Post by: bearpaw on April 09, 2013, 01:00:09 PM
Our rights rest on the people making their voice heard, everyone needs to take 1 minute and do this, it's all laid out and automated, free, very quick, and easy.
http://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/write-your-reps.aspx (http://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/write-your-reps.aspx)
Post by: Bean Counter on April 09, 2013, 01:06:17 PM
Post by: washelkhntr on April 09, 2013, 01:07:05 PM
Post by: netcoyote on April 09, 2013, 01:10:57 PM
Post by: huntrights on April 09, 2013, 01:13:27 PM
When organizations like the NRA make it so fast and easy for people to communicate with their representatives, there is absolutely no reason for hunters and gun owners to sit on the sidelines doing nothing.
We're fighting for our rights folks.
Take a minute (literally) to take a stand to protect those rights. The "I don't have the time" excuse has no merit anymore.
Post by: matt345 on April 09, 2013, 01:51:48 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 09, 2013, 02:28:44 PM
Thank you for contacting my office. Your thoughtful comments are greatly appreciated.
The views of Washingtonians are very important to my work. I will keep your thoughts in mind, and I encourage you to stay in touch. If you would like to know more about my work in the Senate, please feel free to sign up for my weekly updates at http://murray.senate.gov/updates. (http://murray.senate.gov/updates.) Again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.
Sincerely,
Patty Murray
United States Senator
Post by: Bowflinger on April 09, 2013, 03:26:53 PM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on April 09, 2013, 03:33:15 PM
Post by: et1702 on April 09, 2013, 03:54:06 PM
Already sent mine too.
ET
Post by: bearpaw on April 09, 2013, 04:21:17 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on April 09, 2013, 04:24:51 PM
Post by: Bowflinger on April 10, 2013, 03:03:53 PM
Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I deeply appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts with me as I work to represent all the residents of our Congressional District. I hope that even if we do not always agree, we can continue having a civil, reasonable and thoughtful conversation on how we can confront the challenges our nation faces.
Many different proposals for reducing gun violence have been made in the past few weeks, including by President Obama. I am carefully reviewing the President's proposal, which has not yet been written into legislation, as well as the many other proposals that have been made by advocacy groups. Most importantly, I am listening to the ideas that my constituents have proposed for fighting gun violence in America. As the national debate on gun violence moves forward, I want you to know what my guiding principles on this issue will be.
First, I believe that doing nothing is not an option. Like all Americans, I am heartbroken by the shooting that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. The murder of twenty first-graders and seven adults, six of whom worked at the school, was a tragedy beyond comprehension. As the husband of a retired principal and teacher and the father of two boys, this shooting hit particularly close to home for me and my family.
Sadly, too many other communities have also experienced incidents of gun violence. The South Sound has not been spared. Six people were injured in a mass-shooting at the Tacoma Mall in 2005. Four Lakewood police officers were killed in 2009 while sitting in a coffee shop. Every day in communities around America there are tragic gun deaths that rip neighborhoods and families apart.
I believe we must do more to prevent gun violence in this country. No child should go to school scared of being shot. Every American deserves to live in a society free of the threat of gun violence. I am committed to working to reduce gun violence and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and those who are dangerously mentally ill. Let me repeat: Doing nothing is not an option.
Second, I believe that all proposals aimed at reducing gun violence should be evaluated in an evidence-based way. We should enact policies that research shows us will actually work and be effective at reducing gun violence. Unfortunately, researchers looking into ways to reduce gun violence face unnecessary and inappropriate barriers in conducting their work. For example, Congress has placed restrictions on the ability of the Centers for Disease Control to do research into the cause of gun violence. It has also placed restrictions on what data federal agencies can release to researchers looking to study gun violence. These laws limit our ability to even understand the scope of the problem confronting us. These laws should be repealed.
Third, I believe we must strike a reasonable balance between respecting the Second Amendment and the need to keep our communities safe. I know many are greatly concerned Congress or the President will act in a way that damages the Second Amendment or targets hunters and sportsmen. I grew up a hunter and understand these concerns. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled in favor of the right of individual firearm ownership and Congress and the President need to respect this.
I believe it is possible for us to have common sense gun laws that will protect Americans without at all threatening our right to bear arms. For example, Congress has already placed significant restrictions on the production and ownership of tanks, bazookas, machine guns and other automatic weapons. Individuals who meet certain criteria, such as those who have been deemed dangerously mentally ill, are also not allowed to own firearms. I support these laws and support making sure we do a better job enforcing them.
One new action that I believe would better strike a balance between respecting the Second Amendment and keeping our communities safe is closing what some have called the "gun show loophole." This is an omission in federal law which allows individuals to purchase firearms at gun shows without having to undergo a background check. They would be required to undergo this background check if they were purchasing a firearm at a brick-and-mortar store, and visiting a gun show allows them to slip past this security check. I strongly believe that individuals who have committed violent felonies or who are dangerously mentally ill should not be able to evade background checks simply by purchasing a firearm at a local gun show.
Finally, as we look for ways to reduce gun violence, I believe we need to look beyond gun laws. We need to take steps to make our schools a safer place for kids and teachers. Every school in America should have a comprehensive emergency management plan in place, and every school must take steps to reduce violence and bullying.
We also need to improve access to mental healthcare. While only a small minority of those who have a mental illness are violent, we cannot let these individuals slip through the cracks of our healthcare system. Congress needs to continue making sure health insurance policies fully cover necessary mental health coverage, and we need an increased focus on mental health treatment for young Americans between the ages of 16 and 25. These young people are the least likely to seek assistance for a mental illness despite being one of the age groups with the highest risk of developing one.
There is no single action we can take to fully eliminate gun violence. However, the immensity of this problem cannot be an excuse for inaction. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to continuing to hear from you and other constituents about what we can do to tackle this problem. Please do not hesitate to contact my office again as this debate continues.
Sincerely,
Denny Heck
Member of Congress
Post by: Greenhorn on April 10, 2013, 03:25:02 PM
Post by: jrebel on April 10, 2013, 03:28:16 PM
Post by: combs338 on April 10, 2013, 03:28:47 PM
Post by: Windwalker on April 10, 2013, 05:43:12 PM
Done :tup:
Post by: longstevo on April 10, 2013, 06:04:04 PM
...even though all our previous letters haven't got the message across...
Post by: OEFvet1986 on April 10, 2013, 06:27:27 PM
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on April 11, 2013, 07:08:08 PM
Dear James,
Earlier today, on the vote to proceed to debate on President Obama’s anti-gun agenda, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid succeeded in overcoming Senator Rand Paul’s filibuster.
And 13 NRA "A Rated" Republicans and 9 "A Rated" Democrats voted to help him do it (Plus 2 more NRA "B Rated" politicians).
I’m going to give you a list of these wolves in sheep’s clothing shortly, but our job now is crystal clear -- let these turncoats know that any gun control that passes now is their fault.
But first it’s absolutely critical you know where this fight is now headed . . .
Unfortunately, the timing of the coming fights is extremely difficult to predict at this point.
So you and I must be on guard every second.
EVERY United States Senator needs to feel even more heat from Second Amendment supporters.
You see, even among the 31 Senators who stood with Rand Paul for the filibuster, there are some who are scared of Harry Reid and the media that they may cave in on some kind of insider deal.
That's why with your help, I’m committed to ramping up all of our most critical programs -- including mail, email, internet, radio and our hard-hitting TV-ad buys that have multiple Senators whining in the press.
As part of these efforts, I’ve crafted a special No Gun Control/No Deals Emergency Fax Petition I’m going to ask you to sign IMMEDIATELY. Whatever you've done before, we need to double-down the pressure RIGHT NOW.
And if possible, please forward them to your pro-gun friends and family members, as well.
Right now, the United States Senate could take up for discussion three amendments to S.649 as early as this evening, including:
*** The Feinstein Gun Ban, targeting rifles, shotguns and even handguns;
*** Magazine Bans, outlawing the importation, manufacture and sale of magazines holding more than just a handful of rounds;
*** The so-called “Toomey-Manchin” Universal “Background Check” (NATIONAL GUN REGISTRATION) Bill, which was actually written by Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
The S.649 language itself -- even apart from all of these amendments -- includes ATF Witch Hunt provisions designed to terrorize gun owners.
With Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid now calling the shots after invoking cloture on Senator Paul’s heroic filibuster of the motion to proceed, he holds all of the cards as far as timing.
If a vote becomes imminent, rest assured I will alert you IMMEDIATELY.
http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b (http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b)
But there’s one thing I can assure you.
If you and I are going to hold off this madness, we’re going to have to fight back like never before.
It won’t be easy. I believe we can.
But the truth is, all of these assaults could have been turned back this morning.
In fact, if any bad legislation ultimately is passed into law, the blame can be laid at the feet at the following Republican turncoats who voted to end Senator Paul’s filibuster, including:
Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) – NRA A rated
Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) – NRA A rated
Richard Burr (N.C.) – NRA A rated
Saxby Chambliss (Ga.) – NRA A rated
Tom Coburn (Okla.) – NRA A rated
Susan Collins (Maine) – NRA C+ rated
Bob Corker (Tenn.) – NRA A rated
Jeff Flake (Ariz.) – NRA A rated
Lindsey Graham (S.C.) – NRA A rated
Dean Heller (Nev.) – NRA A rated
John Hoeven (N.D.) – NRA A rated
Johnny Isakson (Ga.) – NRA A rated
Mark Kirk (Ill.) – NRA F rated
John McCain (Ariz.) – NRA B+ rated
Pat Toomey (Pa.) – NRA A rated
Roger Wicker (Miss.) – NRA A+ rated
13 of these Senators have NRA “A-ratings.”
James, this is how the game is played in Washington, D.C.
And if you and I are going to retain any semblance of freedom in this country, the LIES politicians and any group that covers for them tell are going to have to be exposed for what they are.
That’s exactly what the National Association for Gun Rights has done during this fight -- and exactly what we will continue to do.
The good news is, this fight is far from over.
If filibustered, each amendment will have to receive 60 votes to pass.
Then the legislation will have to overcome the 60-vote threshold to proceed to final passage through the Senate.
http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b (http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b)
Perhaps the greatest danger is an insider-cooked "grand deal" that will include some token pro-gun “sweetener” -- a minor protection or fake step forward on gun rights to make it easier for supposedly “pro-gun” Democrats and weak-kneed Republicans to sell to their constituents -- wrapped around BIG gun control changes.
An example would be a mental health protection for veterans.
Another (bad) idea is a national concealed-carry reciprocity law, handing our federal government control over state concealed-carry laws.
President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder want more say over who can’t buy guns.
And they want more names of those who do, so they can set the stage for what every gun owner fears . . .
Ultimate CONFISCATION.
They’re doing everything they can to lay the groundwork for that tragic day right now.
I need you to stand with me and help fight back.
So please sign your No Gun Control/No Deals Emergency Fax Petition IMMEDIATELY.
http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b (http://nagr.org/emergency_fax_petition.aspx?pid=8b)
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on April 15, 2013, 08:44:13 AM
Post by: TwoSixFourWins on April 15, 2013, 07:49:03 PM
Post by: NWWA Hunter on April 15, 2013, 08:35:51 PM
Senate Gun Control Debate to Begin Tomorrow- Multiply Your Force by Five!
Tomorrow, April 16, the U.S. Senate will begin consideration of a number of anti-gun proposals. The underlying bill is S. 649, the so-called “Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013”, which would significantly restrict our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
S. 649 seeks to criminalize the private transfer of firearms by law-abiding citizens, requiring friends, neighbors and many family members to get government permission to exercise a fundamental right or face prosecution. Among the amendments that will likely be offered to S. 649 are a ban on commonly and lawfully-owned firearms and magazines and language to criminalize the private transfer of firearms through an expansion of background checks. This includes the misguided background check “compromise” proposal drafted by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—a proposal NRA strongly opposes!
NRA unequivocally opposes S. 649 and all anti-gun amendments to this bill!
For weeks, you have diligently contacted your U.S. Senators and asked them to oppose S. 649 and all anti-gun amendments, while urging support for reforms that respect gun owners’ rights, and enhance the safety of all Americans. Now, in these crucial next days, in addition to continuing to contact your U.S. Senators with these important messages, our challenge to you is to spread the word! Please contact a minimum of five of your family, friends, or fellow firearm owners and ensure they contact their U.S. Senators immediately with this same message!
If you can add five additional voices in this debate, we will be heard loud and clear over the constant drumbeat of the gun control crowd. This is the battle of our lifetimes, so we have to do everything we can to defend freedom!
Please continue contacting your Senators and find five others to do the same. You can use the "Write Your Reps" feature at www.NRAILA.org (http://www.NRAILA.org), or you can reach your U.S. Senators by phone at 202-224-3121.
The time to act is NOW! Ask your Senators to oppose S. 649 and all anti-gun amendments – including the anti-gun Schumer-Manchin-Toomey proposal! And please find five more to do the same!
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on April 16, 2013, 08:53:16 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 16, 2013, 10:28:24 AM
"Dear Senator,
In light of the terrorist bombing in Boston, please do nothing to limit my ability to protect my family and myself. A time when we are in danger from terrorism is not the time to remove the rights of law-abiding citizens to arm themselves. Please do not support any gun control measures at this time. They will not stop criminals from committing crimes. Remember: bombs are against the law. The law did nothing to prevent what happened in Boston yesterday.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments."
PMan
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on April 16, 2013, 11:11:41 AM
Hello again,
During the 2013 Legislative session you contacted my office in support of our Second Amendment Rights. I just wanted to let you know that this session I supported legislation that reaffirms our liberties and freedoms. Today, April 16, the U.S. Senate will begin consideration of a number of anti-gun proposals. The underlying bill is S. 649, the so-called "Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013", which would significantly restrict our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
If you have not done so already you may wish to contact your United States Congressional Delegation as it is likely that the US Senate will continue debating gun legislation today.
Senator Patty Murray
Washington, D.C. Office
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2621
AND
Senator Maria Cantwell
Washington, D.C. Office
311 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3441
I know this is an emotional and sensitive subject but I strongly believe the recent shootings in our nation should not serve as the impetus for the continuing degradation of our "inalienable rights." When I took my oath of office, I swore to "uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, and the Constitution and laws of the State of Washington." I intend to fulfill this oath by continuing to fight against any proposals that would make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Please contact me back if you have any questions.
In liberty,
Visit Rep. Scott's Web site: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/scott (http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/scott)