LETTER: One Senator Away from Change…

To the editor:

We’re all still reeling from the events that unfolded during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on April 7, 2018. Senator John Coghill, Jr. demonstrated his true depth of disrespect for the good people of Alaska – as well as his colleagues. Perhaps he has forgotten his position was born out of public service. Removing “public” from this aggregation of duties merely makes him a “servant,” and not the powerful dictator he so unabashedly presumes to be.

I’ve attempted to be cordial with Coghill in an email asking him to reconsider his position on renaming the dating violence portion of The Alaska Safe Children’s Act (ASCA) as Bree’s Law. I was aware of his refusal to hear public testimony on April 7th under the false precept of allowing fellow senators to present their bills.

I remained hopeful – and on standby. The childish way Coghill abruptly adjourned without hearing the remaining two bills only proves there was no intention to have a productive conversation. If this lack of internal fortitude in the face of conflicting viewpoints qualifies one for the seat of Senate Judiciary Chair, I suppose Coghill is the best fit! It seems the public disagrees and I’m personally beyond cordial now. This issue crosses party lines into one we should all take up to preserve the integrity of our democracy.

It is disparaging to know that Butch and Cindy Moore have endured continued public abuse through Coghill’s unfounded accusations. It takes a special kind of cruel to call Butch Moore a bully and insinuate the couple has blackmailed legislators into supporting a cause Alaskans appear interested in. I wish to rectify Coghill’s points with the public, which are nothing more than a slap in the face to a family that has suffered great loss. His arguments have a grievous impact on individual victims of intimate partner violence and communities throughout the state.

The renaming of the dating violence portion of the ASCA reflects more than Breanna Moore’s tragic story and the tireless efforts of her parents in making Alaska a safer place for our children. Rather, humanizing this piece of legislation promotes the kind of empathy and connection direly needed to take dating violence more seriously. Many students already receiving the mandated education grew up with Breanna – as she formed relationships with parents, teachers, and other community members alike. Her early and violent murder hit so close to home that it’s safe to assume everyone feels some sort of connection to her. Why deny us ownership in the resolution of the problem, as well as our own healing?

I was taken back by Coghill’s assertion that the Moores’ interest lies merely in “industry.” There is nothing to be financially gained, nor exploitation served, in renaming parts of this bill. I find it perplexing that Coghill avoids the claim that the adjoining portion of the ASCA, Erin’s Law, was touted as a franchise – even though the campaign surfaced on the national stage. Don’t get me wrong, I support Erin’s Law with every ounce of my being. But this does lead me to question why Coghill seems to push back only on dating violence – what are their interests exactly?

Psychology recognizes that individuals often attach meaning to adverse experiences through promoting positive change. I do think Butch and Cindy Moore have an agenda – one that will ultimately benefit many generations of Coghills to come. Now that is an agenda I can get behind!

Of the statements Coghill made, none strike me as more contemptuous than his reference to Breanna dating a “known bad actor.” This signifies the very climate in which abuse thrives; the victim blame game. Breanna knew something that Coghill must not – that leaving is extremely dangerous. Furthermore, perpetrators groom victims into believing they are entering safe and supportive relationships before employing abusive tactics. Gaslighting perpetuates power and control by creating confusion and the questioning of a victim’s own sanity. If they are ever to realize the true intention of the contract, it might be too late. This is exactly the sort of dilemma Bree’s Law sets out to prevent through education.

The final issue I will take up with Senator Coghill on this matter is his postulation that Breanna’s situation was a “different issue” than that addressed by Bree’s Law. She was in the highest risk age group for experiencing dating violence when her life was so abruptly taken. Not only were Breanna and her parents unaware of the early warning signs, but a general lack of knowledge about dating violence likely kept her silent in fear of persecution. Coghill’s statements only reinforce these fears in those suffering. Education before the fact is absolutely the way to thwart the numerous obstacles to getting out. This is the difference between prevention and intervention, which is exactly what Bree’s Law seeks to accomplish.

I’m calling on Senators Coghill and Kelly to do what is just by renaming the dating violence education portion of the ASCA as “Bree’s Law” after its rightful namesake. Continued failure to disregard Alaskans and those in office who do represent the public will be remembered when it is our turn to throw the gavel at the poles. Please help preserve Breanna Moore’s legacy of prevention through early education… the rest is rhetorical!

— Rus’sel Sampson

Wasilla