Dear Mr. JAC (real last name omitted):
Thank you for contacting me to express your support for allowing guns to be carried in our nation's parks. I appreciate hearing from you.
Like all Americans, I am concerned about violent crime and its effects on children, families, and communities. As a U.S. Senator, I have supported legislation to increase punishments for convicted felons. In addition, I have worked hard to emphasize crime prevention strategies, especially among young people, and rehabilitation and treatment efforts for those who are already in trouble.
I also believe that reasonable measures to control firearms should be one part of our national crime- fighting strategy. Throughout my time in office, I have supported common sense gun control measures that reduce gun violence while providing the least possible inconvenience to law-abiding gun owners. I voted for the Brady Bill because I believed it would keep firearms away from criminals while still allowing law abiding citizens to purchase guns. I also supported a requirement that federal firearm licensees agree to sell gun storage and safety devices, a measure that is important in preventing children from having unsupervised access to guns.
On the other hand, I have concerns about legislation that would give the government information about law-abiding gun owners. Such proposals include recent bills that require federal registration of firearms. Registration efforts could threaten the privacy rights of legitimate gun owners.
Gun control efforts must strike a balance between safety and individual rights. Whenever gun control legislation comes before the Senate, I will examine it closely to ensure that it is fair and evenhanded. Rest assured, should such legislation be considered, I will keep your concerns in mind.
Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of service in the future, please be in touch.
I hope all is well in Edmonds.
