I’ve been calling weekly at minimum, and daily when opportunity allows, to ensure my elected servants understand that I do not want any further infringement upon the second amendment.
Living in Arizona, one might think that I wouldn’t have a hard time finding my representatives to be firmly in my camp. Unfortunately, I’m not so sure based on the two responses I’ve received in writing. I have spoken with a number of Jeff Flake’s aides who have confirmed that Senator Flake will not vote for any new gun control legislation.
I’ve not been able to speak with anyone when contacting Senator McCain, and my representative in the House – Ann Kirkpatrick – was unsure of her position when I initially began calling. I was originally told that she wanted to see VP Biden’s suggestions from his “task force” and would be meeting with constituents and community leaders in her CD (AZ CD 1).
Here is the response from McCain:
Mr. and Mrs. [SKAS].*, AZDear Mr. and Mrs. [SKAS]:Thank you for contacting my office regarding the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and its impact on federal gun legislation. I appreciate your taking the time to share your views with me.As you know, on December 14, 2012, a mentally unstable gunman committed a senseless atrocity by murdering twenty students and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut. While many Americans continue to try to rationalize this tragedy it remains clear that the inhumane and depraved actions of this individual gunman appear to be motivated solely by his extremely disturbed mental state.On January 16, 2013, President Obama and his administration introduced a twenty-three point plan which lays out both executive and legislative proposals that would attempt to prevent future violence. As the details of the President’s proposals become more clear, I look forward to reviewing them, and working with my colleagues to find sensible solutions that respect the Second Amendment but also help us prevent these type of horrific events from ever happening again.While I am an unwavering supporter of the Second Amendment, please know that I will seriously consider all reasonable public safety legislation that comes before the Senate.Thank you once again for contacting my office. Please do not hesitate to do so on this or any other issue of concern.Sincerely,John McCainUnited States SenatorJM/JT
January 25, 2013
[SKAS]
Dear Mr. [SKAS]:
Thank you for contacting my office. I want to hear from you on the issues you care about, including the Second Amendment and gun violence. I greatly appreciate your taking the time to contact me and share your thoughts.
The Second Amendment and gun violence are complicated issues and are personal to me. Our district includes communities near the site of the Tucson tragedy and it includes many rural communities with responsible gun owners who are strong supporters, just as I am, of the Second Amendment. It is my job to represent all of these folks and work with both sides of the aisle to find consensus around this important issue.
When it comes to protecting our schools, children and communities, we need to take action. There are several proposals I hope we can all agree on. For example, tougher penalties for those who engage in gun trafficking. Strengthening background checks. Improving our mental-health system. Some of these proposals are just common sense.
If Congress is serious about addressing this issue, it will need to take a bipartisan approach. That’s the only way to get something done. Over the coming weeks, I will seek input from law-enforcement officials, mayors and constituents as my colleagues and I work toward protecting our kids and communities and protecting citizens’ rights under the Second Amendment.
I am honored to be able to serve Arizona in this critical moment in our history. By working together, we can find solutions to the many challenges we face. In the true independent spirit of Arizona, let’s work with people from every corner of our great congressional district, regardless of party or region. Together, we can change Washington.
Again, thank you for contacting me, and please continue to share your thoughts on matters that are important to you. If my office can assist you in resolving a matter with the federal government, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick
Member of Congress
Now, I don’t know about you dear reader, but neither of these responses instills any confidence in me. I’m going to increase the frequency with which I contact these Congresscritters and ramp up the pressure. If you live in AZ, please reach out to McCain and don’t let him sell us out. If you’re in AZ CD1, please contact Ann Kirkpatrick and ask her to continue to be strong on the second amendment (she has always [to the best of my knowledge] been against the AWB – even signed a pledge in 09 against it) and oppose universal background checks.
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Any time anyone uses “common sense” in this debate, it raises a red flag with me. There’s a reason that the Civilian Disarmament Movement uses that phrase so often. It’s a rhetorical device that implies that if you disagree, then you are being unreasonable, because any reasonable person would see that this “is just common sense.” Since nobody likes to be called stupid, it’s a non-confrontational way to undermine your position, or the strength of your convictions. Regardless of anything else they say, if they use “common sense,” I know they’re not fully on my side.
That amoral snake McCain has been selling people out since the last name “Keating” was on everyone’s lips.
Why should he stop now? Hopefully the money (lobbyists) will talk, it’s the only thing he listens to.
Kirkpatrick’s gonna vote for any gun control measure she can, just like that scumbag Pastor.
Good on ya for pissing in the wind though. I did the same thing for many years when Ed Pastor was my (non) representative in Congress.
I am so glad my rep is Gosar.
@Matt – You’re right. I still think, in general, that the left does a better job framing debate and re-appropriating words to sway the masses (even when we are right and have facts).
@Derek D – I’m still not sure how he keeps winning re-election in this state aside from name recognition. My sock is a better candidate than that man.
I’m not willing to give up on Kirkpatrick yet. She has an “A” from the NRA, a C from GOA (better than a D or F, I suppose) and seems to listen to her constituents. I’d certainly prefer Gosar, but I’ve gotta work with what I’ve got.
@ Skas:
An “A” from the same org that endorsed Harry Reid, hmmm…
I think the “C” from GOA is a little more accurate. They give Pastor an F-, IIRC.
A C you can work with, you’re just going to have to contact her a lot.
Hopefully I can make it down to the 602 for the rally on Saturday. The drive back up the hill is so depressing though.
@Derek – I’m not going to try to argue that the NRA ratings are anywhere near perfect. She has been openly AGAINST any AWBs in the past. That’s something. You’re right though, I contact her frequently and I’m hoping it’s working.
The drive north can be…yeah. Just remind yourself how great it is to be anywhere but PHX come August.
@ Skas:
Actually I didn’t mind August. Fill up the Camelbak with ice and go for a nice ride. I have to admit, I don’t go off the pavement in the summer. Riding a big streetbike on the forest roads is taxing enough when it’s cooler out.
I moved up here for reasons that don’t exist anymore. Now I’m kinda stuck but planning on coming home someday. I don’t think Prescott will ever feel like home. I can tell you unequivocally that Prescott Valley doesn’t feel like home. I’ve always loved Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert in general. I’m a total desert nerd. If you see me at the rally, we should chat.
I really hope Kirkpatrick turns out to be the most pro-gun Dem in the country.
@Derek D. – Glad that works for ya! I do my best to avoid the sun at all costs in August. Maybe one of these days I’ll look into riding. I usually hear this is one of the best states in the nation for it.
Good luck moving back to the valley. I grok someplace you think would work not feeling like home.
It would be awesome if she’s the most pro-gun D in the country, but I think that’ll be a stretch. Fingers crossed and doing my best to keep her phone lines burning.
@Skas – I always wear my gear to keep the sun off my skin and my skin off the pavement. AZ, in general, has the best road surfaces in the country.
I hope the “C” rating (not necessarily on our side, but responds to prodding) she received from the GOA is more accurate than the easy A she received from “the other guys.” I still say they give up the “A” too easily.