OK - this is old material now, but it's the only information I have been able to find; statistics relating to defensive firearms use are not kept. If you find it in statistics anywhere, it might be under the heading of Homicides, Justified. This information appeared in an article entitled "A Nation of Cowards," published in the Fall '93 edition of The Public Interest. The author, Jeff Snyder, quotes FSU Criminologist Gary Kleck:
I think I've been way ahead of him. I've been writting my representatives for the last couple of weeks. Here's a link to find yours. http://www.leg.state.co.us Tell them what you think of the efforts to restrict out rights! Colorado is still purple enough that the governer might listen.
Reply from Congressman John Carter, Texas 31st District Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding the tragic shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and the renewed call for additional gun control. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victims of this horrific event, and I appreciate your input on this important issue. First and foremost, no words or actions can alleviate the loss of innocent lives. This tragedy has greatly afflicted our nation. As a father of four, one of which is a public school teacher, I understand the apprehension that many Americans felt when they first heard of this horrific event. We must stop and pray for all those impacted by this tragedy and for a full recovery for those left injured. Americans of all political stripes can agree that weapons should never be accessible to those who are mentally ill. Americans have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms; however, with that right comes an obligation to make sure those weapons are securely stored and not available to anyone without the owner 's express permission and supervision. We do not need to pass a law to start this reform; we simply need every gun owner, gun store, and shooting organization to take action today to better secure our firearms. In response to this tragic event, some have called for additional gun control measures, like President Obama ’s proposed 23 executive actions; or Senator Diane Feinstein 's bill that would stop the sale, transfer, importation and manufacturing of assault weapons as well as large ammunition magazines, strips and drums that hold more than 10 rounds. I oppose President Obama ’s executive actions, Senator Feinstein ’s bill, and similar legislation, and believe federal controls often create burdens for law-abiding citizens and infringe upon constitutional rights provided by the Second Amendment. In my view, protecting the rights of citizens and providing for their security against foreign enemies and domestic criminals is the most important duty of government. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution recognizes the right to possess and carry weapons. Law abiding citizens have a fundamental right to protect themselves and their families. I am hopeful that this tragedy will highlight our country 's need for greater awareness of mental illness. The causes of violence in our country are deeper and more complex than just firearms. We must continue to address the gaps in our mental health system and drugs and violence in our culture. Please rest assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress begins the 113th session and legislation is introduced to address these issues. Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I appreciate having the opportunity to represent you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Please feel free to visit my website (www.house.gov/carter) or contact me with any future concerns. Sincerely, John Carter Member of Congress
You should all reply that further restrictions and bans on personal firearms would be unconstitutional and if he will not uphold the Constitution of the United States you will work passionately to unseat him at his reelection.
While it sounds good that he claims he won't back Feinstein's plan, the fact that he thinks laws to force us to lock up our guns are ok is deeply disturbing. I would send a reply to him and let him know you do not support any further gun control laws and that if he will not stand up for our Constitutional Rights you will work passionately to unseat him during his next reelection.
That's the reply that I received as well. We need to keep the heat on both Bennet and Udall. Media reports are that they're still undecided on further gun restrictions.
Congressman Carter doesn't want new laws, just to remind owners to be proactive in keeping their firearms out of the hands of those that shouldn't have 'em.
Reported Post by bigfatdave in Activism bigfatdave has reported a post. Reason: Post: Reply from Congressman John Carter, Texas 31st District Forum: Activism Assigned Moderators: benEzra, hso, ArfinGreebly Posted by: lopaka Original Content:
The letter I got from Portman's letter-opening monkey is in this post: http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=8699883&postcount=138 in this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=689694 Where letters and responses are being amalgamated. Three different letters is interesting, though. Mine is from 14jan2013.
I've written Udall, Bennet, Gardner, and Polis personally voicing my opposition to any new firearms legislation, as well as using the Ruger mass mailer.
On the surface it sounds like a firm 2A supporter. I agree that we don't want mentally ill people with access to firearms. I agree it is our responsibility to safely secure our firearms and that that is a part of being a responsible gun owner. Where I live I can legally leave a loaded gun on every table or chair in my house. That is NOT responsible gun ownership.
It got me for a moment, too. It would have been better to put the last sentence first in that paragraph.
You know, I thought that finding out he is a 2A supporter and opposes Obama's gun control agenda would diminish my desire to make a Mars-related joke. .......I was wrong. Seriously though, another one of the good guys it seems.
Dear Mr. corespondent, Thank you for contacting my office. I appreciate your thoughts regarding gun ownership and use. As your Lieutenant Governor and a former prosecutor, I am committed to protecting our constitutional rights. But we also need to consider the effects of gun violence. Our efforts should focus on protecting both our rights and our safety. To this end I have assembled a bipartisan Firearms Working Group bringing together freshmen state Senators and Representatives from across the state to learn about different perspectives on gun ownership. My Working Group will meet in the coming months with gun owners, families of gun violence victims, hunters, law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, educators and firearm retailers. My goal is to promote a more constructive conversation on these issues and seek consensus on policies and legislation that make sense for Illinois. You can learn more about the Firearms Working Group at www.ltgov.illinois.gov/guns. Thank you once again for your thoughts. It is important for me to maintain an engagement with the public on all matters that affect our state. Please contact my office again at any time. Sincerely, Sheila Simon SS/dac
Me too, and a similar form letter from Stabenow. I didn't vote for either, and neither got elected running on a pro-gun platform, so they don't care. It may be time to actively campaign against them and force them to care.
I too have received a similar response from Senator Stabenow. I have been voting against both of these Senators for years now, with no appreciable difference in outcome. They both have the backing of the unions, and the liberal paradises of Detroit and Lansing, which means they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. That said, I will continue to vote against them, and try to convince others to do the same. A man can dream right?
I too got the same garbage. I didn't expect anything less from that clown. He has known for awhile he will never get my vote, same with Stab-her-now, but they legislate to the lowest common denominator in Detoilet. Always have.
