Mays Street & Old Settlers Park
Home of the Afraid
RECEIVED Wed., July 5, 2023
Dear Governor Greg Abbott,
On this Independence Day, I want to thank you for protecting the rights of lunatics over the rest of us. For ignoring the fact that the mental health crisis in our state affects us all.
And for ruining my safe place: my Sunday outdoor yoga class.
Because of you and your refusal to protect those of us living outside a womb, instead of enjoying the one hour a week I have at outdoor yoga in Downtown Austin – I spent it watching a suspicious man with a backpack watching us. And then watching security watching him. Wondering if they were overreacting, and then super grateful for their attention.
As he paced back and forth above us on Cesar Chavez Street, I contemplated where and how I’d run to hide behind the nearest tree if he started shooting. As I closed my eyes and tried unsuccessfully to relax into each pose, I visualized a protective shield around us all.
Texas is no longer the land of the free. It’s the home of the afraid.
Your laws and decisions (and loyalties) have created suspicion, anger and hatred among strangers. Which I guess is a good thing if your goal is to increase fear & loathing. And gun sales.
This isn’t leadership. You and your supporters should be ashamed.
On this Independence Day, I want to thank you for protecting the rights of lunatics over the rest of us. For ignoring the fact that the mental health crisis in our state affects us all.
And for ruining my safe place: my Sunday outdoor yoga class.
Because of you and your refusal to protect those of us living outside a womb, instead of enjoying the one hour a week I have at outdoor yoga in Downtown Austin – I spent it watching a suspicious man with a backpack watching us. And then watching security watching him. Wondering if they were overreacting, and then super grateful for their attention.
As he paced back and forth above us on Cesar Chavez Street, I contemplated where and how I’d run to hide behind the nearest tree if he started shooting. As I closed my eyes and tried unsuccessfully to relax into each pose, I visualized a protective shield around us all.
Texas is no longer the land of the free. It’s the home of the afraid.
Your laws and decisions (and loyalties) have created suspicion, anger and hatred among strangers. Which I guess is a good thing if your goal is to increase fear & loathing. And gun sales.
This isn’t leadership. You and your supporters should be ashamed.
Sadly,
Susan Rosenzweig
Susan Rosenzweig
