Hi John,

Every year, on the Fourth of July, I think about our country’s origin story. I think about freedom and patriotism. And I think about the bold declaration made by the founders, in which each of us was promised an unbreakable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

But it’s hard to celebrate the ideals of our country, when that promise has been veined with fractures -- created one bullet at a time.

It’s hard to celebrate, when no one feels safe and when anyone – a lawmaker, a firefighter, a police officer, a young child – can be gunned down anywhere, anytime.

You and I – and every real patriot – refuse to accept this shattered version of our country’s founding principles.

Freedom means thriving — without fear.

Imagine a time when lockdown drills and school shootings are relics of the past. Imagine going to a summer block party or picnic or music festival, where everyone feels safe.

Patriotism means protecting one another from gun violence.

Imagine a world where we remember everyone is someone’s sister, mother, son, nephew, or grandmother. Imagine a world where we all agree that protecting each other from gun violence is our patriotic duty.   

Freedom is earned — through collective action.

Imagine all of us working together to put the safety of our children, our friends, our neighbors, and ourselves above the profits of the gun industry. Imagine the relief we’ll feel when we finally pass laws – from universal background checks to extreme risk laws – to make sure that all Wisconsinites are safe and secure.

We don’t have to just imagine this safer future; we can work toward it – together, starting right now!

This Fourth of July, I’m not celebrating the myth of freedom. I’m committing to building the kind of freedom that lasts. I hope you’ll join me.

Patriotically yours,

Jeri Bonavia

Executive Director

Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort
P.O. Box 170393
Milwaukee, WI 53217
United States 

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