coyote_jr
member
This was in response to the Brady form letter I mailed out from their website with a few of my own "corrections" haha
Isn't Murtha a hardcore anti???
Dear xxxxx:
What happened on Monday at Virginia Tech is a horrific tragedy. When something like this happens, we always look for ways we could have prevented it. However, I have always been a staunch supporter of 2 nd Amendment rights and have opposed any effort to restrict them. I voted against the assault weapons ban and am opposed to reauthorizing it.
Based on the limited information in the news so far regarding this tragedy, this was a disturbed individual who had been bent on doing what he did for a significant period of time-- at least a month-- and that there were signs much earlier that he needed psychological help.
In 1999, in the wake of the Columbine incident, the Department of Justice undertook a comprehensive study of the problem of school violence that resulted in an increased focus on the problem through several governmental agencies, from the Department of Justice to the Department of Education to the Centers for Disease Control. However, it did not reach the conclusion that the problem would be prevented by restricting gun rights to adults.
Congress and the federal government have undertaken numerous efforts to prevent gun violence in elementary and secondary schools (by restricting minors). Though some universities have restricted the possession of firearms on their campuses, I don't think restricting gun rights to law abiding adults is effective.
As I mentioned, Congress has taken steps to prevent gun violence in schools in a variety of ways. The 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, which I voted for, required states to pass laws mandating a one year suspension for any student bringing a gun to an elementary or secondary school. The Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, also part of the No Child Left Behind Act, created the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools in the Department of Education. Its mandate is to provide guidance and financial assistance for schools in implementing measures to prevent violence.
In the 1990's President Clinton created a program under the Department of Justice called the COPS program (Community Oriented Policing Services) which provides grants to communities for a variety of policing needs, including The COPS in Schools grant program. It is designed to help law enforcement agencies hire new, additional school resource officers to engage in community policing in and around primary and secondary schools. It provides an incentive for law enforcement agencies to build collaborative partnerships with the school community and to use community policing efforts to combat school violence. I have been a strong supporter of ensuring annual funding for this program in Congress.
While, sadly, there is still no easy solution to the occurrence of shooting rampages in our society, I do believe that we should continue to look for ways to promote a better awareness of the signs of emotional problems that could lead to such a terrible tragedy. I have always been a strong supporter of parity for mental health coverage and have worked to fund programs that advance the field of mental health outreach services and counseling. One of the conclusions of the 1999 Department of Justice study mentioned above was that there needed to be more focus on the underlying mental health issues that can lead to such acts.
I have also cosponsored measures to limit children's exposure to violence via the media and the sale of violent video material.
I appreciate hearing from you on this extremely difficult and painful subject. I agree with you that restricting the 2nd amendment rights of adults is not the answer. Please know that I am as concerned as you are about how we can better prevent these tragedies and will continue to support efforts that will move us toward that goal. I also welcome your suggestions.
Sincerely,
JOHN P. MURTHA
YOUR CONGRESSMAN
Isn't Murtha a hardcore anti???
