John, In Richmond VA today it is lobby day, where over 100,000 people are gathered who believe that they have a constitutional right to bear arms. I never argue with anyone who believes that. This is not the argument that I want to use my energy on. Most advocates are not lawyers. We believe that we have a human right to live without gun violence. This morning I read once again, Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1964 by Martin Luther King. This letter continually reassures me, and allows me to understand my resistance to being or seeing mediocre leaders. It is a call for honesty, and it is a call for bravery. Many of us today that are watching pictures from VA roll out across screens and seeing brave law makers on a state level take the actions that their citizens have asked of them. They have been taking the votes to make their state safe from gun violence. A state that was built on slavery, is changing the landscape forever. The lawmakers are doing the work they were called to do. We know that in each state there are grassroots, independent groups who are working alongside their communities to bring change. Each advocate works tirelessly because we know that not working hard means that someone new will be shot. We understand that the darkest of the conservative movement will be working hard to defeat sensible gun laws. Call your US Senator and tell them to take up the bills that Congress has sent to them. Pass the Gun Violence and Community Safety bills that will protect citizens from everyday gun violence. Pass the bills that prevent immediate access to guns. Pass bills that allow for more research on gun violence. Make noise. Make more noise. In the midst of Impeachment, call for your Senator to do what he/she/they were elected to do. Hold up our right to be free from gun violence. We are moving forward this year in our fight to end gun violence. Please make a donation to help us provide more tools for our State Affiliates. With gratitude for all you do, Clai Clai Lasher-Sommers Executive Director, States United to Prevent Gun Violence | 
