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Miami Woman Receives Letter From President Obama

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A Miami resident got a hand-delivered letter from President Barack Obama on Sunday.

Congressman Joe Garcia met with Ruth Alcalá, 57,at his office to give her a letter from the president.

The letter is in response to a letter Alcalá sent to the president about two month's ago in which she asked him to publicly condemn Venezuela's crackdown on protesters.

Alcala moved to Miami from Venezuela 24-years ago.

"The fact that an everyday person can write to the president of the country is what makes American so amazing" Alcala said when she learned about getting the letter. "I just want my voice to be heard for the Venezuelan people."

Garcia had forwarded the letter to the president and asked for a response.

"I'm honored to deliver this letter to Alcalá, whose activism and passion is exemplary. Her voice has been heard. The Venezuelan people need our support," said Congressman Garcia.

In the president's hand-written letter to Alcalá,  he assured her that he was concerned for the Venezuelan people and is working behind the scenes to do what he can to support the people oppressed by their leadership.

"We are working with allies in the region, and we have been very supportive of the civil society of Venezuela," said Garcia.

Afte reading the letter, Alcalá said, "I'm touched the president would take the time from his busy schedule to write me," said Alcalá . "I feel confident he is doing what he can for our people. Only in America!"

©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report.

 

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