Note: I wrote the following letter to my representative based on some good intel from Indivisible. You can also see the press release on the Omar-Pressley resolution here. You can read the text of the resolution here. Feel free to copy or use any part of this text in your own letter to your representative.
Hello Representative Madeline Dean,
I am urging you to support the Omar-Pressley resolution condemning police violence. We need a strong, actionable response to the senseless tragedies that continue to plague our nation. There is no justice without equal protection under the law. We need strong commitment from our representatives in the House to make real steps to change the way that African-Americans are treated in our country. Enough is enough.
We need to band together to make changes to our policing. Just because police officers face difficult decisions does not mean we should not hold them accountable when they make bad decisions–or criminal ones. It astounds me that we are reluctant to hold those accountable who hold the rest of us accountable. Why should they be exempt? Contrary to the narrative espoused by our current president, having power should not make you exempt from accountability.
I also believe that the militarization of our police departments over the last few decades has exacerbated the current issues we see with police violence. Of course, it does not help that many in our country deny that there is a problem with systemic racism/racial bias in our policing. But it is demonstrably the case. Sticking our heads under the sand will not make our problems go away. We should consider defunding local police departments in favor of Black community-led education, health, and safety programs (such as funding for schools, treatment for opioid abuse, and conflict intervention programs that don’t rely on the police).
I am also sickened and concerned by the way the police has treated journalists and protestors over the last week. This is a violation of the freedom to assemble and the freedom of the press. The police need to be held accountable to protect our lives and our freedom–not their own power and autonomy. There is no right to violence.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.
Respectfully,
Seretha L Curry
Used Common Cause to easily identify my representative and use her email contact system.