An Open Letter

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.