A Small Amount of Hope!

[emercer4]

I contacted my Congressman and here is the reply I received in the mail today, nice to hear a little bit of common sense.

Thank you for contacting me regarding recently discussed-gun control legislation.
First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to those who were killed during the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut and of Emergency Responders in New York. I was deeply saddened by the deaths of several students, teachers and firefighters, and I share your desire to prevent further violent crimes. As the nation heals from these tragedies, there have been discussions about examining existing gun control laws. However, increasing gun control would not have prevented the violence our country has experienced. There are numerous gun control measures already in place at the state and federal level that go unenforced. We must first enforce these laws.
My position on gun control has not changed since I was elected to office. I value the freedom protected by the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms. I believe additional gun control measures would restrict and punish law-abiding citizens more than criminals. I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect our constitutional rights and ensure that existing laws and measures that protect our citizens are enforced. Although no action on gun control legislation has been scheduled in the House of Representatives, please know that I will certainly keep your thoughts in mind should I have an opportunity to participate in any discussions.
As Congress continues to evaluate our policies at home and around the world, I recognize that my voice in Washington is to represent my constituents. Your comments are of great importance to me as I participate in these decisions, and I look forward to hearing from you again in the future.
Sincerely,


Ed Whitfield
Member of Congress
P.S. If you would like to receive my monthly e-newsletter, please sign up on my website at www.whitfield.house.gov

 

[Dr_B]

Just received a letter today from Jim Risch (Idaho) stating he will oppose new gun legislation.

 

[Doc J]

Not so much...

Politicians being what they are, I decided to test a theory. I wrote my congressman and both Senators (DiFazio, Merkley and Wyden, respectively) with my concerns. Then my wife (who kept her maiden name) wrote an opposite letter, demanding "something be done." Predictably, DiFazio and Merkley responded to my letters with assurances that new gun control legislation was unnecessary. Wyden did not respond.

My wife's letters were answered by all three offices positively assuring her that all options were being considered, and that legislation would be arriving soon.

This proves nothing except that a politician's promise holds as much meaning as a mother-in-law's kiss. Try this with your own representatives sometime. At the very least, it's entertaining. I'm considering sending BOTH letters back to DiFazio and Merkley with a note that reassures them they'll not only not have this household's votes, but also that the different responses would be publicized.

Semper Fi,
Doc J

 

[61Woody]

Almost the same responce I got from my Senator




CHARLES E. GRASSLEY
WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1501
721 FEDERAL BUILDING
210 WALNUT STREET
DES MOINES, IA 50309-2140
(515) 288-1145
120 FEDERAL BUILDING
320 6TH STREET
SIOUX CITY, IA 51101-1244
(712) 233-1860
210 WATERLOO BUILDING
531 COMMERCIAL STREET
WATERLOO, IA 50701-5497
(319) 232-6657
Thank you for taking the time to contact me concerning the heartbreaking loss of life at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This tragic event reminds us of the fragility of life. I appreciate you writing in on such an important topic. As your Senator it is important that I hear your thoughts.

First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers should be with the families in Newtown who have suffered an incredible loss. I am heartbroken by what happened in Newtown. Moving forward I believe that these mass shootings need to be studied and analyzed in order to comprehend why these tragedies happen. The debate on how to prevent these horrible actions needs to include all aspects and not focus solely on firearms. There must be serious and thoughtful discussion on mental health issues.

I believe that overly restrictive gun control legislation does very little to deter criminals while imposing unnecessary burdens on law-abiding Americans who wish to own guns. Our crime reduction efforts must focus on criminals and criminal activity, not on gun control. More attention needs to be focused on the cause of crimes and not the tool used to commit the crimes. Those who use a firearm to commit a crime should serve the maximum sentence so they cannot pose a further threat to society.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I urge you to continue to share your views with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again with any questions or comments you may have in the future. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Chuck



COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
RANKING MEMBER,
JUDICIARY AGRICULTURE
BUDGET
FINANCE CO-CHAIRMAN,
INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS
CONTROL CAUCUS
www.grassley.senate.gov
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[hso]

The point isn't to get a response that makes us feel good, but to put the politician on notice of what our expectations are and that we're paying attention to their behavior and that will result in our ardent support or passionate opposition.

If you want to feel good look somewhere else. If you want to influence your elected officials make sure they get a clear precise message on your expectations and the substantive reaction their behavior will get from you as you throw your time and money at their opponent or them.

 

[41wheelgun]

Sent an short e-mail sunday to both Senators and Rep. I received a auto response email from one Senator, but nothing back from the other two.