Posted: 12/26/2012 5:38:02 PM EDT
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Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding gun control and the Second Amendment. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue. Knowing your views helps me to better represent you in Congress.
First, let me say that my heart goes out to the victims and families of the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. As a father and a grandfather, I cannot even begin to comprehend the pain and heartache the families of the victims must be going through. I hope they can find peace in knowing that the thoughts and prayers of a mournful nation are with them during this difficult time. With the recent senseless and tragic acts of violence in Colorado, Connecticut, and elsewhere, many have called for a reexamination of America’s gun laws. It seems that the frequency of these dreadful acts is on the rise, and it is up to America’s law makers and law enforcement bodies to do everything in their power to prevent these events from occurring again. Naturally, one of the first suggestions after events like these is to institute stricter gun control laws, and I am happy to participate in this debate. Unfortunately, of the many policy proposals put forward regarding gun control, I have not heard a single one that I believe would do anything to curb gun violence in America. Instead, it would simply restrict the ability of law abiding gun owners to buy and possess firearms. With that said, Congress cannot shy away from this debate. We must confront this issue head-on and do what we can to prevent these senseless acts of violence from happening again. If any new gun control legislation is proposed that actually has a chance of preventing these events from occurring again, it is worth discussing. However, gun control alone will never be the solution to this problem. We must also examine the motives behind the shooters and address the underlying mental health problems that seem to be the underlying factor in all of these events. Without taking a holistic approach, we only stand to create more laws and restrictions without doing anything to remedy the problem. As Congress works through this and other issues, I want you to know that I remain a supporter of the Second Amendment. The right to bear arms is a fundamental right that is assured to every law-abiding citizen, and there is perhaps no other region in the country that exercises this right more so than Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District. Recreational hunting and shooting in Louisiana are traditions that extend back for generations, and I was elected on the promise that I would continue to protect those traditions. Thank you again for contacting me on this very important issue. I hope that you will continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you and your family. Sincerely, Rodney Alexander MEMBER OF CONGRESS |
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Translation
Not ready to compromise but ready to give up. All these Congressmen, Senators, State Reps took the same Oath that I did when I went in the Navy. When they put their Left hand on the Holy Bible and Raised there Right hand and swore to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States from Foreign and Domestic enemy. Washington is becoming the Domestic enemy |
| Don't be discouraged, continue to communicate with your congressmen, especially your House representative. One thing you can be assured of, they will do what is in their best interests re getting re-elected. If they think voting for a bill with a gun ban will jeaprodize them getting re-elected, they won't vote for it. Make sure they know you won't vote for them if they support gun control legislation. |
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Good post Cptn. Morgan. Landrieu doesn't matter as the Dems have control of the senate and will pass what Obama and Uncle Joe Biden tell them to. The key is the House of Representatives. The NRA unseated a large number of them (house members) in '94 for voting for the ridiculous "Clinton crime bill". Democrats and Republicans alike as a few house republicans went along with bringing it to a vote back then.
These people listen to what their constituents say during important votes like this and the budget. They're receiving tons of messages on both of these issues so don't worry if they don't respond. Let them know you're a voter and will not support them if they vote for any type of gun ban. |
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Quoted: I'm almost positive Landrieu will whore our state out once again like the healthcare fiasco. Actually, Jindal and his administration deserve the blame for the current state of the LSU Hospital System, and any of the other State run healthcare facilities, in Louisiana. Remember that Federal funding that Jindal rejected? Well, Louisiana is starting to feel the sting and as usual, higher education and the charity hospital system are the first to get the budget axe. Another thing that is going to sting for higher ed is how the Tobacco Settlement money was handled. There is a lot more than just TOPS that is at stake. Of course, that would be yet another blow to higher education if TOPS couldn't be funded. |
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Quoted: I've written them all and haven't received a response back yet. I'm pretty sure Cassidy and Vitter will vote in our favor. I'm almost positive Landrieu will whore our state out once again like the healthcare fiasco. And Landrieu's Response (worded pretty much how I expected her to roll): Dear Mr. Captain_Morgan: My prayers and greatest sympathy go out to the families and community of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, and to all families that have been affected by gun violence. On December 14, 2012, twenty-seven innocent lives were taken from us in a heartbreaking tragedy. As the nation grieves over this senseless act of violence, it is more important than ever that we come together to address the issues affecting American communities. The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the rights of all Americans to own and possess guns. While preserving the rights of honest gun collectors, sportsmen and owners who possess firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, we must also continue to ensure that we protect innocent unarmed citizens. I am sure you can agree - like any right guaranteed to a free people, the right to bear arms must be exercised responsibly. Unfortunately, in the past year, we have seen instances where this right has been abused in tragic fashion. The theater shooting in Aurora, CO, the Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek, WI, and the school shooting in Newtown, CT, were terrible and unnecessary tragedies. Occurrences such as these remind me of the important role that government plays in upholding statutes that aim to limit such tragedies. We must do more to target the causes of mental illness and determine the most effective ways to treat it. I support and will continue to strongly advocate for expanded and improved mental health coverage so that the mentally ill can obtain adequate treatment to not only overcome their struggles, but to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I also support strict adherence of federally licensed firearms dealers to the requirements laid out in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS determines the eligibility of an individual to purchase a firearm and explicitly prohibits those who have been legally determined to be mentally ill or committed to a mental institution from purchasing any weapons. Currently, there is no gun control legislation scheduled for a vote. However, I believe that when evaluating future proposals, we must find a balanced way to address the safety of American citizens while ensuring Second Amendment rights granted under the Constitution. Please be assured that I value your input and will keep it in mind as we continue to address this issue in the 113th Congress. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter, and I trust that you will continue to contact me on matters of mutual concern. Please feel free to visit my website at http://landrieu.senate.gov for more information on my legislative priorities. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Mary Landrieu United States Senator |
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Cookie cutter response from Sen Landrieu I got the same one the other day.
Dear Mr. Bauer: My prayers and greatest sympathy go out to the families and community of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, and to all families that have been affected by gun violence. On December 14, 2012, twenty-seven innocent lives were taken from us in a heartbreaking tragedy. As the nation grieves over this senseless act of violence, it is more important than ever that we come together to address the issues affecting American communities. The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the rights of all Americans to own and possess guns. While preserving the rights of honest gun collectors, sportsmen and owners who possess firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, we must also continue to ensure that we protect innocent unarmed citizens. I am sure you can agree - like any right guaranteed to a free people, the right to bear arms must be exercised responsibly. Unfortunately, in the past year, we have seen instances where this right has been abused in tragic fashion. The theater shooting in Aurora, CO, the Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek, WI, and the school shooting in Newtown, CT, were terrible and unnecessary tragedies. Occurrences such as these remind me of the important role that government plays in upholding statutes that aim to limit such tragedies. We must do more to target the causes of mental illness and determine the most effective ways to treat it. I support and will continue to strongly advocate for expanded and improved mental health coverage so that the mentally ill can obtain adequate treatment to not only overcome their struggles, but to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I also support strict adherence of federally licensed firearms dealers to the requirements laid out in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS determines the eligibility of an individual to purchase a firearm and explicitly prohibits those who have been legally determined to be mentally ill or committed to a mental institution from purchasing any weapons. Currently, there is no gun control legislation scheduled for a vote. However, I believe that when evaluating future proposals, we must find a balanced way to address the safety of American citizens while ensuring Second Amendment rights granted under the Constitution. Please be assured that I value your input and will keep it in mind as we continue to address this issue in the 113th Congress. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter, and I trust that you will continue to contact me on matters of mutual concern. Please feel free to visit my website at http://landrieu.senate.gov for more information on my legislative priorities. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Mary Landrieu United States Senator |
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January 7, 2013 Dear OleKennyRoy: My prayers and greatest sympathy go out to the families and community of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, and to all families that have been affected by gun violence. On December 14, 2012, twenty-seven innocent lives were taken from us in a heartbreaking tragedy. As the nation grieves over this senseless act of violence, it is more important than ever that we come together to address the issues affecting American communities. The Second Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the rights of all Americans to own and possess guns. While preserving the rights of honest gun collectors, sportsmen and owners who possess firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, we must also continue to ensure that we protect innocent unarmed citizens. I am sure you can agree - like any right guaranteed to a free people, the right to bear arms must be exercised responsibly. Unfortunately, in the past year, we have seen instances where this right has been abused in tragic fashion. The theater shooting in Aurora, CO, the Sikh temple shooting in Oak Creek, WI, and the school shooting in Newtown, CT, were terrible and unnecessary tragedies. Occurrences such as these remind me of the important role that government plays in upholding statutes that aim to limit such tragedies. We must do more to target the causes of mental illness and determine the most effective ways to treat it. I support and will continue to strongly advocate for expanded and improved mental health coverage so that the mentally ill can obtain adequate treatment to not only overcome their struggles, but to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. I also support strict adherence of federally licensed firearms dealers to the requirements laid out in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS determines the eligibility of an individual to purchase a firearm and explicitly prohibits those who have been legally determined to be mentally ill or committed to a mental institution from purchasing any weapons. Currently, there is no gun control legislation scheduled for a vote. However, I believe that when evaluating future proposals, we must find a balanced way to address the safety of American citizens while ensuring Second Amendment rights granted under the Constitution. Please be assured that I value your input and will keep it in mind as we continue to address this issue in the 113th Congress. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter, and I trust that you will continue to contact me on matters of mutual concern. Please feel free to visit my website at http://landrieu.senate.gov for more information on my legislative priorities. With warm regards, I am Sincerely, Mary Landrieu United States Senator |
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Steve Scalise is on the right path.
http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-white-house-can%E2%80%99t-infringe-2nd-amendment-rights Scalise: White House can’t infringe on 2nd Amendment rights
Jan 10, 2013 Issues: 2nd Amendment Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today released the following statement after Vice-President Joe Biden indicated that the White House would pursue gun control through Executive Order. “Vice-President Biden would do well to read the 2nd Amendment and revisit the meaning of the phrase ‘shall not be infringed,’” Scalise said. “Bypassing Congress to implement radical policies is never acceptable, and it’s particularly heinous when such actions trample on the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights. “Efforts to restrict the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans will only punish those who play by the rules and will be ignored by criminals who break the law. This radical attempt by the Obama Administration to unilaterally rewrite the Constitution will launch our nation down a slippery slope as the White House shows a dangerous disregard for the rights and freedoms guaranteed to every American. Instead of trying to violate a cornerstone of our Constitution, the Obama Administration should focus on promoting American values that encourage strong families and a respect for the sanctity of life while working to ensure that those with mental illnesses are able to receive the care they need.” |
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I've been firing off emails to Rodney Alexander since his response sounded to be on the fence. I've been checking his site daily for any updates. He has a press release on his site now.
Rodney Alexander (5th district) and Steve Scalise (1st district) are on our side. Keep the pressure on your reps. Cedric Richmond (2nd district) is for gun control according to his press release, no surprise there. http://alexander.house.gov/press-releases-statements/congressman-alexander-responds-to-presidents-gun-proposals/ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, issued the following remarks following the president’s press conference announcing new gun proposals:
“In my eyes, the president’s plan approaches the problem of gun violence from the wrong direction. This proposal will not stop criminals from getting their hands on weapons and using them for harm. Instead, the suggested policy will punish law-abiding citizens by placing undue restrictions on valid activities involving firearms. “Like most people, I believe we should explore ways to ensure that similar tragedies as seen in recent days never occur again. However, rather than exclusively blaming current gun policies, we need to evaluate the big picture and all factors that lead individuals to commit these monstrous crimes. That said, I will not support any proposal that tramples on the Second Amendment rights of responsible Americans.” |