Posted: 2/4/2013 3:58:43 PM EDT
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Looks like we have at least one Montana Rep that gets it.
Dear Mr. m1awolf: Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns with President Obama’s firearm restriction proposals following the unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. I appreciate your point of view, and you will be pleased to know that we agree. As a father of four, I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Connecticut and pray that nothing like this ever happens again. However, I am disappointed that President Obama and some others in Washington are using this tragedy to pursue controversial firearm restrictions that many experts believe would be ineffective in preventing violent crimes. While the President’s initial executive actions were largely insignificant and noncontroversial, I strongly oppose his misguided proposals to ban so-called assault weapons, ban extended magazines, and impose universal background checks on all gun purchases. I oppose these and similar measures because they would undermine our Second Amendment rights and our way of life in Montana, while doing nothing to address the most significant factors behind violent crime. Although I believe we need to strictly enforce current laws forbidding potentially dangerous persons from possessing a firearm, I will work to ensure that Congress protects the constitutional rights of the thousands of Montanans who safely and lawfully possess or use a firearm. I also believe schools should seriously consider whether an armed presence on their campus would enhance school safety. Last, I believe we should use the national dialogue regarding firearms to reinforce to parents how important it is that they educate their children about safe firearm possession and use. Again, thanks for contacting me. It is my number one priority in Congress to represent the values and interests of the people of Montana, and your input is very helpful as I do. Please do not hesitate to contact me again in the future regarding this or any other federal issue important to you. Sincerely, Steve Daines Member of Congress SD/dh |