encouraging letter from Cory Gardner
Thank you for contacting me regarding the 2nd Amendment. I appreciate you taking the time to write. It is an honor to serve you in Congress and I hope you will continue to write with your thoughts and ideas on moving our country forward.
Following the unthinkable atrocities committed at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, a number of legislators have introduced measures to regulate access and possession of firearms for U.S. citizens. Some of these measures include requiring face-to-face purchase of ammunition, assault weapons bans, and mandating background checks for all purchases - including private sales. While the Connecticut tragedy and others like it must not be ignored, I do not believe additional gun control would have prevented these occurrences. I do not think it is prudent nor within the bounds of the Constitution to limit our 2nd Amendment rights. This country has a centuries-long history of responsible and safe gun ownership by private citizens—we should not undermine this overwhelmingly sensible past by crafting legislation in response to the actions of a few. We must act in ways to prevent gun violence by making sure laws are enforced, addressing critical needs in mental health and treatment, and promoting a national dialogue that ensures we identify violent actors before they do harm.
Our Founding Fathers understood the importance of an armed and capable citizenry, enshrining that idea in the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution. Millions of Americans exercise this freedom without harming their neighbors, families, and friends and with no criminal intent. Unfortunately, a small minority do not abide by this constitutional right in the way it was intended. While our dedication to constitutional liberties is sound, we must ensure the same strength for our country's mental health facilities. In a discussion about gun rights, it is important to remember that providing necessary and improved resources to these facilities will help decrease the likelihood of similar future events. We must act to reduce and prevent these tragedies, while not interfering with the 2nd Amendment.
In response to the Connecticut shootings, the President has proposed executive orders to employ more expedient gun control measures. Such executive action on this issue is unprecedented. I believe in a deliberative legislative approach to this issue, not a presidential edict. It is important to understand the long, peaceful history of gun owners in this country while we work to reduce the number of horrific shooting crimes like we witnessed in Connecticut and in Colorado this summer. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as we consider legislation concerning the 2nd Amendment in the 113th Congress.
Again, thank you for contacting me, and do not hesitate to do so again when an issue is important to you.
