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Civic Participation Is One Response To Shootings

To The Reader’s Forum:

As I was starting to watch the seventh NBA game of the Bucks and Celtics, a friend called to check on me and to ask how I was feeling. This was a first for me, that someone clearly viewed my demographic characteristics as someone who may have been affected by another racial mass shooting.

My response was that I am processing yet again thoughts about the lack of humanity in some of my fellow Americans, who happen to look differently than me.

I then thought maybe such people need to see us as family. While we maybe are of a different gender, race, economic wealth, etc., we are family – and we too have a dream of a better America where folks are judged by their character and not the color of their skin.

Yes, I am emotional as I think about the hateful murders of innocents in Buffalo.

The tears are flowing.

But I still have hope. Hope that we can stop this madness. Hope that we can love each other as family. Hope that we can see each other as fellow citizens of this country.

Recently, I decided not to be just a “pew” sitter and maybe if I am seen as a participant in our legislative government – you know, governed by the people for the people – a change will come, a change may come for the betterment of us all.

Participating in our government is maybe one way forward.

Voting is participating.

Will you join with me in this awesome, unique democratic process and vote?!

Sandra A. Lewis

Fredonia

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