A Response I Wrote to Washington State Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez's Vote for H.R. 9495

There are so many threats to democracy fiercely coming at us from all directions now. And there are countless ways in which we can respond, ground ourselves in integrity and truth, and take a stand in protection of a highest good for us all. This letter that I wrote this morning to our Washington State Representative is an example of just one. 

Representative Gluesenkamp Perez,

I am extremely disturbed by the fact that you were among 15 Democrats who joined MAGA Republicans to vote for H.R. 9495. Do you not understand the extreme threat to democracy that this bill represents? This bill is a five-alarm fire for anyone who seeks to protect free speech, civil society, and democracy. I understand that "If H.R. 9495 becomes law, we'll be entering a dangerous era where nonprofits can be shut down with little evidence and no accountability. Today it's pro-Palestinian groups—tomorrow it could be any organization critical of government policy." This horrifies me! This vote of yours highlights a profound lack of integrity.

I voted for you twice and twice because of my determination to block the extreme right winger Joe Kent. But now you are voting like he would. Can you understand my profound concern and disillusionment with you?

Please look into yourself and how your values and priorities are represented in your actions. Do you stand with democracy and the needs of We the People and the planet or not? A vote for H.R. 9495 obviously shines bright light on your allegiance to your corporate donors and how embedded in this action is the late stage capitalist neoliberalism that has long infected the Democratic Party AND which is a root cause of the ushering in of the neoliberal fascist era under the Trump regime. Please act now to truly represent a higher good for those you are supposed to serve. A vote for H.R. 9495 does the opposite.

Molly Strong
73 year old retired social worker
Vancouver, WA