Dear Lucas,
I was so moved by the responses to my message on Saturday about the senseless attack on Cong. Gabby Giffords, staffers, a federal judge, and constituents who were merely participating in our democratic process. Your words of support for Gabby and her family, your heartbreak over the scope of the tragedy, your sense of belonging to a powerful community of fellow EMILY's List members.
You shared my sorrow, shock, and mourning for the lives lost, and fervent hope of full recovery for the injured. Most of all, you expressed how much you believe in what Gabby stands for -- public service, the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and assembly, and courageous leadership and dedication to community.
That's why we've created a place to come together in this terrible time: to mourn those we've lost -- Gabe Zimmerman, Christina Taylor Green, Phyllis Schneck, John Roll, Dorothy Morris, and Dorwin Stoddard, to give support to Gabby and her family, and to remember that, while we grieve and heal, we must remain focused on what brings our EMILY's List community together -- to work for the principles of equitable representation in government, to ensure inclusion of women in every step of the political process, and to honor public servants, like Gabby, who work for a better future.
I invite you to visit WeSupportGabby.com, where you can directly send a personal message to Gabby and her family. You'll also find links to Gabby's favorite charities, as shared by her husband Mark Kelly, and ways to show your support through Facebook and Twitter. As debate and recrimination rage around us, we can make sure that we honor what is most precious to us: Gabby's desire to serve and her total commitment to her community and her constituents.
In the face of such immense tragedy, it's only natural to feel overwhelmed, saddened, and even helpless. But believe me: we've talked with Gabby's incredible staff, and every bit of support means the world. Right now, we must take time to feel grief, to ensure that everyone affected by this heinous event knows we're standing with them, and to never, ever back down from the ideals most precious to us: democracy, equal representation, and the importance of public service.
I am honored to be a part of this community. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Schriock
President, EMILY's List