I'm the one that sent the email to atomicferret. It's not the most eloquent but feel free to use it and tweak it.
Here's my email I sent to friends:
Please take a moment to write Representative Cannon regarding HR 1022. Currently Mr. Cannon is currently a supporter/sponsor for HR 1022: A New Assault Weapon Ban.
Enclosed is a sample letter you are free to copy and send to him. Mr. Cannon’s email is:
[email protected] Dear Representative Cannon,
As an American citizen and a Utah resident I feel I should write to you and express my opposition toward HR 1022: The Reauthorization of the Assault Weapons Ban.
The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms. No distinction is made regarding the firearms that citizens are allowed to own. Law abiding citizens, like you and me, are fully capable practicing lawful use of firearms. Banning a firearm based on cosmetic appearance and purpose is unconstitutional. As a result I do not wish you to support HR 1022. I would also like to remind you that you took an Oath at the opening of the 110th Congressional Session.
110th Congress Takes Office
House of Representatives Assemble on Capitol Hill
Washington, D.C. – I, do solemnly swear that
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
In the Oath that you took you swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Voting in approval for HR 1022 weakens the Second Amendment and does not defend the Right to Bear Arms.
Furthermore, history has shown us that the last Assault Weapon Ban instated in 1994 did not accomplish anything. Crime rates remained the same while the ban was in effect. When the Assault Weapons Ban sunset in 2004 crimes using assault weapons did not increase; responsible law abiding citizens by nature obey the law and do not commit crimes. Streets were not flooded with AK-47’s and AR-15’s. Massive shoot outs with law enforcement officers did not take place. No more firearms legislation is necessary. Adequate measures are currently in place to insure that criminals are not able to possess firearms. Criminals procure firearms they use in criminal activity through illegal methods.
Please vote against HR 1022 in order to support and defend the Second Ammendment,
Your Name