They’ve lost loved ones to suicide, or they simply admire Tommy’s devotion to social justice, and the generosity and kindness his parents so eloquently described. They lost children of their own, or struggle with depression themselves. Yet many have no connection to the Raskins they simply saw the statement about Tommy and were touched. Tommy would have thought the mob was “the absolute worst form of crime against democracy,” the congressman told the Washington Post, adding that he “felt in my heart and in my chest” during the attack. Raskin said he has also been inspired by his son, whose commitment to justice has provided him strength to take action after the attack on the Capitol Raskin spent the days following the riot drafting articles of impeachment, as well as a resolution asking Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment. They praised him for his devotion to democracy even in the face of such loss. Some are devoted constituents of his father, who weathered the attack on the Capitol just one day after his son’s funeral and has since become one of the leaders of the move to impeach Trump. One family lit a votive candle for the Raskins in their church.Įven though Tommy’s death is one among innumerably many this year, it has provoked a singular response. People are forgiving debts, bringing newspapers to neighbors’ front porches, calling old friends and donating blood. Instead, the list seems to serve as a form of accountability or motivation to simply be a better person. Many also promised to reach out to friends they know are isolated or struggling.īut many of the good deeds listed did not seem to be directly inspired by Tommy or his particular interests. Much of the list features donations to food banks, animal shelters and the newly-created memorial fund, as well as promises to foster animals or take up vegetarianism. Kari Hillstrom McDonough, who started the project, has also received many submissions on a Facebook post. In a humble Google Sheet, a list is growing of good deeds done in Tommy’s honor - 1120 people in 42 states and 12 countries, and growing. In a time in which so many people have died in the pandemic, something about this particular death struck a chord and moved people to action. Jamie Raskin and his wife, Sarah Bloom, published a eulogy on Medium, detailing the life of their son, his struggles and successes, and sharing his poignant final note, in which he exhorted his family to take care of the “animals and the global poor.” They have since set up the Tommy Raskin Memorial Fund for People and Animals, to do so. After his son Tommy Raskin died by suicide, Rep.
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