I have thought a lot about Therese Bottomly’s last two Letters from the Editor about the printing of graphic photos (“Should we publish graphic images to focus attention on mass shootings?,” June 5, and “Readers share many thoughts regarding graphic images, other issues,” June 12). Bottomly and readers raised important considerations. However, thoughtful discussion and consideration are not the end of the line for this issue. Incremental gun legislation in Congress, should it be passed, is such a low bar. Our collective values of caring for one another and our communities are at risk of being destroyed forever and replaced with the divisiveness, violence and helplessness we continue to experience.
So, I have a proposal. Instead of thinking about sharing graphic images of children, why not share daily voting records? Share legislators’ local and national voting records the way that baseball scores are shared, as box scores. Who is voting for and against gun legislation? Use The Oregonian/OregonLive’s platform to hold our local and national leaders accountable. And provide information. Educate our citizenry about where to register to vote (not a partisan issue), how to vote (not a partisan issue), and how to run for office (not a partisan issue). The Oregonian/OregonLive provides a platform that few of us have access to individually. I urge you to try something revolutionary and dedicate a space on the front page to this topic – create a daily “must-read” voting tally and educational space for community building, strengthening and empowerment.
Wendy Kahn, Portland
