I was in the 47% before, I was a troublemaker and got in trouble with the law several times during my younger years. Later I made the choice to join the military to straighten up and to serve. I got out the military used my government benefits to graduate from college and even received pell grants when my GI Bill ran out.

After Graduating college, I worked in the field of IT with a decent salary (contracting for the government i may add with a top secret clearance). I worked hard and continued to prove myself in my company. Later I took certification courses on my own time and money to excel in my profession.

Now I'm part of the 53% who pays about 40% percent of my salary to taxes due me being single, not owning a home and not having any children placing me in the higher tax bracket. I don't mind paying taxes because for 8 years I didn't pay any taxes and I feel I owe the government for taking a risk and investing in me during my younger years regardless of my background and my troublesome past.Yes I was somewhat dependent on the government in the beginning, but this government that everyone seems to hate so much has helped me (and many others) succeed and become independent from them. Now I feel the government is dependent on me to make sure i pay my fair share for investing in me in my younger years.

Overall everyone needs some form of assistance in the beginning, but everyone wants to become better than what they were before and just needs that chance, and 95% of that 47% do not want to be dependent on the government and are striving to be successful in their lives without the government's support. That remaining 5% are likely the ones that have no choice (disabled veterans, people with disabilities, retirees etc) which I'm fine paying for their share since they've earned it or just  being compassionate for their current situation in life.

Now that i am in that position, with the assistance of the government, I continue to help others in getting that "chance" just so i can pay it forward what the government did for me.

For people to think that the 47% is a bunch of lazy people that just like the handouts is just bad prejudice. I think everyone has been in that 47% in their lives or in their family's history.

To Politicians/Congressmen/Presidents/Democrats/Republicans:

You shouldn't assume how I will vote based on a demographic, category or a percentage group that I may fall in and decide my vote isn't worth your time; by categorizing me and many %'ers or whatever you decide to categorize me as, you chose to alienate me (and many) and judge me without knowing where I stand and what I stand for. Unfortunately many of us voters don't make our decisions so quickly like politicians do with constituents just seeing us as numbers to their votes. If you want my vote...EARN IT. Since I fall into several categories do you think I vote just one way?

God Bless America for what it has given me and for what people given back when they break that ceiling.

Respectfully

Alumnus of the 47% club
Member of the 53% club
Board of Directors of the top 10% Salary Club
Pending Member of the 250k club