June 15, 2017

Dear Representative Love,

Yesterday, five people associated with the Republican Party were shot by a man who identified as liberal. We, the members of Utah’s CD4 Coalition, a grassroots organization made up of your constituents who are dedicated to a progressive vision for Utah, feel it is imperative that we say loudly and with clarity that we condemn the shooting. Violence is in direct opposition to the values that we hold dear. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the shooting in Virginia this week.

Yesterday also marked 124 days since we started asking you to hold a town hall. In all our interactions with you and your office, we have been peaceful and developed cordial relationships with your staff. In your statement about the shooting you said, “Some people wonder why… some members [of Congress] refuse to put themselves in harm’s way, allowing hundreds of people to yell at them with no dialogue taking place.” The Coalition has been one of the loudest voices in asking for a town hall, and your statement contradicts the reality of respectful interactions we have had with your staff and is misleading to the public. Barbara, Laurel, Barry, and Celeste from your West Jordan office can all attest to the fact that, while we are vehement in our opposition to your politics, we are not a threat to the safety of you or your family. We subscribe to the Kingian principle of addressing the issues, not attacking the people who present them.

The abhorrent shooting of your colleague will not stop you from doing your job, and it will not stop us from holding you accountable through peaceful non-violence. We do not accept this shooting as a reason for you to not listen to us in the format of an in-person town hall.

As Representative Gabby Gifford said, “To the politicians who have abandoned their civic obligations, I say this: Have some courage. Face your constituents. Hold town halls.”

In peace, as always,
Utah’s CD4 Coalition