Could you post some of your sample letters you sent to your Representatives please. I really need some professional ideas and I'm not very good at writing anyways.

Thanks Rod

Not quite sure how "professional" this letter is, but it is what I sent to my Senator:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honorable Senator XXXXXXX,

I am writing to express to you my complete disgust with Senate Bill
1381. The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban completely failed to
prevent crime, or even keep the banned weapons out of the hands of
criminals. No where is this fact more evident than in the city of
Detroit, where we have had 2 high profile murders using banned assault
weapons this year alone

1. In March, a convicted felon and drug dealer shot up a house
occupied by 4 rival drug dealers with an AK-47 that was banned under
the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. 3 people were killed, and 1 person was
injured. When the suspect was arrested in Minnesota, it was discovered
that he was also a convicted felon, ineligible to own firearms under
Federal law.

2. Just 2 weeks ago in Detroit, a man leaving a bar shot and killed a
Detroit Police Cadet and wounded another man, again using a banned
AK-47.

The 1994 Federal Assault Weapons ban was ineffective in preventing
criminals from obtaining and using these types of firearms. The only
people who were effected by this ban were the law abiding citizens of
this nation and this state. Now that the Federal Government has seen
the ineffectiveness of limiting the rights of citizens in an effort to
reduce crime, some people of our own state are attempting to go even
further with the careless trampling of civil rights. Not only does
S1381 infringe upon the right to bear arms (which is protected by the
Michigan constitution, and the second amendment to the US
constitution), it also seeks to violate Michigander's right to be
secure within their homes from unwarranted searches:

S1381 Section 4.1.b "The person safely and securely stores the assault
weapon in compliance with rules adopted for that purpose by the
department of state police. The department of state police may, not
more than once per year, conduct an administrative inspection of the
storage premises to ensure compliance with this subsection."

This law is completely and totally un-American and unacceptable. I
urge you to fight the passage of this law with all diligence. I thank
you in advance for supporting the rights of Michigan gun owners, and I
look forward toward supporting you during your next campaign.

Here's another question... I don't usually give too much of a crap either way on the local level... how do I find out who to send my letters to?

I've never done that before. I want to compose something clear, concise, and hopefully enlightening for my government representatives.

Sorry if the request sounds stupid. I vote every election, I just usually just vote Republican in the local stuff and save the research for the national stuff.

Good letter Steve... I thought I'd also mention the Pro/con column in the Freep/News this weekend that specifically mentioned Michigan's 1961 Constitution... It says unequivocally that MI residents have the RKBA for defense of self and state. My letter is going to incorporate that.

jim

Quoted: Here's another question... I don't usually give too much of a crap either way on the local level... how do I find out who to send my letters to? I've never done that before. I want to compose something clear, concise, and hopefully enlightening for my government representatives. Sorry if the request sounds stupid. I vote every election, I just usually just vote Republican in the local stuff and save the research for the national stuff.

Go here:

State Legislature Contact Info

Quoted: Good letter Steve... I thought I'd also mention the Pro/con column in the Freep/News this weekend that specifically mentioned Michigan's 1961 Constitution... It says unequivocally that MI residents have the RKBA for defense of self and state. My letter is going to incorporate that. jim

I believe it says:

"Each person shall have the right to keep and bear arms for defense of himself and defense of the state"

Perfect, thanks. I'll be printing some letters off very soon.

We've got to nip this thing in the bud, guys. Michigan is looking far too much like one of the liberal east coast states these days.  

ETA: I'm just tired of people presuming to think for me... It irritates me that others don't feel the same way. I had to use that argument with my father in law yesterday -- I don't think he liked it much, but he saw it my way when I put it like that. I think we need to creatively jar people a bit as well as write to our reps. "Creatively jar" -- not be overbearing, but say "do you like it when people think for you and tell you what to do? Well that's what this AWB (or whatever you apply that argument to) is doing" Press the "Those who give up liberty for safety deserve neither" aspect as well. If they're sensible, they'll come around.

Here is my letter, I hope this helps.

September 24, 2004



Dear

As a constituent in your district I am concerned. Recently I discovered that Michigan is trying to enact an assault weapon regulation act (Senate Bill No. 1381). Upon reading this proposed act, I have come to one conclusion. I will not vote for anyone who supports such a preposterous act.

Michigan is a state that relies heavily on revenue from firearm sportsmanship. Not only will this law affect revenue from Michigan residents, but also from residents of surrounding states who come to Michigan to participate in these activities. In a time when our economy is slow, can we really afford to lose more revenue?

The crime that arises from use of these guns rarely comes from individuals
who purchase guns legally. Gun control does not reduce crime; it just takes away the rights of law-abiding citizens. The Michigan 1963 Constitution supports an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for defense of him self and the state. I support the constitution!

Sincerely,
Craig


Find your local representatives.
www.michigan.gov/

Here is the only response I got so far.


Dear Craig:

Thank you for writing to share your thoughts about Senator Gilda
Jacobs' proposal to implement a state "Assault Weapons Ban."  

Because of the recent expiration of the federal "Assault Weapons
Ban," Senator Jacobs has introduced Senate Bill 1381.  The intent of
this bill is to ban all assault weapons in the state of Michigan, which
the bill defines as any semi-automatic pistol or rifle that is able to
accept a magazine with more than 10 rounds and has certain cosmetic
appearances, such as a pistol grip or shoulder stock.  

Senate Bill 1381 was recently referred to the Senate Judiciary
Committee, of which Senator Alan Cropsey is chairman.  In response to
your letter, I have spoken with Senator Cropsey.  Although he has
informed me that it is unlikely the committee will be reviewing this
bill, please know that if I do have the opportunity to vote on the
proposal, I am not inclined to support it.  

Again, thank you for writing.  If I can be of further assistance in
this or any other matter, please contact my office at any time.

Respectfully yours,

Ken Sikkema
Senate Majority Leader
www.sikkema.org

ejd

Sent my letters in today!

Thanks I sent out some early this week. This will help me for my next draft.