Team,

In the wake of recent gun violence, I have spent a lot of time grappling with two familiar emotions: anger and despair.

I’m angry at the special-interest and gun-lobby groups that continue to put profit over our children’s safety. I’m angry at Republican-elected officials for continuously refusing to engage on the most common sense gun-safety reforms. Instead, Tennessee Republicans expelled two black lawmakers simply for protesting inaction to combat gun violence — an unconscionable affront to our democratic institutions.

And, as a mother of four kids, I am kept up at night knowing that our children are going to school every day in fear that they might not come home. 

Last week, I addressed Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network Convention on this very issue.  

It is important to remember that it does not have to be this way. And the majority of Americans want to see action.

When I began my Naval career at age 18, I signed up to fight for a country that is far from perfect but one whose values and ideals I believe in deeply. I joined the Navy to fight for truth and justice, all around the world, and I joined Congress to continue that fight here at home -- but I can’t do it alone.

It’s going to take all of us speaking up to prevent future gun violence tragedies from devastating our communities. Please -- add your name to mine if you support strengthening gun safety in our country.

Take care,

Mikie