You don't have an eternity

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  There are a lot of things I could be writing about. Right now I have three other halfway-written posts on less inflammatory topics- but to be honest, the current political climate back home has my undivided attention for the moment. President Trump's executive order “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States” does not represent in any way the country my parents fled to in order to start a new life for themselves. So consider this post my PSA for those of you who maybe don't know where to start, feel a little helpless, or have trouble coming up with the words to say as a private citizen when contacting your representatives in the Senate concerning this order.

   The big master list of U.S. Senators, their current stance on the order, and contact information is available here.

  As I know that some people (like me) have a hard time working off form letters as a basis for their own personalized letter, I include my letters to Senator Rubio and Senator Nelson as a variant to the current form letters floating around. I realize that the contents are likely not applicable to 99% of those writing, but it does give a more personal take on the issue.


Senator Rubio,

My name is _______________. I am a U.S. citizen and a voting constituent in your state. I am writing to you today concerning President Trump's Executive Order "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States".  I am part of the first generation in my family to have been born in the United States. My parents fled the oppressive regime of Castro's Cuba (similar to the refugees of today) for the chance at a new, better life of freedom and opportunity in America. If it were not for our country's values of religious tolerance, diversity, and nondiscrimination my parents would not be citizens today- nor would I, my brother, or my children.

As the child of Cuban immigrants, you and your family also benefited from these values. So I am asking you today why you have not taken a public stance against this executive order? The people being targeted by it are students bettering themselves by pursuing an education in our country. Visitors entering into our country to spend time with family, or experience for themselves all the good things our country has to offer. Refugees who have already gone through a two-year (or more) process of vetting before being given approval to enter the country.  People who have served our country in war zones in varying capacities- putting themselves and their families at risk because they believed in what we stand for.  U.S. Green Card holders who are legal residents of our country.

I personally know people who have served this country and have family that are now scared to leave for fear that they will be denied reentry to their country- their home, because of this executive order. So I ask, where do you stand on this issue? I would like for you to make your position on it public, because your current silence is tantamount to tacit approval. As a daughter of immigrants, I find such a stance intolerable.

Thank you for your time, and attention to this email.


Senator Nelson,

My name is _______________. I am a U.S. citizen, lifelong Democrat, and a voting constituent in your state. I am writing to you today concerning President Trump's Executive Order "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States".  I am part of the first generation in my family to have been born in the United States. My parents fled the oppressive regime of Castro's Cuba (similar to the refugees of today) for the chance at a new, better life of freedom and opportunity in America. If it were not for our country's values of religious tolerance, diversity, and nondiscrimination my parents would not be citizens today- nor would I, my brother, or my children.

As you are our state's Democratic representative in the Senate, I am asking you today why you have not taken a public stance against this executive order. The people being targeted by it are students bettering themselves by pursuing an education in our country. Visitors entering into our country to spend time with family, or experience for themselves all the good things our country has to offer. Refugees who have already gone through a two-year (or more) process of vetting before being given approval to enter the country.  People who have served our country in war zones in varying capacities- putting themselves and their families at risk because they believed in what we stand for.  U.S. Green Card holders who are legal residents of our country.

I personally know people who have served this country and have family that are now scared to leave for fear that they will be denied reentry to their country- their home, because of this executive order. So I ask, where do you stand on this issue? I would like for you to make your position on it public, because your current silence is tantamount to tacit approval. As a daughter of immigrants, I find such a stance intolerable.

Thank you for your time, and attention to this email.


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