Response letter on H.R. 1022

[JimmyN]

I actually received a snail mail letter today from my representative Thelma D. Drake, 2nd District, Va. So I thought I'd share it here at THR.

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx,

Thank you for contacting me to express your opposition to H.R. 1022, the Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act. I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you know, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) introduced H.R. 1022 on February 13, 2007. This bill seeks to reauthorize the assault weapons ban that was enacted in 1994 and expired on the same day the H.R. 1022 was introduced. According to the sponsor, H.R. 1022 seeks to protect American citizens by preventing dangerous weapons from falling into the hands of violent criminals, including gang members, drug dealers and terrorists. Unfortunately, this legislation could potentially foster black-market weapons sales while impeding upon the average citizens' right to bear arms.

While I understand Rep. McCarthy's desire to combat criminal activity, I disagree with the argument made by some that the ownership of guns by law-abiding citizens somehow invokes, increases, or encourages gun-related crime. Thomas Jefferson, once wrote, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms.. disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes." I agree with this statement and believe that those who have no respect for our laws and use guns to commit both violent and non-violent crimes have no respect for nor intention of obeying any government regulation of firearms. As such, I firmly believe that law-abiding citizens have the right to own guns.

Additionally, it may interest you to know that the 109th Congress represented one of the most successful congressional sessions for gun owners and their advocates. Two important pieces of pro-gun legislation were signed into law during the 109th Congress: The Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act (P.L. 109-295) and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (P.L. 109-92). The former prevents confiscation of law-abiding citizens' firearms at the time they need them most - that is, in the aftermath of a major disaster when government is unable to provide reliable protection from crime. The latter prohibits civil liability actions from being brought or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers of firearms or ammunition resulting from the misuse of their products by others. I was a cosponser of both of these bills in the House and was proud to see each signed into law.

The success of the 109th Congress strengthened the Second Amendment. It is my hope that the Democratic Majority will recognize this right. I will continue to work hard with my pro-gun colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our inherent rights to keep and bear arms are not infringed upon and will continue to be an advocate for our Second Amendment rights both now and in the future.

Thank you again for contacting me, It is an honor to be your Representative in Congress.

Sincerely,

Thelma Drake
Member of Congress

Note: I had no way to scan it in, so any typos you see are MINE !

 

[ShelleyB.]

Now that's encouraging! With so much negative news lately, it's good to note which of our representatives "get it." Ours does too. I'll add the email we received today.


Dear Mr. XXX:

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding gun control. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and welcome the opportunity to respond.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution prohibits the federal government from denying law-abiding citizens the right to own and bear arms. Our Founding Fathers considered this right paramount.

While legislation to ban firearms, ammunition, and equipment makes headlines, the truth is these antics simply divert attention from the real issue: an ineffective criminal justice system that cannot adequately prosecute violent predators. Of America 's 4.3 million convicted criminals, barely 26% are in prison. The remaining 74% are free to roam our nation's streets. Gun control is not the answer. New York City and Washington , D.C. are prime examples of the failure of radical gun control policies. While these two cities have the two most restrictive gun control laws in the country, they are both known for their violent criminal activity. These cities have gun control, but little crime control.

Regrettably, individuals on my Washington staff who live in D.C. have suffered the effects of poor crime control. In addition to my staff, I have personally experienced situations with social delinquents. I believe that I should be able to defend myself against the crimes involving guns. I also believe the answer is tougher laws against criminal activity. The government must concentrate on locking up criminals and stopping criminal behavior not imposing criminal penalties on law-abiding citizens who are merely exercising their freedom to protect their families and their property.

Because very few criminals actually purchase weapons legally, gun control will merely punish law-abiding citizens, leaving them vulnerable to criminal attack. Federal law enforcement agencies estimate that up to 75% of all guns used in the commission of a crime are either stolen or purchased illegally. By obtaining guns on the street or through theft, criminals will continue to effectively evade any gun control measure.

Our nation must face the harsh realities of our ineffective criminal justice system, and work to solve the true evils that plague our nation. Gun control is neither the problem nor the solution.

Throughout my tenure in public service, I have always kept an open door and an open dialogue with my constituents. As the 109th Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/brown-waite to email me and find useful information about our 5th Congressional District.

It is my honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida 's 5th Congressional District and my offices and staff are here to provide you with any assistance you may need.


Sincerely,
Ginny Brown-Waite?Member of Congress

 

[cracked junior]

i got one of those today also. only from Rep Adrian Smith of Nebraska.

Mine didnt have the Jefferson quotes. that is cool. Mine had the part about it will not deter criminals from breaking the law. i posted part of it in a hr1022thread

 

[mmike87]

I don't have a copy of the letter with me, but I wrote Virgil Goode of Virginia (the "don't take your Congressional oath on the Koran" guy) and he stated matter of factly that he is 100% against the bill, and that he continues to be a member of the House Second Amendment Caucus and will fight to see this bill defeated if it makes it to the floor.