Sadly, I can only add to the tragedy of what happened in Las Vegas.
What happened in Las Vegas wasn't even the only multiple homicide by firearm in America that happened yesterday.
And if you listen to a former Congressman, neither what happened in Vegas nor in Lawrence, Kansas, nor anywhere else matters, as it happens on a more-than-once-daily-basis and nothing changes.
Yah, I’m all set with that attitude, thanks. I’m done with that kind of cynicism. And here’s the thing:
Over the last few months, I think it's safe to say that We, the People, have had an impact fighting against many of the terrible legislative efforts that our President and Congress have put forward, and that is, if case we’ve all forgotten, how it should be and how the system is supposed to work.
So why not take the next step? Instead of just “resisting,” instead of just being reactive, let’s be proactive. Let’s try to drive the discussion in a direction that We, the People, want it to be driven.
Maybe it works with this issue, maybe it doesn’t. But if nothing else we will start laying the foundation for the next issue. To steal from one of America’s great unsung civil rights leaders, Dr. Fergie Reid, each issue is a dress rehearsal for the next.
So, in that spirit...
Call your senators, call your representative, call your state and local elected officials as well.
Tell them it's time for common sense gun legislation.
Tell them to oppose the SHARE act which seeks to make silencers and heavy duty ammunition more readily available.
Tell them that 338 shooting incidents with multiple injuries already this year is 338 too many.
Tell them it's time for these weapons of mass destruction to be at least as difficult to procure as a driver's license.
Tell them it's time for them to represent their constituents and not big money donors.
Tell them their first priority has to be their constituents and not their own bank accounts and reelection.
Just tell them something. Do it. Don’t think it’s a good idea and then not do it. Just. Do it.
One practical note: call, don't email. Calling is the most effective way (this is coming from a person who has worked on and with Capitol Hill, who calls their representatives regularly, and who teaches the subject matter). The call takes as long as you want it to — you can quickly register your opinion on an issue, or you can take some time and explain why you think what you do. Your call will be answered by some young, eager staffer. They will listen patiently to you.
Some offices, particularly in the Senate, where the volume of calls is higher, have a call sheet of check boxes by issue that then gets tabulated and passed up the chain — and it does actually help prioritize what the Senators do. On the House side, often times they will take notes/talking points to include on the issues list.
But call them and tell them. Tell them that this. Cannot. Go on.
To steal from our President — what have you got to lose?
#riseup