Posted on 07/02/2004 1:27:13 PM PDT by Free and Armed
Today I received an email response from Senator John Edwards (D-NC) in respect to an email I sent expressing my concern about the assault weapons ban renewal and urging him to fight the renewal. His response is typical of the liberal/moderate crowd who cleaim the Second Amendment only pertains to hunting and sports shooting. This email helped me realize how easily this dangerous idea of the Second Amendment is packaged to the generally gullible American public in nice, comforting words. So for your informational purposes, I submit this email in hopes that those of us who cherish the Bill of Rights may learn the mindset of the liberal crowd and counter it with effective arguments and evidence in a respectful manner.
"Thank you for contacting me concerning the important issue of gun ownership and gun safety. I appreciate hearing from you.
I believe the best approach to this important issue is one which strikes a balance between two important principles: protecting the legitimate rights of law-abiding gun owners and keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals and children.
As you know, our state has a rich tradition of hunting and sporting uses of guns. I value this part of our state's history, and I believe that the Second Amendment gives law-abiding citizens the right to own a gun. I also believe that there are a few common-sense measures that can improve the safety of firearms and help protect all of us from weapons in the hands of violent criminals.
I understand your view about the assault weapons ban, especially your concern that certain firearms used extensively by hunters and sportsmen are covered by the ban. While I am always open to suggestions for reform, it is my belief that the law already gives hunters and sportsmen a great deal of flexibility to choose the right weapons. Although you and I may disagree about this, please be assured that I will keep you thoughts in mind as the Senate considers this matter.
I will continue to support measures that strike this important balance, and I appreciate hearing from you about this issue. Please feel free to keep in touch.
Yours sincerely,
John Edwards United States Senate"
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