AWB Letter From Sen. Evan Bayh

[nick89302]

May 17, 2004


Mr. Nicholas Allen
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Plymouth, Indiana 46563-8603

Dear Mr. Allen:

Thank you for your letter concerning the reauthorization of the Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. I welcome your thoughts and comments.

The primary purpose of any gun control legislation must be to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals or juveniles.
Throughout my public life, I have opposed legislation that fails to appropriately balance the need to maintain a safe society with the ability of law-abiding Americans to own and use firearms responsibly. I have always supported the second amendment and have opposed efforts to impose burdensome regulations on gun- owners. I believe that tough and effective enforcement of existing firearms laws is the best way to save lives.

As you may know, the Assault Weapons Ban passed as part of the 1994 Crime Bill. This legislation prohibited the manufacture, transfer or possession of 19 specifically named assault weapons, all semi-automatic rifles and pistols that can accept a detachable magazine and have at least two features outlined by the statute, and all large-feeding ammunition devices.
The Assault Weapons Ban will expire after September 14, 2004 unless Congress and the President approve the reauthorization of the law before this date.

On March 2, 2004, the Assault Weapons Ban was offered as an amendment to S. 1805, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. While the Assault Weapons Ban amendment passed, with my support, S. 1805 did not pass the Senate. While reasonable people can disagree about the effectiveness of the Assault Weapons Ban, in the post-September 11th world, I believe that it is most prudent to err on the side of caution.

Thank you for taking the time to advise me on this important matter. I value your input and hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope that the information that I have provided is helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov, can provide additional details about legislation and state projects, and you can also sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, The Bayh Bulletin, by clicking on the link at the top of my homepage. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you.


Best wishes,






Evan Bayh
United States Senator

EB/sbi

Sincerely,

Evan Bayh

 

[nick89302]

I won't be voting for him come November. For that reason, as well as others.

 

[longeyes]

And we should "err on the side of caution" by making sure people of his mind never get near public office.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Seems to me that for a public official who has sworn an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, erring on the side of caution should first and foremost require that the caution be first applied to "erring" in favor of protecting said Constitution, rather than erring in favor of anything that even smells like infringing any of the protections guaranteed by the Constitution.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Send him a letter stating that: Due to his stance on this issue, not only will he NOT be recieving your vote, you will be actively campaigning against him.

Then do it!!

You don't have to be a staffer for the other guy, just talking to those in your neighborhood/social group will help. Staying active in local circles can do more than you think.