Posted: 1/28/2013 7:29:46 AM EDT
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Dear Mr. Hodges:
Thank you for writing me regarding the right to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Your taking the time to contact me is appreciated. I have always been and remain a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. While I am certain that the president's proposal is well-intentioned, it is Congress' responsibility to make sure that Americans' constitutional rights are protected. We must make certain that the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens are not unfairly impeded. I believe that the ability of sportsmen, hunters, gun enthusiasts and citizens concerned with their personal safety to own a gun, whether for sport or protection, is clearly defined in the Constitution and must not be compromised. In response to recent tragic and high-profile acts of violence, there is a renewed focus on government regulation of guns. It is likely that Congress will soon have an extensive and detailed conversation about all of the potential causes of these crimes, including mental health issues, depictions of violence in television, movies, and video games, and firearms. I know that dialogue regarding acts of violence will likely result in a wide range of legislative proposals seeking to address the underlying causes. As these pieces of legislation come before me in the Senate, I will keep your thoughts in mind. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance to you in the future. In the meantime, if you would like to receive timely e-mail alerts regarding the latest congressional actions and my weekly e-newsletter, please sign up via my web site at: www.chambliss.senate.gov. |
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Just got this semi fence riding response from Governor Deal.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on gun control with me. I am glad to know where you stand on this issue. I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. The right to bear arms includes the responsible use and ownership of firearms. I believe Georgia's gun control laws must provide necessary public safety protections without infringing on the constitutional right to bear arms. After a national tragedy like the events that transpired in Newtown, Connecticut, it is appropriate to review security procedures and public policy dealing with these issues. I have instructed the heads of affected agencies who will be directly involved and am working with Colonel McDonough of the State Patrol on emergency response training. Colonel McDonough has spoken with Superintendent Barge on reviewing school security in our state. I have also charged Commissioner Frank Berry of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities with the task of looking at any holes in our mental health system. Should you wish to see current laws regarding this issue amended, I encourage you to make your views known to your state legislators. The members of the General Assembly in your district can actually sponsor or vote on legislation on your behalf. Should you need their contact information, it is available from your county board of voter registration or by visiting http://www.legis.ga.gov/. You can look up any bill under consideration by the Georgia General Assembly by going to the legislature's website at http://www.legis.ga.gov/. When such legislation reaches my desk for signature, I will give very careful consideration to the concerns you have voiced. I appreciate you making me aware of your interest in this matter as a Georgia citizen, and I hope this information is helpful to you. |