Americans, often led by youth, are exercising their “patriotic duty” to stand up for what they believe in with peaceful demonstrations (“In Our View: Peaceful protests epitomize our patriotic duty,” The Columbian, Sept. 30). Calling or writing their representatives is a good next step to achieve their goals. This was recently demonstrated by constituents across the state calling for their members of Congress to sign on to House Resolution 517 supporting continued funding of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The Global Fund has saved 32 million lives since 2002 and has plans to save 16 million more in the next three years if funded, keeping us on track to finally control these three diseases.
So it is no surprise that so far, Reps. Rick Larsen, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Adam Smith are among the 131 members of both parties to co-sponsor this resolution. Since she took supportive action for the Global Fund three years ago, constituents are wondering what is holding up Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground. She knows that these pandemics must be dealt with globally to protect us locally. So, thanks to young people leading the way, and start calling and writing those who represent you to continue being a part of the solution.
