By Jacob Brooks, Beacon Media
[Editor’s Note: This column was originally published at Beacon Media, a North Carolina site that specializes in providing local commentary for NC publications.]
Hey, Christian,
You don’t know me.
My name is Jacob Brooks. I’m from Ennice, North Carolina — Alleghany County — and just like you, I am represented by U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, even though you’re in Greensboro and I’m way far West. Ask your teacher what “gerrymandering” means and it’ll help explain how we’re so far apart and represented by the same person.
Look man, I saw what happened. I read your letter. I’m so proud of you for using your Constitutionally protected rights to advocate for strong public policy changes. I’m renewed by your courage to write to your member of Congress and make a case for a cause you so deeply believe in — in this case, climate change.
Not to mention, a tax rebate for an electric vehicle purchase is a great idea! I would absolutely take advantage. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Jeep Wrangler, but it’s killing me at the pump.
I’m sorry Congresswoman Foxx was rude, dismissive, and ugly in her response to you. “Incidentally, please ask your teacher to explain propaganda to you,” Foxx wrote. “While I will never be able to know, my guess is that your teachers will not give you a good educational experience and help you learn to think as they are too interested in indoctrinating you. How sad.”
Do not let her response deter you! Keep fighting for what you believe in. Keep using your voice, your rights, your brain — to push for good public policy. That is exactly what this country is supposed to be about.
And, as a former public school teacher, I am so proud to see that we are still raising kids like you — curious, generous, and willing to stand up.
Now, I want to tell you something.
I was in fourth grade once. And that was the year I became civically engaged — just like you just did. It was 2001. And our country was under attack. But Christian, in that darkness — there was so much light. We rallied around each other. We listened to each other. We flew flags off our front porches. And somewhere in all of that, I fell in love with this country.
I really did.
And I hope — I genuinely hope — that Virginia Foxx does not take that from you.
Because this is a special country. The longest-enduring democracy in the world. And that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people speak up. People who write letters. People like you.
Anyways, I’m proud to call you a fellow North Carolinian, and I hope our paths cross someday. Maybe on a campaign trail. If they do — remind me to tell you about the time I witnessed Congresswoman Foxx stuff dinner rolls into her purse.
Until then: keep going, man. Put the pedal to the metal, and don’t stop for nothin’.
Here’s to changing the world by changing ours.
