Every day, we lose an average of 100 American lives to gun violence -- and that doesn't include the number of people who are killed in mass shootings like the ones in communities like El Paso, Dayton, and Gilroy. Yet lawmakers have refused to act despite overwhelming public support for reducing gun violence.
We're told not to politicize these tragedies. We're told in the days after these tragedies that it's "too soon" to demand action. But enough is enough. It's time for real action. We can no longer allow the voices of politicians who fear the gun lobby to dictate how and when we take action.
Make your voice heard by joining All On The Line's fight to support gun violence prevention efforts by ending gerrymandering.
This is not a time for the usual counterproductive, meaningless political posturing. This is a time for our elected officials to do what's right and protect the American people. But the fact of the matter is, politicians don't fear voters, because they know they have rigged the maps in their favor and won't lose an election. Gerrymandering prevents action that the vast majority of the American people support. Plain and simple.
For example, in Ohio, a state where 90% of residents support universal background checks, there are currently several bills sitting in the Statehouse that would make communities safer from gun violence. But only one of these bills has received a hearing, and I suspect none will ever see a vote. Why are Ohio legislators refusing to act on what the people of Ohio clearly support?
Similarly, in Virginia, the governor called for a special legislative session devoted to gun violence prevention. Eight common-sense gun safety measures were on the docket, but not a single measure was discussed before Republicans abruptly voted to adjourn the session. Again, a blatant refusal to act.
What's worse, in Texas, the gerrymandered state legislature is passing legislation supported by the NRA. The legislature sent 10 pro-gun bills to the governor for his signature in this year alone.
We can draw a direct line between these states' gerrymandered maps and the lack of action on gun violence.
But progress is possible. In Connecticut, the state legislature passed comprehensive gun reform less than six months after the tragic shooting in Sandy Hook. When the other side says "it's too soon to politicize" these tragedies, they are saying our lives are not as important as their ability to maintain power. They would rather oppose reforms that would keep our communities safe than risk losing the support and money from the NRA. And gerrymandering allows these politicians to continue catering to the gun lobby while refusing to stand up for the people they are supposed to represent.
All On The Line is fighting to end gerrymandering and manipulated maps. Join the movement to hold elected officials accountable and demand they support gun violence prevention efforts, not special interests and the extreme voices in their party. Add your name to join our fight for fair districts that will allow voters to choose representatives that can pass common-sense gun safety measures.
If politicians refuse to act, we must. Now is the time for people to get directly involved in this fight and demand change.
Eric Holder
82nd Attorney General of the United States
All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund.
