I wrote my Senator, informing him that I love my guns, but I demand background checks. I got this lovely canned response in return. I giggle every time I see “Dear Pastor Say”
Dear Pastor Say:
Thank you for contacting me regarding federal firearms laws. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter.
As a strong proponent of the Second Amendment, I believe it is essential to safeguard the law-abiding citizen’s constitutional right to own and use firearms designed for legitimate purposes such as hunting, target shooting, collecting, and self-protection. Restricting this right runs counter to the intent of our Founding Fathers, who expressly guaranteed that citizens would retain the right to keep and bear arms.
It is encouraging that the Supreme Court has upheld the will of our Founders and re-affirmed the ideals our country was established upon. The Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller provides a greater guarantee that Americans’ Constitutional rights remain secure from federal government intrusion. I was proud to sign an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in that case stating an individual’s right to bear arms is fundamental. This historic ruling continues to have implications far beyond the District of Columbia. In 2010, the Supreme Court decided in McDonald v. City of Chicago to strike down the arbitrary gun ban in Chicago—and thereby affirm that the Second Amendment safeguards against state and local encroachments on the fundamental right to keep and bear arms.
As a former Texas Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General, I have firsthand knowledge of crime-fighting policies that work, and I believe that citizens’ Second Amendment rights should not be restricted because of the actions of criminals. Rather, we must focus our attention on the source of violent crime: criminals who use firearms to commit crimes. I believe that strictly enforcing the law—and meting out tougher sentences for career criminals and those who use firearms when committing crimes—will reduce crime more effectively than gun or equipment bans, which primarily serve to take firearms away from law-abiding citizens.
I appreciate the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will continue working with my colleagues to protect our Second Amendment rights. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
My original email:
Dear Senator Cornyn,
I have been an avid gun enthusiast for over 15 years. I enjoy my days at the gun range as a way of socializing with friends and colleagues. As a CHL holder and before, I never once saw an issue with submitting to a mandatory background check. To me, gun safety is everything. The last thing I would complain about is a quick check to make sure that all is in order. Your vote against the gun check bill yesterday is appalling. Unlike some of my friends, I spend the time to review the content of such items. No “database” was going to be kept, no logical sense was used in voting against this provision. The NRA has done a formidable job of inciting fear in gun owners, driving up the prices of guns and ammo, all for the benefit of their corporate members. I am outraged, I am shocked and I am disgusted at the representation of Texas. You have sold out your constituents to special interest groups.
Congratulations.