As an example for anyone to use, I sent this email to my representatives and Mr Walker. I believe it follows that thin line of making a clear, intelligent and definitive point without sounding too complicated or wordy.
My elected Public Servant,
I'm a resident in your district, and I'm writing you to inform you of my personal position, opinions and expectations regarding our states legislation, as well as many of the people I know.
Right now one can lawfully Open-Carry a firearm in Wisconsin with NO permit and NO registration, etc. Thousand's of people open carry every day in Wisconsin. There has been no blood in the streets, or wild west shootings as anti-gun supporters have said. Vermont, Alaska, and Arizona have adopted the Constitutional Carry across their states. Essentially in those states there is the choice of how they want to carry a firearm without regulations. Meaning, our Creator has given us the Ability, Right and Responsibility to protect ourselves with any means necessary. Numerous court opinions across the country have affirmed the Police have NO Duty to protect us, and can't be present at all times. The US Constitution also specifically identifies and protects the Right to carry, under the Second Amendment. The WI Constitution also upholds that Right in Article I, §25. That was ratified by a 76% approving vote. Clearly the voting public agrees with me. The right to carry a firearm is inalienable, and can't be taken away by man. Any infringement on that Right is Unconstitutional plain and simple. I'm an adult and don't need permission, or to pay a tax on a right by way of a permit system. I also disagree with any mandatory training. I encourage any training or education but strongly disagree with the mandating of it. It creates a larger govt complication and bureaucracy to create, maintain and manage it when WI is already in a fiscal crisis. We don't have the manpower, budget, or need for that type of system. As well as the mandatory training will, as always create a required instruction driving up the cost of the said instruction for profit, making it unobtainable to many people. I personally have handled firearms for 21 yrs. I have never harmed myself or anyone with one, I have never threatened anyone, or shot anyone, robbed a bank, or used them in any negative manner. I'm a competent intelligent human being able to govern myself. If a man uses a firearm to hurt another, then they should be punished accordingly. But not simply for the possession of any weapon, until the unlawful act happens. Not every person possessing a weapon will use it. It's a proven fact that most guns carried, rarely even get used. Thousand's of Officer's across the country have retired, never having removed their gun from it's holster. It's a deterrence and personal safety insurance to carry a firearm or any weapon. Just like normal people buy home insurance, have fire extinguishers, fire detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. The criminal element exists all around us regardless of the laws for the law abiding. People deserve the choice to carry how, when, and what they want to carry. Firearm and weapon bans have been proven to be ineffective in reducing or eliminating crime. Just look at the statistics for Washington DC, Chicago, New York etc.
Constitution Carry would require no fee's, no mandatory government training, no fingerprinting, no new bureaucracy, no waiting months for your permit and no future renewal requirements where you have to go through and pay all that again. Wisconsin Statute 941.23 is the conceal carry ban. If that 130+ year old statute was simply repealed, Wisconsin would become a Constitution Carry state and would be back in line with the freedoms our country was founded on.
Wisconsin also needs to repeal 167.31 which would allow us law abiding citizens to carry in our vehicles (currently you have to unload and encase your weapon when you get in your car) This causes extra unnecessary handling of a firearm. I believe it's also more intimidating, frightening and confusing for individuals seeing the loading and unloading in a parking lot etc.
You have, or will take an Oath to uphold the Constitutions and to be a Public Servant. I call you to stand up and uphold your oath and to work for the people who voted you into office. Put aside your personal opinions and bias' and listen to the people you chose to represent. We need to Repeal 941.23 and 167.31 and stop labeling responsible law abiding citizens as criminals.
I would be more than happy to discuss these issues if you have any questions or comments about the issues. Feel free to contact me.
Thank you
************
Madison, WI
