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A Thank You Letter to California Governor Jerry Brown

This week, you showed me that there are still people fighting, still people believing, and still politicians working to make a difference.

Anika Bates

Oct 04, 2016

Arizona State University

285

A Thank You Letter to California Governor Jerry Brown

West Side Today

Dear Mr. Brown,

On the verge of one of the most controversial presidential elections this country has ever seen, it's been hard to show support for America during the past couple of months. I'll be honest- this country doesn't seem to have it's stuff together, so how can I be expected to be, "proud to be an American"?

Well, this week, you showed me that there are still people fighting, still people believing, and still politicians working to make a difference.

With your signature on AB 701 and AB 2888, I think I can speak for many when I say we are breathing a little easier. AB 701 gives the court power to treat any sex crimes and assaults as rape in the state of California. AB 2888 also guarantees that any defendant found guilty of these crimes will have to serve some time in the state prison.

While it's said that you initiated your support of these bills in the wake of the Brock Turner verdict and early release, I think it's been a long time coming. For too long, there have been numerous men and women who's attackers have gotten off with a slap on the wrist. This culture has somehow developed a blame-the-victim mentality. The light punishment for rapists is not okay. I'm happy that you've acknowledged and taken action against this.

And while the ink was still drying for your signature on theses bills, you also removed the statutes of limitations on rape. Now, anyone can come forward at any time and be heard. Victims do not have to be afraid of the legal repercussions of coming forward years after the act took place.

With all of this done, the only thing I can say right now is thank you. I know that you can't stop a man or woman from sexually assaulting another. I know that you can't walk the streets and protect every young woman walking to her car. And I know that rape is not a crime that will be completely demolished by this. But I also know that this will bring peace to those who have already suffered. I know that this will restore justice in the lives of some.

And most importantly, I know that you care. I hope that every other state will follow your lead and take action to stop these crimes. Thank you for being the voice.

Sincerely,

A Proud American

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A Thank You Letter to California Governor Jerry Brown

This week, you showed me that there are still people fighting, still people believing, and still politicians working to make a difference.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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