Uh Oh, a CA sentor who gets it?

[SanJoseScott]

I received this letter from Senator Jim Beall. True, this is a CA senator not federal BUT I was rather impressed by his snail mail letter (not form email response) and his position of "don't just complain, tell my your thoughts" stance.

Now I don't know this guy from adam but I'm going to research a bit and if he is truly as he seems (yeah right, a politician?) I will send him my thoughts and see what happens.

But I figured I would post this because it is a bit more encouraging that those from other kool aid drinking pols:

Dear Mr. XXXXXXXX,
Thank you for contacting my office regarding your opposition to gun control laws. I appreciate the time you took out of your day to inform me of your opinion.

This year, new gun control proposals have been introduced at the Legislature. The bills are in the process of being assigned to policy committees where a thourough analysis will be prepared. I hav not had an opportunity to review the specific bills yet. I must also advise you that most bills that reach the floor of the Senate undergo verious changes. At this point, it would be premature to take a position.

As a former Assembly member, I authored and passed AB 302 to ensure that authorities would receive timely notification to prevent an unstable person from purchasing a firearm. I introduced the bill after I was contacted by a mother whose son had purchased a firearm shortly after his erlease from a mental health facility and then committed suicide. The bill was signed into law by then Governor Schwarzenegger in September 2010 is the only bill regarding firearms that I have introduced during my career at the State Capitol.

Again, thank you again for informing me of your opinions. I appreciate knowning your views on this issue and am very interested in knowing how you believe the state can help prevent tragedies like Sandy Hook Elementary.

Please do not hesitate to send me your thoughts or contact me again regarding this or any issues of concern to you. Please be assured that I will keep your views in mind when any gun legislation comes before me or for a vote in the future.

If you are looking for information including the text of the bills, analysis of legislation, or my voting history , I ecourage you to explore the Legistlative Council's website at Official California Legislative Information . This site is extremely helpful and is available free of charge.

To receive updates on bills throughout this session and sign up for my montly newlsetter visit: sd15.senate.ca.gov

Best regards,
Jim Beall
Senator, District 15

 

[REVL33]

I guess we will se what happens here in ca now that liberals have super majority I hope he stays the course and upholds the right of the 2a to his constitutes.

 

[SanJoseScott]

After several letters I got invited to "coffee with Senator Beall" this Saturday. I will definitely go and report back. True, a CA Senator but what the heck, gotta start somewhere.

 

[REVL33]

well let's. hope all goes well with the meeting I am very confident. you will do us proud as 2nd supporters. here in the bay area good luck my friend.

 

[SanJoseScott]

On my way to meet with the senator and the only question in my mind is: Wear my NRA hat or not?

 

[REVL33]

On my way to meet with the senator and the only question in my mind is: Wear my NRA hat or not?

nope I would wear an American flag though good luck hope to hear some good feedback.

 

[venomballistics]

Hmmm 10AM was his last post heading to the door .... did DHS hook him up and give him a ride to gitmo?

 

[SanJoseScott]

Well I did not wear the NRA hat, this time. Since this was my first experience onto the political arena I decided at the last minute to check things out first.

There were about 50 people or so overall. The Senator was set up in a far corner talking one on one with people. The staffers were circulating sign up forms on which they wrote a number if you wished to speak with the Senator. I got number 20 something. So I chose a set not too far from where the Senator was and started checking things out.

There were groups of people obviously talking about some legislation and then there were those who were obviously waiting their turn. There were obsessed people frantically re-writing letters mouthing words trying to get them down on paper (seriously strange).

2 CHP officers, armed, were on hand to keep the peace. I note this because I used their presence in a discussion later on.

One of the things "we " have to do is learn how to discuss our 2A issues with calm purpose, facts, emotional but not over the top, and we have to do it with a quick confidence that can disarm a obvious trap and not appear like the gun owners portrayed by the media.

I met a Political Science professor coming to invite the senator to speak. She was a gas and we had a great discussion and she said she did so appreciate the obvious research I had done. She also agreed with much I said.

The best part was when a older guy sat down and just asked "what are you here for". The answer to this question is something that "we" need to be able to answer in public. Several quick answers ran through my head:

1. I'm here to support gun rights (not a good opening in public when you don't know squat about the person asking the question)

2. I'm here to oppose additional gun control measures. (This would work)

3. I'm here to discuss ways to reduce violence in our society. (I used this one).

This guy sat back and looked at me and asked "what?". I said that the senator responded to my letter opposing additional gun control legislation with an offer to discuss ways to reduce violence in our society and that was what brought me here. Then we got in a bit of a discussion and he laid a trap. "I think the only thing that will pass is a mental capacity test required to buy a firearm". I kind of snickered and he said "what, you are ok with crazy people getting firearms?". I just laughed and said "Of course not. A mental capacity test or any other government run process or procedure will only affect law abiding gun owners". This guy took the bait...."But a mental capacity test would have stopped that kid in CT"...... Then I calmly went through each of the last 5 shooting and by shooter's name explained how each got their weapons and illustrated the multiple laws they each broke then asked him why he felt another law would work. He paused a bit and then took note of the two CHP officers and their sidearms. He said something about their positioning to protect the Senator. I asked him if he felt it was ok for the Senator to have armed guards but our kids in school can't? Even the Political Science Prof nodded at that approach. He nodded his head and reached over an shook my hand. I asked him why he was here. He just said he wanted to see the guy who had been sending him all the letters since the last time he saw a state senator it was Norm Mineta (way back). Then he got up and left but did ask me if I would be at the next one. You bet I will.

In that I got to hone some debating skills and meet some good people the experience was great. In the end the Senator ran out of time and his staff offered that he would personally respond to those who attended but did not get face time. I gave them a letter I had written and they promised he would read it and respond.

I will probably wear the NRA hat next time. The things that all of the posters in the 2A forum have taught me and the research I've done coupled with this experience make the idea of public debate much less daunting.

 

[REVL33]

great job thank you for sharing.