Critique my Senate speech.

[Birddog1911]

Tomorrow I will be attending the CO. Senate hearing, with the hope that I'll actually be able to have my voice heard. I've written down what I'd like to say, but I figured I'd run it by the hive and see if it could be improved upon. Below is the text. Unfortunately, anyone who is able to speak will be limited to 3 minutes. Should anyone else get the chance to speak, and would like to use it, feel free!

ETA: It seems to have taken out my spacing; I'll try to fix here.

I have come here today, specifically, to voice my vehement opposition to Sen. Morse’s proposed law, the Assault Weapon Responsibility Act. Never in my time have I seen a more misguided and unconstitutional law proposed in the great state of Colorado.

First, this proposed law is intentionally misguided in labeling semi-automatic sporting arms as assault weapons. By definition, an assault weapon is a select fire weapon that can be switched from semi-automatic to fully automatic; meaning that with one pull of the trigger, more than one round would be fired mechanically.

Further, Sen. Morse and Rep. Fields are broadly expanding the definition by including any and all semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, and even a pump action shotgun! This would mean that the very rifle that I bought for my nephew, a little .22 caliber long rifle, would be labeled an assault rifle. Anyone who owns a shotgun for hunting ducks and geese would now be in possession of an assault weapon.

The most egregious part of this law would turn any law abiding citizen, who through no malice whatsoever, transferred one of these rifles or shotguns, and that weapon was used in the commission of a crime. At no time in history, in the United States, has someone been held accountable for the crimes of another, when they had nothing to do with the crime.

What is next; if someone sells a car to another person, and that person kills someone by drinking and driving, will the seller of the car be held responsible? What about someone who sells a pool; those kill far more people every year than gun violence. The public would be better served were Senators and Representatives held responsible for the lies that they tell and the laws that they try to pass! Who do you think you are, Sen. Morse, when you said that YOU are the one who grants the citizens their rights? You sir, do NOT grant rights; God grants rights, and they are protected in the United States Constitution!

I call on the Colorado Senate to reject ALL of these ridiculous gun control laws, and for once to actually focus on punishing the criminals, and not the citizens!

[OtterbatHellcat]

What is next; if someone sells a car to another person, and that person kills someone by drinking and driving, will the seller of the car be held responsible? What about someone who sells a pool; those kill far more people every year than gun violence. The public would be better served were Senators and Representatives held responsible for the lies that they tell and the laws that they try to pass! Who do you think you are, Sen. Morse, when you said that YOU are the one who grants the citizens their rights? You sir, do NOT grant rights; God grants rights, and they are protected in the United States Constitution!
I call on the Colorado Senate to reject ALL of these ridiculous gun control laws, and for once to actually focus on punishing the criminals, and not the citizens!

I think you were good up til here, gets a little personal or emotional I guess. I like it for the most part, and thank you for attending and trying to get your (our) voices heard.

Cool Man.

[sroz]

In your 4th para, I think you are saying this would turn any law-abiding citizen.....into a criminal. Just don't think you completed the thought.

If Morse actually said the things you attribute to him (I honestly don't know), I say you are right to call him out on it. Inferring that all Senators & Representatives are liars, may not be received well. Just my honest input. Thank you!

[Birddog1911]

Yea, it seems I skipped a thought in the fourth paragraph. It should be something like this:

The most egregious part of this law would turn any law abiding citizen into a criminal, if someone that they sold one of these weapons to used it in the commission of a crime, even without their knowing the intent. At no time in history, in the United States, has someone been held accountable for the crimes of another, when they had nothing to do with the crime.

[OtterbatHellcat]

You're doing good man, and it's even more cool that you have the cojones to be open with folks here, and willing to accept others opinions about how to present yourself.

Again, cool man, and more power to ya!

[vossman]

We need someone to say this but unfortunately it won't be received well. I wouldn't be surprised if they "asked" you to leave once you were done. I think it was well written though. Good work.

[Birddog1911]

Well let's make sure that it is well received. I could remove the portion directly aimed at Morse.

[OtterbatHellcat]

Thank you for your efforts, Brother. If you get your time, I know you will do well.

[vossman]

I think it needs to be said.

[Birddog1911]

Refined the second and third paragraph.

First, , Sen. Morse and Rep. Fields are broadly expanding the definition of what they would call an assault weapon, by including any and all semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. Even a single shot rifle or shotgun, as defined in this law, is an assault weapon.