Letter to my congressman

Congressman Walz,

Congratulations on winning your seat in the House again! I voted for you from here in Rochester.

I've never written a personally composed letter to my representative before, but I decided in the wake of the election that it was time to be a little more active. I intend that this will not be the last time I write you; I want you to know you have the support of your constituents as you head toward what will undoubtedly be a difficult and trying two years (and more) ahead, and I want you to hear my voice directly, with more nuance than I can give by just voting for you.

Generally, I hope that you will be a loud advocate for ALL the american people, focusing on those who are genuinely and deservedly afraid at the result of the election. People of color, muslims, and the LGBTQI community are already experiencing a rise in hatred as the election results embolden certain, shall we say, 'deplorables'. Please do everything you can to speak on their behalf, and speak loudly. I'm paraphrasing, but I saw on twitter "As white males with privilege, it is time for us to put down a shoudler and block for those who have less."

And please, be loud in general. Be a thorn in the side of the republican majority. In the words of Captain Malcom Reynolds from the Serenity movie, "Aim to misbehave". My support for you will be embiggened rather than endangered, if I see you in the news being bold. (And if you haven't watched Serenity and the Firefly TV series that spawned it, do yourself a favor and make the time!).

Can't let this get too long, so that's all this time.

Respectfully,

Tommy Rinkoski