[County GOP Chairman Ethan] Underwood’s assumption (FCN, Nov. 8) that the 54-plus percent of the people who voted for President Barack Obama are on the dole is unfair and incorrect.  

I am one of the 54 percent. I was raised in a lower middle income neighborhood in Massachusetts and was taught that hard work, determination and caring for others would bring me a good life.  It has.

I worked from the time I was 13 years old, first picking strawberries and blueberries at local farms and had a paper route in my neighborhood.  During high school I worked in construction during the summers and at a local clothing store. I graduated high school and went on to a year of business school, then went into the army for three years. I took my basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, then on to Aberdeen Proving Grounds and then to Germany.  

When I returned I went to college on the G.I. Bill and graduated with an engineering degree.  I worked in corporate America for over 37 years as an engineer and manager.  

At this time I am retired and living off of my savings and Social Security, the money that I paid into for my entire career. It is not an entitlement. I worked for every penny of it.  I know that there are many more like me who listen to Jesus’ words, “We are our brother’s keeper!”  I do not vote for “free goodies,” I vote for the person who I think will improve our country and care for the less fortunate, a president who maintains a level playing field and fair balance between Wall Street and Main Street. It may seem strange to Mr. Underwood, but I do love my country too.  

John LaBate

Cumming