Category: Open Letters

Senator Thune-

The purpose of this letter is to speak with you on the issue of gun control. Just this past evening, the Senate shot down four gun reform bills that were created in the wake of the act of terrorism that occurred in Orlando, Florida earlier this month. I’ve done some research and I’d like to address some of your voting history when it comes to bills surrounding gun control:

• Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets.
• Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains.
• Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership.
• Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
• Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1.
• Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.
• Sponsored bill for national standard for concealed carry.
• Rated A+ by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.
• Voted YES to allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.
• Voted YES to oppose the United Nations’ Arms Trade Treaty.
• Voted YES to ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC.
• Voted YES to allow firearms in National Parks.

You’ve got a pretty impressive track record for enabling shootings and other gun violence to protect your ‘second amendment rights,’ which, ironically, goes directly against the clause written in to the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.‘ By voting against any sort of firearm control or safety bills, you are taking away the public’s right to life.

Most notably, on Monday you voted to allow individuals on terrorist watch lists to purchase any weapon that they desire, and a bill to expand background checks. You voted to enable more mass shootings in the United States. Which leaves the question- why do you vote in favor of terrorist attacks? After doing some investigation, I’ve got a pretty good idea.

You receive $93,045 from the National Rifle Association every year. So, naturally you will vote against any bill that hurts your romance with assault weapons and the NRA.

So congratulations, Senator Thune. You are successfully prioritizing your campaign donations OVER THE LIVES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. Voters will remember this come election day, so I’d prepare to move back to South Dakota if I were you.

On behalf of the American people whose lives you are risking,

Samuel H. Becker

Governor Daugaard:

I’m writing to urge you to veto HB 1008—harmful legislation that specifically targets transgender students, prohibiting them from using restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.

This legislation, which requires every student provide a birth certificate or blood test as a condition for using the bathroom, is an affront to our South Dakotan values of liberty rooted in small government. It strips school districts of local authority to handle each unique case by putting it in the hands of the state government. But not just that, if signed into law, it would mean real consequences—and financial burden—for our economy and school districts across the state. HB 1008 mandates that school districts find their own legal representation for costly and time consuming lawsuits and administrative complaints that are likely to arise, as well as cover all damages incurred. This puts school districts in impossible position of determining whether to follow state or federal law and face repercussions no matter what they decide. 
And because HB 1008 specifically encourages discrimination on the basis of gender identity—which has been interpreted by the Department of Education to be covered under existing “sex” non-discrimination protections, this bill puts federal funding at risk. Specifically, the discriminatory intent of HB 1008 could jeopardize $205 million in Department of Education funding that accounts for 14.6% of the state’s education income and fuels critical programs like special education, math & science partnerships, rural school programs and food assistance.

The eyes of the nation are on South Dakota—and the state cannot afford to go down this dangerous, costly road. I respectfully ask that you please stand with the people of South Dakota by rejecting this harmful bill.
Sincerely, 

Samuel Becker

Senator McConnell-

I am writing in response to your recent comments regarding President Obama’s replacement of SCOTUS justice Antonin Scalia. You were quoted saying “The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.”

The American people DID and DO have a voice in the selection of the next Supreme Court justice. The American people chose to elect Barack Obama in 2008 as well as in 2012. The American people HAVE SPOKEN as to who they want to appoint the next Supreme Court justice- and that is the job of the president, CHOSEN BY THE PEOPLE.

Frankly, I am disgusted by your promise to block anyone that President Obama nominates to fill the open justice position. You swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and I cannot find a clause that states “…except when there’s a year left in the term of a Democratic President.”

Republicans talk a lot about respecting the constitution, and by promising to block any nomination, you are disrespecting and disregarding the Constitution that you swore to uphold. Additionally, in 2005, you stated “The majority in the Senate is prepared to restore the Senate’s traditions and precedents to ensure that regardless of party, any president’s judicial nominees, after full and fair debate, receive a simple up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. It is time to move away from advise and obstruct and get back to advise and consent.”

What changed between 2005 and today? Do your job and uphold the constitution, get over your blind hatred for Obama, and do your job.

Thank you,

Samuel Becker