Senate Chambers

What a day!  I was up early to take a shower and be ready to head out the door by 7:15 AM.  Dad and I were heading down to the Capitol to sit in Senate Chambers to listen to the Senate debate the gun laws that are before the Colorado Legislature

What an eye opening experience.  Thankfully, I couldn't be there all day or I would have split my head open I was so angry.

I was still very naive up until Friday about what happened in Congress.  I wanted to believe they were people of high morals and courage.  Running for office is a tough job but man was I dropped off the cliff Friday.

The behavior that I witnessed was astounding.  When the meeting was called to order, people did not sit down and start paying attention.  They continued whatever they were doing.  When roll was called, they had to call numerous names several times because the people weren't paying attention.  I knew who they were and they were not paying attention.

Then they started reading the bills.  People were still up doing whatever.  Debate started.  Still many people not paying attention.  People reading the newspaper, texting, working on the computer, having side conversations, eating, leaving the room.  Total and blatant disregard and disrespect for what was happening in front of them.

I heard emotional testimony that brought tears to my eyes.  People weren't paying attention.

Note:  the people I am talking about are the elected Senators - not the people in the gallery there to observe.

At one point, the Republicans asked for a layover vote on one bill.  To allow more time to problem solve, come up with a great bill instead of a mediocre bill.  Straight down party lines they voted no.  This wasn't about doing the right thing and writing a good piece of legislation this was about passing whatever they wanted because they have the majority.

When the vote for the layover vote was called, all the people that were out of the room came RUNNING in to vote. They hadn't heard any of the testimony, reasons to lay over.  They had already made up their minds. I was sickened.

I had to leave because Aunt Trish wanted to come see some of the debate too and I had to go to Girl Scouts by 1 PM.  Dad, Aunt Trish and Grandma stayed the rest of the day and heard all of the debates.  I tried to listen on the internet and Trish kept me up to date as much as possible.

2 bills were killed by the sponsor (concealed carry on campus and liabilty for assault weapons).  5 other bills have advanced.  It looks like we only need 1 more Dem to switch and the bills will die.  Advancing bills - online gun certification, gun ban for domestic violence offenders, limits on high-capacity magazines, background check fees, universal backgrounds checks.

But still I am sickened and heartbroken.  The system is broken.  We can whine and complain and say there is nothing to do but I won't.  I will fight, I will write, I will make phone calls.  I will do whatever I can to help bring this Country back to where it needs to be left for my children.

On a side note, Homeschoolers could be in trouble - article #1.
Be careful what your kids are being exposed too - article #2

I was already up in arms on Friday because of being in the Senate but these 2 articles sent me further over the edge.  My children will never set foot inside a public school whether they want to or not.  They can't be exposed to the lies that the PS system is now teaching.  Boston Tea Party was an act of terrorism (but not 9/11) and Paul Revere is not a hero but drug/alcohol/gun smuggler.  People, please wake up!