“Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble; or to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” — First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

I am saddened to see news reports of violence in the streets of Minneapolis against folks who are simply exercising their First Amendment right to protest. Recently, I’ve read about two shooting deaths at the hands of agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The two victims, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were American citizens merely protesting overreach by ICE in their communities.

What is happening in Minneapolis could very well come to our community if we do not speak out.

As a retired public school teacher and grandmother, I am perplexed by these actions. This is not the America I grew up in. By writing this letter and calling my Congressional representatives in Washington, I am exercising my right to free speech, and should be able to do so without fear of retribution by the U.S. government.

I encourage all people in Rowan County to call on Rep. Addison McDowell at mcdowell.house.gov, Senator Thom Tillis at tillis.senate.gov, and Senator Ted Budd at budd.senate.gov to vote NO on any new funding for ICE in the DHS budget that is currently being debated in Congress.

Today we are witnessing a singular moment in American history that will determine the course of our future. How will we respond?

Karen Puckett