Dear Editor,

In the Tuesday, April 18 Times Gazette, Pat Marsh’s presentation to the Bedford County Republican Party was very descriptive of the thinking of our legislatures as related to their expulsion of Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. His statement as related to both Justins “You’ve got to sit and speak when you’re called on,” was the most telling.

Both Justins come from the world of activism. Their role is not to play by conventional rules, but rather to organize and then use outside influences to pressure people such as Pat to make changes. And in Pat’s case, since he is a State Representative – legislation.

Therefore, when an opportunity arises, as an activist – you take it. This is what they did, in that there were multiple supporters both inside and outside the State Capitol demanding a change that day. The demand was for legislation that will reduce the chance of them or their children being killed in a school shooting and elsewhere.

I personally do not want to be killed by a bullet. However, as Pat says “The Republicans are the gun party”. They are, but how about some responsibility – maybe more gun safety, maybe a reduction in clip size, or perhaps taking these machines – that are designed to kill humans or animals, with a high velocity projectile – away from a mentally ill individual. Just think, if Pat had made that happen and the Covenant shooting prevented, Pat would have never spoken at Republican meeting about this, I would not have written this letter and there would be six people alive today who are not.

Both Justins were incensed over the lack of response from Pat and his Republican colleagues to the Covenant shootings. What both Justins did was look in the dark smoke filled, sausage making room packed with Republican elected officials and lobbyists, and realize they wanted no part. Or as Pat said “The truth is they don’t want to be a part of it”. Whatever “it” is, both Justins knew they would never be accepted by this group, no matter how hard they tried.  However, they had no interest in getting in the hog pen with that bunch of Republicans.

So, what the Justins did was expose Pat and all his Republican colleagues and their mud hole to daylight. The Justins opened the door and let us peek into this exclusive club. Tennessee House of Representatives Republican supermajority members were exposed nationally, and it did not look good. They were the ones who voted to throw these two out of office, while other House members stayed who did much worse.

What Pat does not understand is that both Justins support does not come from inside the Capitol, but outside. That support now is nationwide.

Pat summarized his presentation by stating “I’d say what we’re going to have to do is kick them out again.” As a Democrat, I am not encouraging Pat to do that. However, if Pat does, both Justins will be just fine. Their support will increase.  They will be outside in the sunlight with a bunch of folks, Pat and his colleagues did not know existed. I along with several of Pat’s constituents will be there with the two Justins, outside.

Van Ayers

Chair, Bedford County Democratic Party