Posted: 12/21/2012 11:08:39 AM EDT
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He is one of the very few elected officials I contribute money to.
Dear Dan,
Standing in Newtown, Connecticut two days after the shooting rampage that took so many innocent lives, my heart ached for the victims and their families. The unspeakable acts perpetrated in that place brought me to tears. Many lives are forever changed. Like many people, I want to believe there is a single policy prescription that would prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again. As a policymaker, I have to look at the sad history of such events and try to learn from previous results. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that reducing access to guns will keep them out of the hands of criminals. Furthermore, the root of these crimes is not the weapon, but the mind of the perpetrator. I worry that gun-free zones at schools may actually provide an incentive to shooters, who know there is little chance anyone will be able to deter them given such restrictions. But I worry more about families who are dealing with serious mental health issues and have no recourse until their loved one actually commits a crime. It is time for a serious discussion in this country about how to address the mental health challenges that contribute to such heinous acts. I appreciate and share your concern about this tragedy. Thank you for sharing your ideas and contributing to this important dialogue. Sincerely, Jason Chaffetz Member of Congress |
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But I worry more about families who are dealing with serious mental health issues and have no recourse until their loved one actually commits a crime. It is time for a serious discussion in this country about how to address the mental health challenges that contribute to such heinous acts. Honestly the potential implications of this bit scares me more than gun bans. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Would you like to trade him for one of ours? Nope. Sadly with redistricting I'm losing him as my rep. Yeah..me too, and we get the lone Democrat, Mathesen.  Knowing this, I sent Mathesen a very professional, polite, though strongly-worded letter to not cave and not vote along party lines and to actually support ALL gun rights. Also, that he needs to represent the interests of HIS district's constituents or that I would do everything possible have him kicked out of office next election. Seeing he won this election by the lowest margins he's ever had, I hope he gets the clue. Sadly, I doubt he will.
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I'm proud to have him as my Rep. A few months ago when my little town held a parade he showed up to walk the route, shake hands, and talk to people in person. Struck me as a real stand-up man. He's a very humble man in my opinion. Been to his house in Alpine a few times. |
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Quoted:
I'm proud to have him as my Rep. A few months ago when my little town held a parade he showed up to walk the route, shake hands, and talk to people in person. Struck me as a real stand-up man. Mia Love did that too in the West Jordan parade this last 4th of July. Mathesen rode in a car and just looked at people. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm proud to have him as my Rep. A few months ago when my little town held a parade he showed up to walk the route, shake hands, and talk to people in person. Struck me as a real stand-up man. Mia Love did that too in the West Jordan parade this last 4th of July. Mathesen rode in a car and just looked at people. I met her at the parade as well. You live in WJ? |
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I think I will send this guy money. Quoted: He is one of the very few elected officials I contribute money to. Dear Dan, Standing in Newtown, Connecticut two days after the shooting rampage that took so many innocent lives, my heart ached for the victims and their families. The unspeakable acts perpetrated in that place brought me to tears. Many lives are forever changed. Like many people, I want to believe there is a single policy prescription that would prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again. As a policymaker, I have to look at the sad history of such events and try to learn from previous results. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that reducing access to guns will keep them out of the hands of criminals. Furthermore, the root of these crimes is not the weapon, but the mind of the perpetrator. I worry that gun-free zones at schools may actually provide an incentive to shooters, who know there is little chance anyone will be able to deter them given such restrictions. But I worry more about families who are dealing with serious mental health issues and have no recourse until their loved one actually commits a crime. It is time for a serious discussion in this country about how to address the mental health challenges that contribute to such heinous acts. I appreciate and share your concern about this tragedy. Thank you for sharing your ideas and contributing to this important dialogue. Sincerely, Jason Chaffetz Member of Congress |