Congressman Ritchie Torres - I lived next to a Trump Golf Course

 

I grew up across the street from one of Donald Trump's golf courses in New York. This one, in fact: ↘↘ Yes, really. But it was not the way I think you're picturing it in your mind — let me explain. I didn't live in a skyrise apartment or a mansion with luxuries at my fingertips. I grew up in the Throggs Neck Houses, a crumbling public housing project among vermin, lead, and mold, across from Trump's Golf Course in The Bronx. Little Ritchie Torres. My mom was a single mom, working multiple jobs to keep food on the table. I'm so grateful for how much she sacrificed to provide for our family. Living across from Trump's Golf Course, I had to see a reminder every day of how easily and often our government supports and enables the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working families. You see, the New York City government shoveled over $100 million in government aid to develop this golf course with Donald Trump and the corrupt Trump Organization. They did this while New York families like mine lived in hunger and poverty across the street. But, I always try to look at the positives — growing up smelling the stench of Donald Trump (even before he became president) has led me to where I am today: Fighting in Congress for justice for real working families. When I work on legislation, I always think about the families who are struggling just like mine did. I lived that experience — it is not abstract to me. And I'll never forget it. I hope you feel like you have a better sense of who I am and what my values are. I swear that I'm fighting for those values every day in Congress. Thank you, Ritchie EDITOR'S NOTE: This was a solicitation for a donation by Congressman Torres which was deleted, but we wanted you to know the story of 'Little Ritchie' Torres and how he has fought his way to congress.