After the 2012 Sandy Hook tragedy, in which 20-year-old Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six adults, the current VA-06 Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte stated, “I will listen to and carefully review suggestions made by the president’s task force and other groups to see what we can do to prevent a terrible tragedy like this in the future.”
What a bunch of garbage!
Let’s think about this — a 20 year old killed 20 children almost six years ago and nothing has changed!
My representative of 25 years continues to say we need more enforcement of the current gun laws, not new legislation. But where have our current laws gotten us?
Every successive year we wait for the next “worst mass murder in our nation’s history.” When will it stop? Are we waiting until that one heroic moment from the teacher who’s secretly been carrying a concealed weapon to take down a potential shooter on a hunch? Or does the violence and death have to hit so close to home that our representatives feel personally impacted by a tragedy? Do we continue to allow the NRA to wield extreme power despite their membership being equal to about 2% of the eligible voting age population?
What will it take?
Since Sandy Hook, there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings, killing more than 1,800 people and wounding more than 6,400. The last time Congress passed any major gun control measure was in 1994 as part of Bill Clinton’s sweeping crime enforcement bill, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act. Included in the bill was the Federal Assault Weapons Ban on 19 types of semi-automatic rifles - which expired on September 13, 2004. Unfortunately, as the power in the House of Representatives had shifted to NRA-backed forces, the ban was not renewed.
Of course, a certain freshman congressman from Virginia voted against the Clinton crime bill. Let’s think about this — there hasn’t been a new member of Congress from Virginia’s 6th district since 1993! In that year, an early millennial would have been nine years old and the youngest millennial negative eleven years old. Now, it’s the younger generations leading the charge to stand up for what’s right.
I say the time is now for the younger generations to step up and take our place in the leadership of the United States. I, personally, have taken the next step by entering the political arena and running for Congress. For too long, the younger generations have been told that we aren’t worthy of a seat at the leadership table - or that our sloth and apathy will destroy the country that our parents and grandparents fought so hard to build. However, the failed and stale policies of the previous generation have left us with no choice but to act for our future and for future generations.
We can’t continue to watch — day after day, month after month, year after year — as our youth continue to live in fear and insecurity. As the same continuous process of shooting, denial, pseudo-debate, and no action continues to be normal.
I’m proud of the youth standing up to politicians and the NRA.
I’m proud of all the people under 40 who have stepped up to run for public office.
I’m proud of all the women (over 500 this year!) who are running to serve.
Join me now as I proudly say to all those cowering to the NRA — Enough - Never Again!
Join me today, in support of our youth who courageously stand up to say #NeverAgain will we face the violence that has terrorized our country.
Join me in wearing the maroon and silver colors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School today to honor the brave teachers and students who sacrificed for their friends and colleagues.
Join me in taking 17 minutes at 10 AM EST to honor the 17 fallen young people who were taken by another act of senseless violence - participate in the #ENOUGH National School Walkout.
I entered this race because I believe there’s a new path forward for our country and Virginia’s 6th Congressional District. Standing up for those who have tragically lost their lives and saying no more, never again, enough is not just a political statement, but something I truly believe. This movement which we’re building isn’t about me. It’s about the people I want to represent.
I’ve taken the #NoNRAmoney pledge. I’ve also pledged to take no corporate PAC money, period. Please support our new politics rooted in the values of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
You can join our movement here in Virginia through our website or social media.
jenniferlewisforcongress.com
Facebook — @jenniferforva
Twitter — @JenniferForVA
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