What Did Your Member of Congress Send You?

[Mickey3Gun]

Here's what I got back from Janice Hahn. What did your Rep send you?

"Dear Mr XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to voice your views on ending gun violence. I am honored to represent you, and I appreciate your active participation in the legislative process. Your input makes our democracy work better. By staying involved, you help me more effectively represent you and our district.

I believe that we must do more to stop gun violence, including increasing awareness and funding for mental health programs. Furthermore, I believe we must take action to institute common sense gun safety measures, including closing the loophole that allows criminals to obtain guns without undergoing a background check. While some of our views may differ on this matter, I hope that you will keep in touch with me on this or any other issue you feel important.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your concerns. To stay informed of my work or sign up for my email newsletter, please visit my website at http://Hahn.House.gov. Or, you can always call my office in San Pedro at (310) 831-1799 or my office in Washington, D.C. toll-free at (855) 328-7332.

Sincerely yours,

Janice Hahn"

[uhlan1]

I haven't gotten a single response from many communications. I'm keeping at it though.

[SwissFluCase]

I think I got a tax increase.

Regards,


SwissFluCase

[pMcW]

I got this:

Dear Mr. pMcW,

Thank you for contacting my office regarding your opposition to gun control measures. I understand your concern for the protection of our community against violent crime, and for the protection of our fundamental freedom.

I am dedicated to making our streets safer for all members of our community and determined to help find solutions that will prevent such tragedies from reoccurring in the future. I appreciate hearing your views on this matter. I will consider your input as I move forward.

Thank you once again, for contacting me. If you have any questions or comments, please contact my District Office at (408) 277-1220 or via email at assemblymember.campos@assembly.ca.gov.

Sincerely,



NORA CAMPOS
Speaker pro Tempore, 27th District

[Hoooper]

Yeah...i messaged every last one and I've got goose eggs.

[Sputnik]

I think they've chosen to ignore my letters since I don't agree with their position. I feel as if I don't have representation in DC or Sac.

[ai6pg]

My rep sent me an email letter back. I hope he's true to his word.

HOWARD P. "BUCK" McKEON
25th District, California
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
CHAIRMAN
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
AND THE WORKFORCE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
AND THE WORKFORCE
MEMBER OF REPUBLICAN WHIP TEAM
MEMBER OF REPUBLICAN STUDY COMMITTEE
CONGRESSIONAL UNMANNED SYSTEMS CAUCUS
CO*CHAIRMAN

Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 12:57 PM
2184 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225*1956
26650 THE OLD ROAD, SUITE 203
SANTA CLARITA, CA 91381
(661) 254*2111
1008 WEST AVENUE M*14, SUITE E*1
PALMDALE, CA 93551
(661) 274*9688
SAN BERNARDINO, INYO,
AND MONO COUNTIES
(800) 565*4333
www.mckeon.house.gov
January 17, 2013

Dear Mr. Grace:
Thank you for contacting me in regard to gun control and the President's recent
proposal. It is a privilege to serve you in Congress and I value your input.
On January 17, 2013, the President outlined a broad set of recommendations
stemming from the Vice President's Gun Violence Task Force. Throughout my tenure I
have been, and will continue to be, a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment
and I plan to review all of the President's recommendations thoroughly. I am
committed to addressing the root causes of gun violence and finding commonsense
and responsible policy solutions without curtailing any of our Second Amendment
rights.
Additionally, the Committee on Education and Workforce, of which I am a senior
member, has announced that in the coming weeks the Committee will be holding
hearings to examine school safety and I am hopeful that we can work together to
explore and implement policies that will help to prevent violence in our schoolsexplore and implement policies that will help to prevent violence in our schools
Every act of gun violence is a tragedy, but the senseless horror of what happened at
Sandy Hook Elementary has left us deeply saddened and demanding answers. The
myriad of issues involved in manmade tragedies such as this are incredibly complex,
and we owe it to ourselves, as a good and decent society, to examine every aspect of
the violence epidemic, starting with a thorough dissection of our country's mental
health and family services, as well as our current gun laws and problematic issues
with their enforcement. Criminals who obtain and use firearms for illegal purposes
should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We must be careful, however,
not to penalize responsible, law-abiding citizens or infringe upon the sacred civil
liberties guaranteed in our Constitution.
In wake of this horrific event as well as the recent tragedies in Aurora, Virginia Tech
and Tucson, Americans are ready and willing to engage in a meaningful national
conversation to determine what we can do to make our country safer. As we come
together to determine real and lasting solutions, it is essential that we focus on what
will actually prevent further tragedies and be realistic about what wont. My hope is
that we respond to this crisis with steady thoughtfulness, keeping our focus on the
memory of the victims and our true desire to never see another tragedy like this
again.
For more information on my work in Congress, please sign up for my E-newsletter
and text message updates and visit my Web site www.mckeon.house.gov. You can
also interact with me on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Thank you again for
contacting me; please feel free to continue to inform me of your views on issues
important to you.
Sincerely,
Howard P. "Buck" McKeon
Member of Congress

[SlobRay]

First off, I contacted my Federal Legislators to tell them to "vote no" on certain bills, nothing to do with Newtown, CT. I received two replies, still waiting on one.

Dear MSG Allen,
>

> Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent outbreak of shootings
> around the country.
>
> Nothing I write in a letter feels like a satisfactory response to such
> an awful series of events. My heart goes out to the families of the
> victims of these unfathomable crimes. I simply do not have the words to
> encapsulate the anguish and loss they have experienced. As a wife,
> daughter and sister, my prayers are with the families who must now
> grapple with the absence of their own loved ones and family members.
>
> Tragedies such as these raise many issues with regard to public policy
> and public welfare. As an elected official, I took an oath to uphold
> our Constitution, including the Second Amendment contained within it
> that guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. While I believe that
> law-abiding citizens should have this right protected, I also believe
> we should review our current legal safeguards and restrictions to
> ensure that they are being adequately enforced. I also believe we need
> to examine our laws to make sure that we are doing what we can to keep
> criminals and the mentally unstable from obtaining these weapons in the
> first place.
>
> However, we must do more than just examine our firearms laws. Our
> efforts to address these tragedies must include a thorough reevaluation
> of our nation's system for treating mental illness. Unfortunately, too
> often mental illness goes undiagnosed and untreated. We must focus on
> increasing public awareness of the symptoms of mental illness and on
> improving access to mental health services, with a goal of identifying
> and treating mental illness earlier on in those it affects. It is my
> hope that from these tragedies will emerge action that promotes better
> mental health diagnosis and treatment in the U.S.
>
> I ask that you please keep the families of the victims in your thoughts
> and prayers.
>
> Thank you again for contacting me on this important issue. I invite you
> to visit my website at www.JaimeHB.house.gov
> <http://www.jaimehb.house.gov/> for additional information or to sign
> up to be kept up to date on these issues. Please do not hesitate to
> contact me if I can be of further assistance.
>

> Sincerely,
>
> <http://herrerabeutler.house.gov/site...iles/beutler.j
> pg>
> Jaime Herrera Beutler
> Member of Congress

> Dear Mr. Allen,
>
> Thank you for contacting me regarding the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook
> Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I appreciate hearing from
> you on this important issue.
>
> All Washingtonians - and all Americans - offer our deepest condolences
> to the families of the 20 children and six school staff members who
> were killed in this senseless attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with
> the community of Newtown, as its residents heal from this
> incomprehensible tragedy.
>
> This horrific attack highlights several issues that must be addressed
> promptly in order to better protect against such inexplicable violence.
> We need to get powerful assault weapons off our streets. And we need
> to strengthen services for the mentally ill and their families.
>
> In the past, I supported the original Assault Weapons Ban and the Brady
> Bill, as well as the Youth Handgun Safety Act of 1993, which prohibits
> juveniles from possessing or receiving handguns. I look forward to work
> with my colleagues in the Senate to strengthen responsible legislation
> to rein in gun violence. We need to work to close the loopholes in
> existing laws that allow criminals and children to gain access to
> firearms contrary to the law's intention. One example is the well-known
> "gun-show loophole" which allows people to purchase firearms at
> gun-shows without undergoing the background check required when guns
> are bought from licensed dealers. Lastly, I believe we must support
> increased gun-safety and gun-use education.
>
> I support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding
> Washingtonians who own guns. I also remain focused on addressing the
> deeply troubling violence in this country and making our state and our
> country as safe as possible for all people, including our most
> vulnerable citizens, our children. I believe both of these goals are
> important and can be simultaneously accomplished through common-sense
> gun laws and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
>
> Along with addressing gun violence, making services for the mentally
> ill and their families more accessible will encourage those suffering
> from mental illness to seek needed care and support. Mental health care
> is a critical component of our healthcare system and an individual's
> overall health status. According to the National Institute of Mental
> Health, approximately one in 17 Americans suffers from a seriously
> debilitating mental illness. I care deeply about mental health care and
> understand the important role behavioral health services play in the
> lives of both those who suffer from mental illness and their family and
> loved ones.
>
>
> Thank you again for contacting me to share your thoughts on this
> matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future if I can be
> of further assistance.
>
> Sincerely,
> Maria Cantwell
> United States Senator
>
>
> For future correspondence with my office, please visit my website at
> http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/
> <http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/>

Ray

[Fellblade]

January 18, 2013


Dear XXXXXX:
Thank you for contacting my office regarding guns and gun control issues. I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.

With the recent media publicity, gun control has, again, come to the forefront of some legislative agendas. I look forward to hearing all of the proposals, and coming to a reasoned and rational decision based on the facts presented in the coming session. That said, I have continuously advocated for the protection of our Constitution, including the 2ndAmendment.

Again, thank you for taking the time to communicate with me on this issue. If I may be of any assistance in the future please contact my office.

Best regards,

BRIAN MAIENSCHEIN
Assemblymember, 77thDistrict

Only reply I've received so far.

[The Geologist]

Originally Posted by Mickey3Gun

Here's what I got back from Janice Hahn. What did your Rep send you?

"Dear Mr XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to voice your views on ending gun violence. I am honored to represent you, and I appreciate your active participation in the legislative process. Your input makes our democracy work better. By staying involved, you help me more effectively represent you and our district.

I believe that we must do more to stop gun violence, including increasing awareness and funding for mental health programs. Furthermore, I believe we must take action to institute common sense gun safety measures, including closing the loophole that allows criminals to obtain guns without undergoing a background check. While some of our views may differ on this matter, I hope that you will keep in touch with me on this or any other issue you feel important.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your concerns. To stay informed of my work or sign up for my email newsletter, please visit my website at http://Hahn.House.gov. Or, you can always call my office in San Pedro at (310) 831-1799 or my office in Washington, D.C. toll-free at (855) 328-7332.

Sincerely yours,

Janice Hahn"

Are you kidding me "closing the loophole that allows criminals to obtain guns without undergoing a background check". What planet are you from Janice? A criminal goes to his Homie sees what he's got, slaps him a C-note, and cruses down the road. There's no background check. What a nut. Get with the program Janice!!! Apparently you need to be informed. Exactly who are you representing?

[bigbobmegadeth]

I just emailed my representative, please encourage your friends to do the same.

[Merovign]

Nothing from my representative, and I think the senators gave me the evil eye.

[Sakiri]

Nothing from either. Thompson, Boxer and Feinswine have ignored me.

[intruder1_92tt]

I've gotten absolutely nothing back. It might have something to do with the fact that my reps are Feinstein and Bera. :-/

[MrTokarev]

From my rep

Dear Mr. XXXXX:

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts and concerns related to the tragic attack in Connecticut. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this important issue.

Like you, I was deeply saddened when I heard of the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragedy.

At the same time, I also recognize that when situations like these arise, the first reaction is to advocate for additional gun control laws and restrictions that may not be necessary. I can assure you that I share your support for the fundamental right of law-abiding citizens to safely and responsibly possess firearms and do not believe in restricting our constitutional rights.

Moreover, I encourage efforts to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and street-gangs, and believe that those who violate our state and federal gun laws should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Please know that I remain committed to upholding the Second Amendment and will carefully consider all bills that would limit the ability of responsible Americans to purchase and possess firearms with your thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely,
Duncan Hunter
Member of Congress

[DEVOREGUNNER]

From my new Congressman. And he is the only one that responded to over a dozen letters sent out.


Dear xxxxxxx,


Thank you for contacting my office. It's always a pleasure to hear from constituents. As you know, I'm newly elected to Congress, and my staff and I are working hard to get the office up and running. I'm honored to have the chance to serve you in Washington.

I'm a strong supporter of the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms. I share your concerns with some of the proposals to restrict our freedoms and will keep them in mind when I'm voting on any anti-gun legislation.

Please contact me any time with questions or concerns by calling my office at 202-225-5861 or by visiting my website at http://www.cook.house.gov. I look forward to working with you.


Sincerely,

Col. Paul Cook (Ret.)
Member of Congress

[delta9]

I received this:

Thank you for contacting me! This is an automatic reply to confirm that my office has received your e-mail. Due to the high volume of messages I receive, I may not be able to respond to your message immediately. If you are in need of more timely or urgent assistance, please contact my district office at (650) 342-0300 to speak with a member of my staff.

All the best,

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

[Cambo5150]

I wrote to everyone. Only response I got was from McClintock. It was an unrelated email. Guess on I'm on his auto email list now. I know these politicians are "busy" but you would think I would have received a BS answer from at least one of them......

[fonso]

Originally Posted by Hoooper

Yeah...i messaged every last one and I've got goose eggs.

To date, I'm in the same boat.

[jpigeon]

Nothing but a tax increase over here.

[Kingofthehill]

Typical BS.

Dear Mr. Zepeda:
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.
If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator
Please do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at https://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/cont...cycomments.cfm.

[finsfan21]

Dear Kerry:



Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding potential gun legislation in response to the tragic events in Newton, Connecticut this past December. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the families who have been affected by this senseless act of violence.



To better understand the issue, I have joined the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. The purpose of this task force is to work with mental health experts, law enforcement organizations, gun owners, and others to discuss and introduce a comprehensive approach to reduce gun violence and strengthen our nation's gun laws while protecting law abiding citizens' right to own firearms.



Gun legislation is one aspect of the discussion on how to best protect our communities from senseless acts of violence. We must also raise awareness of and invest in mental health. I introduced the Excellence in Mental Health Act (H.R. 5989) in June of 2012. This bill would increase access to community behavioral health services for all Americans and provides Medicaid reimbursement for these services. I will continue to champion mental health programs and benefits during the 113th Congress.

As your Representative, I will continue to advocate for the safety of the Sacramento community. Please know that I will work with leaders in the Administration and Congress to pass meaningful and sensible legislation that will protect the legal right to own firearms, with common sense safeguards to protect against violent crimes.



Thank you again for contacting me to express your concerns regarding gun legislation . To learn more about my work in Congress, or to sign up for e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/matsui .



Sincerely,

DORIS O. MATSUI
Member of Congress

[Twhite5555]

Remind them the midterm is coming in two short years. I write them all even if they are not my senator or congress person.

While you are not my house Congresswoman. I just want to share my thoughts with you and I am not alone. We are tired of the grand standing about the gun laws. Stop making new gun laws. As sure as I am writing this we will clean house at the midterm election. We are watching and counting who is voting in what direction. Focus on the fiscal cliff the budget and health care. In case you haven't noticed we are broke and unemployed. Taking guns from the law abiding citizens does not prevent crime or shootings. Stop and think the next time you vote, is this going to cost me my seat in the next election. Food for thought.

[sacto929]

Dear Mr. Sacto929:

Thank you for writing about gun control.

Laws that aim to restrict or eliminate the ownership of firearms are often justified by arguing that we need to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. The problem is criminals and madmen don't obey them; only honest citizens do. Gun control laws end up producing a society in which decent people are helpless and defenseless and a gunman can kill scores of people – because nobody is there to stop him.

It may be prudent for Congress to consider proposals to ensure that individuals purchasing weapons are, in fact, law-abiding citizens and competent to own a weapon. It may also be appropriate for states and localities to consider requiring licensing for gun owners who wish to carry their weapons in public.

However, such measures will not earn my support if they infringe on the inalienable right of individuals to own and defend themselves with a firearm.

You will find a copy of my speech in which I outline my views on this subject here.

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Tom
--------------------------

I've met the man and spoken with him at length about several issues. He will continue to have my support.

[kaligaran]

I got a rock.





On a serious note, I have gotten a few responses, I posted them in different threads here on calguns.

[0nTarg3t]

here is what i got from boxer:

Dear Mr. gun owner:

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.

If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.


Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Please do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at https://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/cont...cycomments.cfm.

[pbsmind]

Originally Posted by 0nTarg3t

here is what i got from boxer:

Dear Mr. gun owner:

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.

If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.


Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Please do not respond to this message. If you would like to comment on legislation, please visit my website and use the correspondence form at https://www.boxer.senate.gov/en/cont...cycomments.cfm.

Got this one twice.

[ken5714]

Got the same "canned" responses from the ignorant, brain dead, Senator Boxer.

[kf6tac]

I've been spamming Feinstein, Boxer, and Speier daily with no response... they must be tired of me.

[Dioxindude]

Originally Posted by Kingofthehill

Typical BS.

Dear Mr. XXXX:
Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.

If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer

[BIGDJG]

20130125_153049.jpg

20130125_152932.jpg

[Fellblade]

I got the same form letter from Boxer.

Also added to the pile,

Dear xxxxxxxxx,

Thank you for contacting me about our nation's gun laws. I appreciate hearing from you.

I understand the concern expressed by many; that the implementation of new gun legislation could infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens. I fully support the rights conveyed by the Second Amendment and respect every American's right to own guns for purposes of sporting, collection, and/or self-protection. I agree with those who believe that the problem does not lie in the hands of responsible, law-abiding gun owners.

I also believe that in the wake of the horrific tragedy in Newtown—and Aurora, Tucson, and Columbine before that—we must do what is in our power to prevent these massacres. These events demand that we engage in a rational and nonpartisan discussion that leads to lower rates of gun violence.

The approach I favor is comprehensive. We must improve awareness surrounding and treatment of the mental health issues that contribute to these acts of violence. We must ensure that local law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to keep our schools, families, and neighborhoods safe. We need to do a better job of enforcing existing gun laws and I believe that requiring a background check for every gun purchase will help us accomplish that. We also need to agree that there are certain types of weapons and ammunition originally intended for military use that should not be readily available to the public.

Thank you, again, for contacting me. Please know that I value your input as I continue to represent San Diego's interests in Washington. If I can be of further assistance on this or any other matter, I hope you'll be in touch.

Sincerely,

Scott Peters
Member of Congress

I added the bold font. Last I checked, I don't "need" to agree with anyone. Although, I would agree with him if we could hold him to the "readily available" part. I wouldn't mind waiting for a ww2 thompson to come on the market if I knew I'd be allowed to buy it when it does. There is a different between "not readily available" and banned, I just don't get the impression he sees it that way.

[thayne]

Mine have all responded via snail mail.

[M1Kev]

From my reps? All I got was either form letters that did not mention the issue, or from at least one I received a letter telling me he was too busy to send me a latter, but if I waited 3 days I would get a real letter... I got that one 5 days ago. Funny thing though, I emailed Senator Ball from NY thanking him for his speech before the NY ban, and for his efforts. He (obviously not my rep in CA) sent me a personal letter thanking me for my support for his efforts. Said he wished he could have voted twice! Funny how those that agree with you take the time to write, those that don't agree send form letters thanking you for trying to participate in the "important legislative process."

[lostlife656]

Got an email from Barbara Boxer. Same template as everyone else above

[Jwtechnic]

Got the same email from Boxer as everyone else, nothing from Feinstein..
& this from Mark Leno.

Dear Mr. W. :

Thank you for writing to express your opposition to gun control restrictions. I appreciate your taking the time to voice your opinion on this important issue.

As we continue discussions on public safety laws focused on gun related matters, I will keep your comments in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me. If you have any further questions or thoughts regarding this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (415) 557-1300 or visit our website at www.senate.ca.gov/leno.

Sincerely,

Mark Leno

Senator, 11th Senate District

[STiLife]

Same From Barbara ^ nothing from DiFi, obama, biden, etc lol

[AR-Realtor]

Originally Posted by lostlife656

Got an email from Barbara Boxer. Same template as everyone else above

Dito

[Lepimpster]

Originally Posted by lostlife656

Got an email from Barbara Boxer. Same template as everyone else above

Same here as well from Boxer

[fonso]

Here's what Tom McClintock sent to me:

"Dear Mr. xxxxxx:

"Thank you for writing about gun control.

"Laws that aim to restrict or eliminate the ownership of firearms are often justified by arguing that we need to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. The problem is criminals and madmen don't obey them; only honest citizens do. Gun control laws end up producing a society in which decent people are helpless and defenseless and a gunman can kill scores of people – because nobody is there to stop him.

"It may be prudent for Congress to consider proposals to ensure that individuals purchasing weapons are, in fact, law-abiding citizens and competent to own a weapon. It may also be appropriate for states and localities to consider requiring licensing for gun owners who wish to carry their weapons in public.

"However, such measures will not earn my support if they infringe on the inalienable right of individuals to own and defend themselves with a firearm.

"You will find a copy of my speech in which I outline my views on this subject here.

"Thank you again for writing.

"Sincerely,

"Tom"

IMO, an extremely worthwhile read. An excerpt:
"The right is absolute. In a free nation, government has no authority to forbid me from speaking because I might shout “fire” in a crowded theater. Government has no authority to forbid me from using my fist to defend myself because I might also use it to strike your nose. And government has no authority to forbid me from owning a firearm because I might shoot an innocent victim.

"Government is there to assure that the full force of the law can be brought against me if I discharge that right in a manner that threatens the rights of others. It does not have the authority to deny me those very rights for fear I might misuse them."

"Senator Kuehl continues, “In my opinion, this bill is one of those balances. It does not say you cannot have a gun. It does not say you cannot defend yourself. It says if you are going to be owning and handling and using a dangerous item you need to know how to use it, and you need to prove that you know how to use it by becoming licensed.

"How reasonable. How reassuring. How despotic."

You go, Tom!!!

My LTC expires at the beginning of August 2013 and I am seriously considering, prior to its expiration, notifying the COP that I intend on exercising my 2nd Amendment inalienable civil right "to keep and bear arms" un-infringed by an LTC or any other type of license/permit/etc.