Last night I was deeply troubled, saddened, and disheartened that all the
gun control measures that would have made this country's citizens safer
failed to pass the Senate. What was even more troubling was that the
Manchin-Toomey Amendment failed and that you, Senator, were one of just a
handful of Democrats to vote it down! I expect your Republican colleagues to
oppose outright something that the Obama administration supports, and I
didn't expect all of the measures presented yesterday to pass the Senate but
I also did not expect my Democratic senator, whom I was so excited to see
representing us, go against this bi-partisan amendment.
I grew up in the State of Georgia, one of the most pro-gun states in
the country. I am currently serving in the Air Force, stationed in Grand
Forks. I have shot my fair share of weaponry. I understand the trepidation
surrounding gun control. I understand that North Dakota hasn't experienced
the tragedy of gun violence as other states have, so we are much more
resistant to restricting anything involving guns. With that in mind, I
understand how difficult a decision voting on these matters can be (and
should be) for you. I truly believe that the job of elected officials is to
represent their constituents, but I also believe it is their job to act in
the best interest of their people. Furthermore, I believe that this duty of
speaking for the people and championing their best interests moves beyond
just those who put the official into office. It is the mandate of the
official to do what is best for ALL the citizens of this great nation. The
Manchin-Toomey Amendment IS the best thing for ALL of America's citizens. If
there are North Dakotans that didn't want any gun control measures or didn't
want this bi-partisan amendment, then it is your job to show them why they
should support it: to educate others on why this country needs laws like
these; to stand in support of common-sense measures that make not only
people of North Dakota safer but also the people of every other state in
this union.
The proposals that failed to pass yesterday would not have ended gun
violence in America. They might not have stopped another act of terror like
those of Newtown, or Aurora, or the assassination attempt on Former
Congresswoman Giffords, but they might, just might, have done exactly that.
These measures would have saved the lives of Americans. That, in and of
itself, was reason to champion these measures to those in North Dakota that
would have wanted their defeat.
I have lived in Grand Forks since February of 2009, when I
transferred here from training in Mississippi. I absolutely love this city
and its people, and so less than a week ago (6 days actually) I switched my
residency and became a full North Dakota resident. After major thought and
consideration, I realized that I wanted to move forward with you and this
state to bring North Dakota to a more moderate and brighter future. I
attended your campaign rallies and celebrated your election. I believe in
this state and I believe in you, which is why how you voted yesterday was so
disappointing.
So, after all of that writing let me sum up my thoughts. I am
writing to express to you that there are North Dakotans who would stand
behind you in supporting common-sense gun control measures. I am writing to
express my sadness in your votes yesterday. While I still think you are an
exemplary woman and elected official, and while you haven't lost my vote, I
am disheartened with your performance yesterday.
Respectfully,
Jacob Thomas
