My letter to Carolyn McCarthy

This is my letter to Carolyn McCarthy, sponsor of HR 1022 in response to her official website statement on the Virginia Tech shootings. It didn't take them long to turn this tragedy political. I'm hoping others here will take the initiative, and send her mail also.

The Honorable Carolyn McCarthy,

I copied this from your official website.

"Earlier today, tragedy struck the campus of Virginia Tech. Young people just beginning to make their mark on the world have been killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Not only have they been robbed of their future, but society as a whole have been stripped of any future contributions they may have made to make our world a better place. My heart goes out to the families of those lost in this heinous act.

It has been more than a decade since meaningful legislation that would prevent gun violence has been signed into law. This pattern must change. For too long Congress has stood idle while gun violence continues to take its toll. The unfortunate situation in Virginia could have been avoided if Congressional leaders stood up to the gun lobby.

It is imperative that Congress acts now and to fully protect our homeland. It is reprehensible that it takes tragedies like today's events for Congress to stand up and act. I offer my sincere sympathies to the families and will remain committed to passing common sense legislation to prevent further acts of gun violence."

I am writing to you, because you are the listed sponsor of HR 1022, the Assault Weapons Ban, and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007.

I applaud you taking the steps to protect our law enforcement officers, however, I must disagree with you on several critical points. I have been in law enforcement for over 23 years.

I do not need protection from the average American gun owner.

It is already against the law to murder people.

Again, from your website:

"The unfortunate situation in Virginia could have been avoided if Congressional leaders stood up to the gun lobby."

Legislators like you, and your co-sponsors have done nothing more than create an environment where someone bent on murdering people can do it at will, knowing that it is unlikely they will be challenged. Only the law abiding people obey "Gun Free Zone" signs. Had people like you listened to the gun lobby, how many students might still be alive ?

The best chance that the 32 victims had for survival would have been if one of the people inside been armed, and had the fortitude to engage the attacker. This is exactly what happened on January 16, 2002 in the Appalachian Law school shooting, also in my home state of Virginia.

I am urging you to ask yourself a very serious question. Consider the places that have extremely strict gun control in place, such as Washington DC. What has this legislation accomplished ?

My answer- created a haven for criminals to prey upon victims who are unable to defend themselves.

I don't fear the average American, regardless of what kind of firearm they own. I fear legislators like you.