I sent each one of my congressional representatives my thoughts regarding the inevitable upcoming legislation concerning guns. I sent them both via the internet and the old fashioned snail-mail. My thinking using snail-mail is/was that it would more likely be noticed. Probably wrong thinking but I had to take the chance.
Anyway from reading some responses from Merkley posted by some of the members here it may seem his stance has softened a bit to our side. But like all politicians watch what they do, not what they say.
Here is his e-mailed response I received tonight:
Anyway from reading some responses from Merkley posted by some of the members here it may seem his stance has softened a bit to our side. But like all politicians watch what they do, not what they say.
Here is his e-mailed response I received tonight:
Dear James,
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about legislation and actions being considered to address gun violence. I appreciate hearing from you.
In the wake of the tragic mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary and right at home in Clackamas Town Center, I have heard a wide range of views from many Oregonians on gun policies and gun violence. Indeed, I am deeply saddened by these senseless shootings and the loss of innocent lives.
As I consider proposed policies regarding guns, I will have two perspectives. As a supporter of the Second Amendment, I will ask if the proposals meet the constitutional test. Second, I will ask if the proposals will make a difference in the tragic situations we have witnessed. In short, I will be digging into the facts and research about each of the proposals on the table with these perspectives in mind.
It is appropriate in light of the recent tragedies that this is a national discussion, and I'm glad you are sharing your thoughts with me. I will keep your views in mind and hope you will keep me informed about the issues that concern you.
All my best,
Jeffrey A. Merkley
United States Senator