Make Sure you contact the US Congress about your Gun Opinions

[pianoman9701]

You Senators and Representatives are hearing from all of the people who want guns banned. Make sure they hear from you. You should send emails or call today to Patti Murray, Maria Cantwell, and whoever your US Representative is. There is a bill coming to the floor on Thursday proposing all kinds of restrictions on our right to bear arms. Don't be silent. The antis aren't!!! Tell them how you feel about proposed restrictions on semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, restrictions on any size magazine, and on restrictions for buying large amounts of ammo. Tell them how you feel about the dismal state of mental healthcare in this country. Tell them how you feel about lenient judges and early release for violent offenders.

U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202)224-3121

Find your reps here:
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Here is my letter to our Senators and my Representative Beutler:

Dear Senator Murray,

I have written to you many times. The upcoming debate on our Second Amendment rights is a big issue. I am against any further restriction on firearms to law-abiding American citizens,

Our own DOJ says on it's website that gun violence has plummeted since the 1993 (see: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/guns.cfm). If our own Justice Department shows that gun violence is down, why then should we further restrict my Second Amendment rights?

We definitely need to address the safety of our children. Declaring schools to be gun-free sends a message that our children are "easy pickin's" for criminals and the mentally insane. Teachers who are gun owners should be trained and allowed to carry firearms in the classroom. This would eliminate this safe haven.

The President's Affordable Healthcare Act also does not adequately address mental health access. We should be able to get help for the insane instead of throwing them out on the streets and expecting them to get well on their own.

Please represent me to our nation and oppose further gun control measures. Thank you so much for your service to Washington.

[Bean Counter]

Thanks for the reminder. I have done this with one and am going to get to the others soon.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

Don't forget to hit up the State Legislators too.  Seattle is trying to change state law regarding local jurisdictions setting their own gun rules.

[pianoman9701]

 

[furbearer365]

Sent my email

[crazysccrmd]

I've sent several letters over the years to those two fools and never received a reply, even though I check the "reply requested" box. Maybe it's because I'm on the wrong side? Or maybe they remember the scathing letter I sent while deployed to Iraq and not being paid due to Congress' incompetence. Either way, I don't expect either of them to be swayed by anything we say. The days of representatives actually taking the opinions of their electorate into consideration is long past. Once elected they do as they please with the only concern being reelection and keeping their soft job.

[huntrights]

ACTION ALERT!

The threat is real.  Senator Feinstein will introduce her Gun-Ban Bill on January 3rd.

Feinstein Goes For Broke With New Gun-Ban Bill

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/federal-legislation/2012/feinstein-goes-for-broke-with-new-gun-ban-bill.aspx

"Call Your U.S. Senators and Representative: As noted, Feinstein intends to introduce her bill on January 3rd. President Obama has said that gun control will be a “central issue” of his final term in office, and he has vowed to move quickly on it.

Contact your members of Congress at 202-224-3121 to urge them to oppose Sen. Feinstein’s 2013 gun and magazine ban. Our elected representatives in Congress must hear from you if we are going to defeat this gun ban proposal. You can write your Representatives and Senators by using our Write Your Representatives tool here: http://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/write-your-reps.aspx "

Please pass this on.  Our communications in large numbers will make a big difference.

[ndcasla]

I wrote to Murray, Cantwell and DelBeny last night. I told them what I thought about Ms. Feinstein and her ideas, but given past history with the two Senators I don't hold much hope. I'm not sure about my new Representative but I think she is of the same ilk. But we got to tell them, in numbers, how we feel about this stuff.

[pianoman9701]

I've sent several letters over the years to those two fools and never received a reply, even though I check the "reply requested" box. Maybe it's because I'm on the wrong side? Or maybe they remember the scathing letter I sent while deployed to Iraq and not being paid due to Congress' incompetence. Either way, I don't expect either of them to be swayed by anything we say. The days of representatives actually taking the opinions of their electorate into consideration is long past. Once elected they do as they please with the only concern being reelection and keeping their soft job.

I usually receive a reply. Don't stop trying. This is kind of like the past election. We can't assume we're not going to win and then do nothing. The result will be what we predict.

[et1702]

I already received a reply from Cantwell, and it's not what we want!!

"Dear Mr. Turner,

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

[crazysccrmd]

I already received a reply from Cantwell, and it's not what we want!!

Haha, I got the same form letter about 15 minutes ago too. She pretty much says "screw you, I didn't read what you wrote and wouldn't care anyway."

[et1702]

I already received a reply from Cantwell, and it's not what we want!!

Haha, I got the same form letter about 15 minutes ago too. She pretty much says "screw you, I didn't read what you wrote and wouldn't care anyway."

Exactly, pretty much told me (or us) to F-off.  But, I really didn't expect anything less from her.

ET

[washelkhunter]

Post that letter up here would you.

[pianoman9701]

Here's the response from Sen Cantwell. Unfortunately, no surprises here:

Dear Mr. W,

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 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

[pianoman9701]

The ignorant rhetoric makes me want to vomit.

[huntrights]

I received the same letter today.  However, it is good to know that our messages are getting through.

[crazysccrmd]

The ignorant rhetoric makes me want to vomit.

Yep. I still don't understand how these people can willfully ignore facts and logic when coming to these decisions. If someone wanted to ban handguns (which are used in the vast majority of firearm crimes) they would actually have a basis in fact for their arguments. I hate stupid people.

[washelkhunter]

I quote from cantdowell:  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in 17 Americans suffers from a seriously debilitating mental illness.
From her past and present performance i can only assume she is 1 of the 17. She seems to suffer from a severe case Cant Understand Normal Thinking.   

[aaronoto]

Has anyone ever talked to a representative on the phone or ever received a personal response besides the form letter in an email??

I've emailed on a few occasions on several issues and have received obvious form letter responses.  I seriously doubt they even read anything that's sent to them, really p!sses me off 

[csaaphill]

heres one from Waldon the Oregon senator so here I think we have an ally. I still have washington licence but moved to oregon so wrote them.
Thanks for contacting me with your thoughts on gun control laws in light of the recent shootings. 

 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected by these horrible tragedies in Clackamas and Newtown. As a father, I believe that we as a nation must work together to prevent these horrific acts of violence and address the underlying issues that cause them. 

 

Every two years, I raise my hand as your Representative and swear to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution.  That's an oath I take seriously.  The Second Amendment to the Constitution establishes a citizen's right to keep and bear arms, and I have always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. 

 

The shooters in Oregon and Connecticut committed their crimes with stolen guns.  According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a majority of guns used by criminals are stolen, bought on the black market, or obtained in other illegal ways.  Another law is unlikely to deter these types of attacks which violate multiple laws to begin with.

 

I do think we can do more on the side of helping people with mental illness and those contemplating suicide.  I'm working with leaders in these communities to see what they think would be most effective. 

 

Thank you again for writing me about these issues. It's an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress. 

 

[furbearer365]

Here's the response from Sen Cantwell. Unfortunately, no surprises here:

Dear Mr. W,

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 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

I got the exact same one. WORD FOR WORD.           Cantwell

[pianoman9701]

Has anyone ever talked to a representative on the phone or ever received a personal response besides the form letter in an email??

I've emailed on a few occasions on several issues and have received obvious form letter responses.  I seriously doubt they even read anything that's sent to them, really p!sses me off 

I have, from Jaime Herrera Beutler. She's a conservative hottie and polls her constituents for their views. She's responded to me several times on specific points. I really like her.

[huntrights]

When our Representatives receive multiple communications on the same topic, they tend to create their form letter that will let you know where they stand on the issue whether it aligns with your position or not.  However, if they receive great volumes of communications that do not align with their view, they may change their position since they are supposed to represent their constituents.  Keep writing and remember to be respectful.

[crazysccrmd]

My reply to Cantwell.

.       I, along with many others, received your form letter response concerning gun control. I'm curious, did you even read the letter I wrote? I included factual evidence from the Center for Disease Control's "Deaths: Final Data for 2009" that shows firearm related deaths to be a fraction of the total deaths in our country. Furthermore, according to a US Department of Justice study "Firearm Use by Offender" published 4 November 2001 "Fewer than 1 in 50 State and Federal inmates used, carried, or possessed a military-style semiautomatic or a fully automatic gun during their current offense." You can find this information and a full description of what were considered military-style weapons on page two of the study.

I find it hard to reconcile some of your statements in the letter I received. You write "we need to get powerful assault weapons off our streets" and just two paragraphs later write "I support the Second Amendment and the rights of law-abiding Washingtonians who own guns." How are these two statements compatible? You want to ban the possession of firearms and somehow think you still support the Second Amendment? Please enlighten me on how that is possible.

I would like a response that is not a form letter. In fact, I would like to hear your rebuttals to my points so that I might believe you're at least trying to represent the interests of the citizens of Washington not your personal opinions.   

[GUscottie]

Email sent. I surely hope I don't get a canned email response.

[Wenatcheejay]

The same exact form letter. How deflating. It would be nice to know how many people recieved it.

[huntrights]

When our Representatives receive multiple communications on the same topic, they tend to create their form letter that will let you know where they stand on the issue whether it aligns with your position or not.  However, if they receive great volumes of communications that do not align with their view, they may change their position since they are supposed to represent their constituents.  Keep writing and remember to be respectful.

As discouraging as it is, form letters/emails are fairly common, but at least you know your communication was received and categorized.  Our representatives have staff that filter through the many communications their office receives.  Some of the communications may be read directly by the representatives or they may be presented to them in a staff meeting.  Your communications are important regardless of how much individual attention from the representative they may receive.  You can be certain that many people in the anti-gun ranks are writing many letters and emails to our representatives demanding stricter gun controls.  The best way bring balance and some sanity into the picture is to keep writing from our point of view and demand that our Second Amendment rights continue to be protected.  If our Right to Keep and Bear Arms is whittled away, the rest of the Bill of Rights and our Constitution are also at risk.

Rest assured that your individual communications make a difference; they come together with all of our communications to present a clear message to our representatives.  Keep writing those letters and emails, and making those phone calls.  Please be respectful in your communications.

[crazysccrmd]

      As discouraging as it is, form letters/emails are fairly common, but at least you know your communication was received and categorized. 

I'm hoping for at least a tally of pro vs anti to help show the where the populace stands. I still don't think her stance will be swayed, even if she received 80% support for no gun control.

[Wenatcheejay]

      As discouraging as it is, form letters/emails are fairly common, but at least you know your communication was received and categorized. 

I'm hoping for at least a tally of pro vs anti to help show the where the populace stands. I still don't think her stance will be swayed, even if she received 80% support for no gun control.

The question is could either a pro gun democrat or liberal canting (R) replace them if they will not yield their anti gun stance? Or do the Western hunters really support gun bans?

[GUscottie]

agenda vs facts:

Choose Your Own Crime Stats