another open letter to Senator Johnson
Dear Senator Johnson:
First of all, please be aware that I know how much money you have received from the National Rifle Association. I know that you will not listen to my concerns. However, I cannot therefore in good conscience not express those concerns to you.
Mass shootings are an epidemic in America. No other so-called "civilized" country in the world has this problem, which says that it's something about us. Unfortunately, it's all too clear what that something is. Mass shooters are overwhelmingly (1) white (2) males (3) with a criminal record of domestic violence. Obviously, the necessary first step is to enact legislation to prohibit anyone with a record of domestic violence from owning a gun. This step has not been taken, and we all know why. It's because politicians like you accept the NRA's money and protect their interests, even as the death toll mounts and mounts and mounts.
This is shameful, Senator. It's even more shameful that we all know. We all know exactly what's happening. We all know why our friends and loved ones, our sons and daughters and sisters and brothers, fathers, mothers and spouses, are continuing to die at the hands of white men with an established record of violence.
It's because of you.
As I said, I don't expect this letter to make a difference to you. I don't expect you to change. One of your interns or staffers will read this, and I'll get a reply explaining to me why the thing I'm advocating for is foolish and/or unnecessary. This is what happens when I write to you, Senator, if I get a response at all. I wrote pleading for you to defend the ACA, and I got a response explaining to me why the ACA is bad and needs to be repealed. Please be aware that I recognize the degree of indifference that this pattern demonstrates. I don't expect better from you, and that's maybe the most shameful thing of all.
Sincerely,
Sarah Monette
[this letter has been sent to my tiny local paper and to the Capital Times]
comments
First of all, please be aware that I know how much money you have received from the National Rifle Association. I know that you will not listen to my concerns. However, I cannot therefore in good conscience not express those concerns to you.
Mass shootings are an epidemic in America. No other so-called "civilized" country in the world has this problem, which says that it's something about us. Unfortunately, it's all too clear what that something is. Mass shooters are overwhelmingly (1) white (2) males (3) with a criminal record of domestic violence. Obviously, the necessary first step is to enact legislation to prohibit anyone with a record of domestic violence from owning a gun. This step has not been taken, and we all know why. It's because politicians like you accept the NRA's money and protect their interests, even as the death toll mounts and mounts and mounts.
This is shameful, Senator. It's even more shameful that we all know. We all know exactly what's happening. We all know why our friends and loved ones, our sons and daughters and sisters and brothers, fathers, mothers and spouses, are continuing to die at the hands of white men with an established record of violence.
It's because of you.
As I said, I don't expect this letter to make a difference to you. I don't expect you to change. One of your interns or staffers will read this, and I'll get a reply explaining to me why the thing I'm advocating for is foolish and/or unnecessary. This is what happens when I write to you, Senator, if I get a response at all. I wrote pleading for you to defend the ACA, and I got a response explaining to me why the ACA is bad and needs to be repealed. Please be aware that I recognize the degree of indifference that this pattern demonstrates. I don't expect better from you, and that's maybe the most shameful thing of all.
Sincerely,
Sarah Monette
[this letter has been sent to my tiny local paper and to the Capital Times]
comments
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