So the Republicans want to block the Violence Against Women
Act because it includes illegal immigrants and the LGBT community. Here follows
an open letter to our Republican leaders.
Dear
Republican Congressmen and women: First, let me give you an economic reason to
pass this. It's generally cheaper to get out of an abusive relationship than it
is to pay the hospital bills that come with getting beat half to death. Thanks
to DOMA, same-sex partners aren't automatically covered by their spouse's
medical plans and, of course, illegal immigrants don't necessarily have
insurance.
But
that's not the primary reason to pass this bill as is. You don't just represent
the people who voted for you or those who agree with you, you represent
everyone in your district. Let me repeat that; EVERYONE. You are responsible
for everyone who lives within the area you represent, including LGBT and
illegals. It doesn't matter whether you agree with their sexual orientation, or
how they came into this country, because it all boils down to one thing; human
decency. We are supposed to be better than that. We are supposed to be the
protectors, the people who do the right thing. Our children are killing
themselves because they are being told that they are less than human, if not
literally then in deed. Our LGBT population is being denied basic human rights,
immigrants are told that they're good enough to pick our vegetables but not to be a part of this country. Where is the compassion, where is the
respect for human life? It is your duty as our leaders, and ours as humans, to
help our fellows when they need it. No one deserves to be beaten up, and no one
should have to be afraid to ask for help.
