Hi Everyone,
I have exciting news to share! Barack Obama signed my petition! I'm really hoping it was President Barack Obama, and a part of me wants to believe it was. He signed it on January 20th, which was Martin Luther King Day, just the day after I last posted my previous update. I'd like to think that something I said about Dr. King demanding freedom from the oppressors resonated with him. Thank you, President Obama, we share the same passion for human rights.
Other exciting news that I have is that I just got over the 200 mark! I got 208 signatures as of yesterday, January 26th, and I currently have 212 signatures. I'm so grateful for each and every signature. Each one was obtained by spreading awareness. I've even been handing out my petition at local grocery stores, food courts, etc. That's 212 people who now are aware potentially of something they might not have known of before - that's very hopeful to me - we all have to spread the awareness.
Finally, I reached out to both Senator Toni Atkins' office by email and to Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. As of today, I heard back from Assemblymember Maienschein's office, and was told that they will share my request with the Assemblymember's Legislative Staff in their Capitol Office for review and consideration. They will also contact the Assemblymember's scheduler to let her know of my request for a phone appointment. This is so very exciting! I can't wait for the day that forced marriage will be a crime not only here in CA, but in all of the USA, and then everywhere around the world. I'm hoping for the same too with child marriage that the marriage age will be raised to 18, here in CA, then everywhere in the USA, and also all around the world. I will keep you updated on my phone interview with Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. Please keep spreading the word, and encouraging your friends, colleagues and neighbors to sign, and thank you so much for your support.
Thank you,
Davinder