people hostage.  I feel like the Republicans are the proverbial schoolyard bullies that scar us for life.

And speaking more directly regarding this deal, who in their right mind thinks that in order to improve the deficit, no revenue is required?  No CEO of any company would go to their employees and say, “Let’s not bring in any money… let’s simply cut some of your jobs, your benefits, and the quality of our products.”

How long would that company last? You and I both know the answer.  That is actually a perfect analogy to what the Republicans are proposing regarding their refusal to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans.   And I don’t want to hear the standard talking point about “not raising taxes, blah, blah, blah, during a recession.”

You know as well as I do, along with all of your other cohorts, that the President’s proposal to let the Bush tax for the wealthiest Americans expire (while preserving tax cuts for 98% of the people) would not be implemented until 2013.

The lies that are being spread on TV and online about the President wanting to “Raise your taxes!” is just that – a bald-faced lie.  You and I both know that it’s just the wealthiest Americans and the richest corporation’s tax breaks and loopholes that the President is referring to.

Based on that, I implore you and your cohorts (in crime, basically) to stop obstructing this President and his party.  I know exactly why your party has now become known as obstructionist, and the “party of no”.  Let me explain:

Republicans do not give a damn about our country and 98% of its people.  They prove this time and time again, with every talking point on TV and with every vote they make in Congress.

All they and you care about is political posturing to ruin Barack Obama’s Presidency, and to ensure that the Republicans take over the Senate and the White House in 2012.  All you Republicans care about is keeping your own jobs and the power that comes along with them.

You and your colleagues don’t give a damn about creating jobs and helping the economy.  The reason for your obstruction: If the economy improves the President is more likely to win a second term.

I hate what is going on in Washington, all designed so you people can keep your high-powered positions.  Again, it’s all about you and your Republican colleagues, and not the American people.

I implore you to knock it off, and begin to listen to our President and his message:  use your powerful position and voice to explain what is right  for the American people:  rebuilding of the middle class to strengthen America now and in the future.

History shows time and time again, that when the middle class is strong and flourishing, America flourishes. It cannot simply be about the wealthy getting wealthier and Republicans wanting to keep their cushy jobs because their rich patrons are padding their campaign coffers.  The Democrats are following the correct path, and the RepubliCAN’TS heading in the wrong direction

You know in your heart that everything I have written is true.  I challenge you to live and speak the truth and do what’s right for your country.  The Democrats cannot shoulder all of the responsibility.  They need you and your party’s help.  Please, do the right thing.  Support this President, and help him get this country back on its feet.

Thank you. Lisa Autry, Raleigh, NC