Dear Congress,
The horrifying event in Arizona presents a challenge and a choice to you; not just all of you, but each and every one of you. Will you choose to continue the great American history of democracy or will you follow TSA, fleeing shoes and underwear toward fear? Will you cower from your own constituents or will you say "Not in Our America"?
Will you be any less brave in fighting for and carrying out our American means of governing than our men and women fighting exactly the same rule of fear and lawlessness in the Middle East? Or the citizens of those countries whom we ask to risk much for a philosophy of government?
Thank you for the pause to respect and reflect. But then it is time to rise up, without party or prejudice, without thought for personal or political gain, without endless planning and plotting and dare to do what Congresswoman Giffords demonstrated. Congress and constituents must converse, debate and interact face to face for our democracy to survive.
If we preach democracy abroad, we must be willing to demonstrate it fully at home. The list of Americans, who at considerably more risk than that faced by a Congress in a comfortable world and capable of mustering reasonable security resources, is long and illustrious - starting with the likes of George Washington or Patrick Henry.
How will our generation of leaders measure up?
I propose that on January 17th (a date with it's own illustrious history of bravery) every Congressperson hold a 'Congress on Your Corner' in their own District.
Let us say to those who would have America ruled by firepower rather than persuasion, by passion unbridled rather than passion assembling, by force and fear rather than courage and conferring: Not In Our America.
And yes, I know it is easy to ask for others to be brave in the face of danger, however limited. Yes, I know prudent precautions may stretch already reduced law enforcement resources. Yes, I know moving 535 individuals in one direction is currently proving arduous.
However, I'm betting on you and on us. If you come, we will too.
Sincerely,
Marcia Illian Banta
One American Citizen
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2 comments:
Marcia, Cheers for your Jan 9th "Open letter to Congress". I especially agree with your statement that we fight for Democracy abroad lets keep Democracy in the USA. You have a gift with words, please keep em flowing to Congress. They need it. Eric Miller
Marcia, Cheers for your Jan 9th "Open letter to Congress". I especially agree with your statement that we fight for Democracy abroad lets keep Democracy in the USA. You have a gift with words, please keep em flowing to Congress. They need it. Eric Miller
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