Tuesday, February 15, 2022


In 1994 Congress did something extraordinary – it passed the Violence Against Women Act, usually referred to as VAWA.  By the way, in spite of the title, the law is gender neutral, and I have represented immigrant men as well as women under a part of the Act that permits victims of domestic violence married to US citizens or Permanent Residents to secure status without the abuser.

 

It’s up for reauthorization.  The so-called “gun rights” legislators wanted a key provision of the Act dropped, namely, that non-married partners of DV victims could not have guns. Golly gee!  Let’s allow an ex-boyfriend – or girlfriend—convicted, yes, convicted, of domestic violence the right to have a gun so he or she can finish the job.

 

What are these dolts – oops, I meant Members of Congress—thinking?  Talk about pure political cowardice! Most victims of domestic violence are not married to their abusers. What abuser needs a gun?  To protect oneself against what?  What miserable excuses we have for our elected leaders.

 

Prayer for the Day

 

Forgiving God, from our youth we have been taught that you are love,
    That you embrace us even as we sin against you and each other;
Torn by inner conflicts that hold us prisoners to our past,
     We find it difficult to ask for help so we can heal our broken lives.
Move us into a future free form the chains of unresolved regret
     And help us reconcile with each other as we ask your pardon.
In the name of him who pardons all who seek truth and love,
     Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

 

Thoughts for the Day

 

The effects of abuse are far reaching. Domestic violence speaks many languages, has many colours, and lives in many different communities.
     - Sandra Pupatello, Canadian legislator from Ontario

 

My father was one of those men who sit in a room and you can feel it: the simmer, the sense of some unpredictable force that might, at any moment, break loose, and do something terrible.
     - John Burnside, from A Lie About My Father: A Memoir

 

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
   “Come,” my heart says, “seek God’s face!”  Your face, O Lord, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me.
    Psalm 27: 7-9