8/24: Stand up for Tolerance and Diversity
On August 11, 2017, at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, a “Unite the Right” Rally occurred. A white supremacist used his car to mow down counter protestors, killing one woman, injuring 20 others, and two police officers monitoring the rally died in a helicopter crash. In response, President Trump stated, many of the protesters were “fine people” and he blamed “both sides” for the speech and violence. He also criticized the removal of statues and monuments honoring Confederate generals who brutally fought a war to protect slavery, in an effort to “change history” and “change culture.” The country took a more inclusive path forward since abolishing slavery and more recent civil rights movements; all forms of bigotry should be condemned
SUGGESTED MEMBER SCRIPT:
“Hi, my name is …, I’m a constituent from “i.e., Durango” zip code 81***. I am writing to call racism and hate speech for what it is: Intolerable behavior in a civilized society. The recent march in Charlottesville, VA where torch-wielding, weapons-bearing neo-Nazis and White Supremacists chanted, “the Jews will not replace us,” and threatening non-whites (leading to the death and injury of many) does not reflect American values. This conduct has long been condemned and must continue to be condemned for its divisiveness and violence, claiming superiority by one segment of the population above all others. Freedom of speech has limits – “fighting words” and violence are not Constitutionally protected. We urge you to speak out against this conduct in the harshest tone, promoting instead inclusiveness, civil discourse and peaceful community engagement among Americans.”
WHO MEMBER IS TO CONTACT :
US SENATE
- Senator Michael Bennet (970) 259-1710 (Durango) (202) 224-5852 (DC Office)
- Senator Cory Gardner (970) 415-7416 (Durango) (202) 224-5941 (DC Office)
- Representative Scott Tipton
(970) 259-1490 (Durango) 202-225-4761 (DC Office)
https://tipton.house.gov/contact-me
WHEN IS MEMBER TO CALL OR WRITE:
As soon as possible