OPINION: To the Kid With More Heart Than Virginia Foxx

A Greensboro fourth grader named Christian wrote to his member of Congress, US Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican representing North Carolina’s 5th congressional district. She responded by saying he must have been “indoctrinated.” Jacob Brooks, who lives in the district, has a few words for the boy — and for Rep. Foxx.

Hey, Christian,

You don’t know me.

My name is Jacob Brooks. I’m from Ennice, North Carolina — Alleghany County — and just like you, I am represented by US Rep. Virginia Foxx, even though you’re in Greensboro and I’m way far west. Ask your teacher what “gerrymandering” means and it’ll help explain how we’re so far apart and represented by the same person. 

Look man, I saw what happened. I read your letter. I’m so proud of you for using your Constitutionally protected rights to advocate for strong public policy changes. I’m renewed by your courage to write to your member of Congress and make a case for a cause you so deeply believe in — in this case, climate change. 

A tax rebate for an electric vehicle purchase is a great idea! I would absolutely take advantage. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Jeep Wrangler, but it’s killing me at the pump. 

I’m sorry Congresswoman Foxx was rude, dismissive and ugly in her response to you.  

“Incidentally, please ask your teacher to explain propaganda to you,” Foxx wrote. “While I will never be able to know, my guess is that your teachers will not give you a good educational experience and help you learn to think as they are too interested in indoctrinating you. How sad.”

Do not let her response deter you! Keep fighting for what you believe in. Keep using your voice, your rights and your brain to push for good public policy. That is exactly what this country is supposed to be about.

And, as a former public school teacher, I am so proud to see that we are still raising kids like you — curious, generous and willing to stand up.

Now, I want to tell you something.

I was in fourth grade once. That was the year I became civically engaged — just like you just did. It was 2001 and our country was under attack. But Christian, in that darkness — there was so much light.

We rallied around each other. We listened to each other. We flew flags off our front porches. And somewhere in all of that, I fell in love with this country. I really did.

And I hope — I genuinely hope — that Virginia Foxx does not take that from you.

Because this is a special country. The longest-enduring democracy in the world. And that doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people speak up. People who write letters. People like you.

Anyways, I’m proud to call you a fellow North Carolinian, and I hope our paths cross someday. Maybe on a campaign trail. If they do — remind me to tell you about the time I witnessed Congresswoman Foxx stuff dinner rolls into her purse.

Until then, keep going, man. Put the pedal to the metal and don’t stop for nothin’. 

Here’s to changing the world by changing ours. 

Jacob Brooks is a writer, comedian, and advocate. He is the NC Director for Patriotic Millionaires. This column is syndicated by Beacon Media and is available to republish for free on all platforms under Beacon Media’s guidelines.