To whom it may concern,
The American people deserve change. You think so, I think so, we all think so. In order for a change to be successful, one has to be attempted. If you want to fight about what bills to pass, that's your prerogative... but stop playing games while doing so. The single-subject rule needs to be applied to Congress as soon as possible. Until then, you do nothing but play the "well if you do that, then I'll do this" game with bills. Aside from that...
Democrats: Where was your sit-in immediately after Republican inaction when the Sandy Hook shooting happened? Why do you all of a sudden show up when the shooter is a radical Islamic terrorist? Why are you so quick to defend the tolerance of Islam, but not the lives and safety of American children? While your sit-in is a positive gesture of "we've had enough", it should have been done a long time ago. Frankly, it makes it look like you're trying way too hard to shift the blame of the Orlando attack because of your determination to not demonize anyone's religion. If there was any time to stand up and say, "this is enough senseless violence", it was immediately after 20 children were slaughtered by a legitimately mentally ill person who never should have been able to access a firearm.
Republicans: Why are you unwilling to change the requirements to legally purchase a gun in this country? Why are you content with the unsafe and irresponsible ways that people who shouldn't be allowed to even look at a gun are able to legally acquire one? You're quick to cry out "Democrats are trying to take away our 2nd Amendment rights", but you aren't willing to sit down with them and say, "well, we won't allow you to take the right away from law abiding citizens, but here's what we CAN do"? Your inaction and repeated, "...but our rights..." can't even be categorized as "not productive", it's straight up detrimental to this country's future and safety.
Democrats are not even really asking to ban all guns. They're well aware of Constitutional rights. All they want is more control. Safer measures. More ways to guarantee that the only people who are able to legally purchase guns are responsible people who know when, where, and why to use them.
We all know that criminals who acquire guns illegally will continue to do so. So be it. Deal with what you're able to deal with. You have to crawl before you can walk, let alone run a marathon... which this is.
Please, for the sake of the safety of not only our children, but yours, and theirs... if there's one time to put aside the interests of your respective political parties and focus on the interests of human lives in America, now is the time to do it.
Signed,
Anthony J Cicco
Husband. Father. American. Human.
