HarcyPervin
Member
Couple auto-replies. Neither even mentioned the gun issue
Dear Mr. *********:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding gun control and your thoughts on the Second Amendment. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
One struggles to find the words to adequately address the unimaginable horror of the tragedies that took place in the communities of Newtown, Aurora, Tuscon, Blacksburg, and Columbine. Nevada's deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Such senseless violence, perpetuated by individuals bereft of any respect for human life, can only be described as evil. Their actions leave us shaken and searching for answers.
In the search for answers, the temptation is to do something, anything, to prevent such evil from ever happening again. That is a natural response. Unfortunately, powerful emotions are not always the best foundation for sound policies.
Americans are citizens, not subjects. Our government derives its power from the consent of the people. Our liberties, including the right to bear arms, pre-exist the founding of our government, and the people did not give up their individual rights when they consented to its creation. Nor are there any provisions in our founding documents to deprive the people of these freedoms when certain individuals abuse theirs.
Every night, millions of law-abiding, gun-owning American citizens go sleep without harming others, their families, or themselves. Quite the contrary, in numerous instances, citizens exercise their right to utilize firearms to protect their lives and property.
Moreover, many of the policy prescriptions advocated for in the traumatic aftermath of these shootings would not have prevented the atrocities from happening. If Congress is to act, I believe it should focus its energy on measures that would actually make our communities safer, rather than to satisfy emotional desires or political agendas.
Common-sense safeguards on gun ownership should not arbitrarily and unnecessarily infringe on the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens. Congress should take steps to keep firearms out of the hands of mentally-disturbed individuals and criminals. Furthermore, Congress and civil society need to come to terms with how we can help families struggling with the challenges of mental illness.
Regarding the issuance of executive orders by President Obama, I believe that a proper checks and balance system is a necessary aspect of government. The President has consistently demonstrated his inefficient leadership ability and fails to understand the basic Constitutional rights guaranteed to every American.
I will not support proposals that apply a hyperbolic assault weapon label to commonplace semi-automatic shotguns used for skeet and other shotgun sports, bird hunting, and home protection, and semi-automatic rifles used primarily for marksmanship competitions and to train for national defense purposes. A law that bans a gun on the basis of the shape of its grip, or because its stock is adjustable, and that limits the number of rounds of ammunition a law-abiding citizen may have in a gun for self-defense, strikes me as arbitrary and more likely to adversely affect law-abiding citizens than it does criminals. Along with the right to keep and bear arms comes the responsibility to use them properly. Millions of law-abiding citizens understand this responsibility. To reduce criminal activity and thus enhance the safety and security of our communities we must enforce existing laws.
As our nation continues to grieve, I pray that we honor the victims with an honest discussion of how best to truly prevent such violence and that we arrive at concrete solutions that respect our civil liberties.
I appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to apprise me of your opinions and hope that you will contact me again should you have any further comments or concerns. If you would like additional information on my activities in the House, please visit my website, www.Amodei.house.gov or connect with me on facebook.com/MarkAmodeiNV2 and twitter.com/MarkAmodeiNV2.
In closing, please know that I consider it a privilege to serve and represent you and your family in Congress.
Sincerely,
Mark E. Amodei
Member of Congress
MEA/cc