OPINION: NJ-03 Congressman Tom MacArthur will not protect our children

ABOVE: Screenshot from Citizens’ Media TV’s live stream of the United for Gun Safety Rally at NJ3 Tom MacArthur’s Marlton office

Editor’s note: The opinions in this letter are the author’s only. Citizens’ Media TV encourages all viewpoints. Please submit your letters to the editor

A letter to the editor by Kristine Piccola of Moorestown, NJ

Dear Editor,

On Wednesday, I stood outside Tom MacArthur’s Marlton office, along with hundreds of students, parents and concerned citizens of the 3rd Congressional District of New Jersey. So many voices raised in sorrow, empathy, confusion, and yes, anger.   Congressman MacArthur’s most recent statement rebuffed the voices of his constituents. MacArthur stated: “I recently held a meeting in Stafford Township . . . There was no finger-pointing or name calling; instead we had a productive and open conversation about the issue of gun violence.”  Yes. We are pointing our finger at you.  Yes, we are angry. We are angry because the talk, talk, talk, is just that.   It’s time for our representatives to move the conversation OUT of Small Town, USA. The arguments on both sides of the issue are clear.  Unfortunately, MacArthur’s stance on these issues is also clear:

• YES vote to allow conceal carry reciprocity.
• YES vote to block the SSA from reporting negative mental status in order to limit gun ownership
• YES vote to allow veterans to buy firearms even if they have been deemed mentally incompetent.
• YES vote to prohibit restrictions on type, season, or method of hunting.
• YES vote to expand hunting lands (including the endangered gray wolf).
• YES vote to prohibit regulations on the use of ammunition cartridges and components.
• YES vote to allow imports of sport hunted exotic animal trophies and ivory.

My voice, along with the voices of those standing with me on Wednesday, and around the country, call a Vote of No Confidence on Tom MacArthur.  We call a Vote of No Confidence on any representative who has held office these past years, and in the face of gun violence, continue to vote against the interests of common sense gun laws.   In Tom MacArthur’s own words, “failing to stop gun violence in our communities is irresponsible”.  Tom MacArthur’s votes have failed us.  The time for ‘polite conversation’ is over.  On Wednesday, hundreds strong, we stood to raise our voices to be heard. As citizens, this is what we can do.  As our Congressman, it is Tom MacArthur’s responsibility to turn those voices into action in Washington.

In November, I will cast my vote for NJ CD3 Congressional candidate Andy Kim.  Mr. Kim has made a commitment to listen to his constituents and take our voice to Washington.  He is committed to represent us with action, not words.  He is committed to put people before politics, people before corporations, people before the NRA!  Andy Kim will win the NJ CD3 Congressional seat in November. And he will have done it without a dime from big money super PACs. 

BELOW: In one week, Parkland, Florida teenage survivor Emma Gonzalez now has more Twitter followers than the NRA and its official spokesperson.

Editor’s note: The opinions in this letter are the author’s only. Citizens’ Media TV encourages all viewpoints. Please submit your letters to the editor