My statement of intention in leading tomorrow's vigil in Newington, NH, at the corporate headquarters of Sig Sauer:
Today, we pray. Today, we protest. Today, we weep.
But we are not here--outside the corporate headquarters of a company that designs and sells assault weapons--merely to pray. And we are not here--outside the corporate headquarters of a company that makes millions of dollars every year on the kinds of weapons used in Nashville, Orlando and Uvalde--merely to wave signs at cars. And we are not here--outside the coporate headquarters of a company that has just recently opened (in our community) an "entertainment center" to sell kids and families on the recreational value of target shooting and weapon collecting--merely to weep for the kids who die every week in schools and streets and supermarkets.
We are here to say: We are people of faith and conscience. And we will not be silenced.
We are here to say: We are people of good will and compassion. And we stand with kids all over the country who will not be silenced.
We are here to say: We are voters and organizers. And we stand with banished legislators in Tennessee and their many allies--who will not be silenced.
We are here to say: We too are Americans and law-abiding citizens of this community. We reject the idea that the 2nd Amendment protects the rights of corporations to make and sell and buy weapons of mass destruction. If it is the will of the people to rid our communities of weapons of mass destruction, then we must.
We are here to say: We are neighbors and parents and teachers and laborers. We reject the idea that the 2nd Amendment prevents states from honestly and faithfully protecting children and families, and the elderly and victims of domestic violence. A decent and just society projects its children, its elders and the most vulnerable in our midst.
We are here to say: We reject the idea that guns of any kind make our communities safe places, that guns of any kind enhance security and community cohesion and neighborliness. Justice is a matter of equity, opportunity and human rights--not weaponry, bluster, grievance and intimidation.
We are here to say: NO MORE!
We are here to say: STOP DESIGNING THESE WEAPONS!
We are here to say: STOP SELLING AND PROFITTING OFF OF HUMAN MISERY!
We are here to say (to our neighbors and friends): STOP BUYING ASSAULT WEAPONS AND WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!
It's time to go back to work learning the practices and habits of democracy. It's time to go back to work learning to talk and listen. It's time to go back to work learning to assess issues and solve problems together. And the plain and obvious truth is this: 350 millions guns are getting in the way. We will organize. We will show up. And we will be heard.
