This week has brought us many sweet victories. But it ends with a 5 alarm fire for our democracy. We must rise up and respond.
Yesterday, at a State House in America, two duly elected Representatives, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson who are both Black men, were expelled by the Republican majority for exercising their right to free speech in joining protests, along with their constituents, advocating for gun reform laws. This unprecedented action left 130,000 citizens in Tennessee without representation. A third representative, Gloria Johnson, who is a white woman and also joined protests, was not expelled.
For context, it is important to recall that in 2016, dozens of Members of the U.S Congress, led by Congressman John Lewis, staged a sit-in on the House floor in protest of the GOP leadership’s refusal to allow a vote on a gun control measure following the mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando.
Both Justin Jones and Justin Pearson plan to re-run for their seats immediately. Senator Chris Murphy has created a fundraising page that will split the money raised evenly between the two. Any small amount will send a signal that we stand by the Justins and upholding our democratic norms. DONATE HERE.
Also, please take two minutes to watch Representative Jones' passionate remarks following his expulsion.
Yesterday's events underscore the urgency and relentlessness of our fight. In the words of the late great Congressman Lewis," Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
