reply from illinois senator dick durbin

[erick1987]

Dear Mr.***:


Thank you for contacting me about gun violence prevention. I appreciate hearing from you.


Americans are entitled to own and use guns responsibly. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees this right. In 2008, in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court struck down the District's handgun ban and affirmed Second Amendment rights. However, the Court also noted in its decision that Second Amendment rights are subject to reasonable limitations.


Within this context, we must work to pursue policies and enforce existing laws to protect Americans from becoming victims of gun violence. Strong penalties for violent crimes involving firearms should be part of any effort to reduce gun violence. I have consistently supported tough crime control and prevention initiatives since coming to Congress.


I support efforts that address illegal possession and use of firearms. Common sense restrictions such as bans on multi-round magazines and assault weapons are supported by law enforcement officials who patrol our streets. I also support universal background checks to prevent the transfer of firearms without a background check by non-licensed gun sellers.


We must institute common-sense limits, such as barring those with a history of mental instability, those with a history of violent crime or who are subject to restraining orders, and those whose names have been placed on a terrorist watch list from owning weapons. Straw purchasers and gun dealers should face firm penalties. There should be limits on how many firearms may be purchased in one month. Those who own firearms that are within the reach of children should have protective locks on their weapons.


Although we may disagree on this issue, I will keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers gun violence prevention measures. I will continue to uphold the right to bear arms and do not seek to diminish the ability of Americans to do so. We must strike a balance between protecting our constitutional rights and preventing senseless acts of violence that have led to the loss of countless lives in Illinois and across America.


Thank you again for contacting me. Please feel free to stay in touch.


Sincerely,


Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator


RJD/bc

*really, common sense restrictions such as bans on multi-round magazines and assault weapons? multi-round as in 2? no matter how many stats and data you give them you still get the same response. they will not listen and can not understand nor will they ever. the government blows my mind. this country is going in the wrong direcion and it is them and only them to blame.

 

[Vegetaman]

Same form letter he's been responding with for awhile now, I see. My favorite part is the terrible bit about the people with names on the "terrorist watch list". Yeah, because we all know how useful the no fly list has been. Especially if you were falsely accused or happen to share a similar name.

 

[Aticus]

You expected something else from Durbin? You, unfortunately, live in an area that is actually two states, Illinois and Chicago.

My sympathies, Pecos

 

[Buffalohunter60]

They can pass any law they want to...does not mean it is constitutional...and "not to be in fringed" means just that. We The People are Home Land Security and the people that fight Americas wars....We will not have our rights or firearms taken from us, if they do not get the message from our correspondence....they will get it if they try to take our rights or guns and they will understand it better than they do now...its their choice, we will not give up our rights or our guns.....ever.

 

[66Park]

However, the Court also noted in its decision that Second Amendment rights are subject to reasonable limitations.

The court said that firearms that were in common use could not be banned (and AR-15s and other guns they are trying to ban ARE in common use). The court allowed that reasonable limitations could be imposed on guns not in common use, for instance sawed off shotguns. The anti gunners are twisting what the SCOTUS said to try to make their case, when in fact the court did not say what they are implying it said. A quote from DC vs. Heller:

"We therefore read Miller to say only that the Second Amendment does not protect those weapons not typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes, such as short-barreled shotguns. That accords with the historical understanding of the scope of the right."

 

[Buffalohunter60]

What scares me...Judges all have different opinions on their interpertation of our second amendment rights. What part of not to be infringed do they not get. Some vote positive and some vote negative....so we all have an interpertation of a document that protects us from government. I will take the peoples interpertation of not to be infringed. Why would I resoect the decision of a "Government appointed Judge" on an issue that protects us from government. Do you think Judges can be swayed or corrupted? I do.....so not to be infringed is so simple to understand...I get it...hope they do too. because I will nopt give em up.

 

[HereSinceTheLongHunters]

As stated so correctly many times now "...do not let your silence be mistaken for acceptance.." (The CO boycott is now getting national media attention!) Keep up an intelligent dialogue and your efforts. It counts.

 

[vytoland]

durbin is a member of the Illinois "inner circle".... they have strict rules and codes, which benefit ONLY those in the Illinois "inner circle"

 

[358156hp]

Here's what the Vacationer-in Chief sent me in response to my e-mails:

The White House <[email protected]>




Subject: Response to Your Message

Priority: Normal Date: Monday, March 25, 2013 12:39 PM Size: 21 KB



The White House, Washington






Dear Robert:


Thank you for taking the time to write. I have heard from many
Americans regarding firearms policy and gun violence in our Nation, and
I appreciate your perspective. From Aurora to Newtown to the streets of
Chicago, we have seen the devastating effects gun violence has on our
American family. I join countless others in grieving for all those
whose lives have been taken too soon by gun violence.



Like the majority of Americans, I believe the Second Amendment
guarantees an individual right to bear arms. In this country, we have a
strong tradition of gun ownership that has been handed down from
generation to generation. Hunting and sport shooting are part of our
national heritage. Yet, even as we acknowledge that almost all gun
owners in America are responsible, when we look at the devastation
caused by gun violence—whether in high-profile tragedies or the daily
heartbreak that plagues our cities—we must ask ourselves whether we are
doing enough.



While reducing gun violence is a complicated challenge, protecting our
children from harm should not be a divisive one. Most gun owners agree
that we can respect the Second Amendment while keeping an irresponsible,
law-breaking few from inflicting harm on a massive scale. Most also
agree that if we took commonsense steps to curtail gun violence, there
would be fewer atrocities like the one that occurred in Newtown. We
will not be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one
thing we can do to reduce gun violence—if even one life can be
saved—then we have an obligation to try.



That is why I asked Vice President Joe Biden to identify concrete steps
we can take to keep our children safe, help prevent mass shootings, and
reduce the broader epidemic of gun violence in this country. He met
with over 200 groups representing a broad cross-section of Americans and
heard their best ideas. I have put forward a specific set of proposals
based off of his efforts, and in the days ahead, I intend to use
whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality.



My plan gives law enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and
the public health community some of the tools they need to help reduce
gun violence. These tools include strengthening the background check
system, helping schools hire more resource officers and counselors and
develop emergency preparedness plans, and ensuring mental health
professionals know their options for reporting threats of violence. And
I directed the Centers for Disease Control to study the best ways to
reduce gun violence—because it is critical that we understand the
science behind this public health crisis.



As important as these steps are, they are not a substitute for action
from Congress. To make a real and lasting difference, members of
Congress must also act. As part of my comprehensive plan, I have called
on them to pass some specific proposals right away. First, it is time
to require a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun.
Second, Congress should renew the 10-round limit on magazines and
reinstate and strengthen the assault weapons ban. We should get tougher
on those who buy guns with the purpose of selling them to criminals, and
we should impose serious punishments on anyone who helps them do this.



These are reasonable, commonsense measures that have the support of the
majority of the American people. But change will not come unless the
American people demand it from their lawmakers. Now is the time to do
the right thing for our children, our communities, and the country we
love. We owe the victims of heartbreaking national tragedies and the
countless unheralded tragedies each year nothing less than our best
effort—to seek consensus in order to save lives and ensure a brighter
future for our children.



Thank you, again, for writing. I encourage you to visit
Now is the time | The White House
</do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.whitehouse.gov%252Fissues%252Fpreventing-gun-violence%253Futm_source%253DFirearms%2526utm_medium%253DWHFirearms%2526utm_campaign%253DOPC>
to learn more about my Administration's approach.


Sincerely,


Barack Obama

 

[Oldschool56]

At least he didn't say "Military Style Assault Weapon" like Bob Casey

 

[erick1987]

Here's what the Vacationer-in Chief sent me in response to my e-mails:

The White House <[email protected]>




Subject: Response to Your Message

Priority: Normal Date: Monday, March 25, 2013 12:39 PM Size: 21 KB



The White House, Washington






Dear Robert:


Thank you for taking the time to write. I have heard from many
Americans regarding firearms policy and gun violence in our Nation, and
I appreciate your perspective. From Aurora to Newtown to the streets of
Chicago, we have seen the devastating effects gun violence has on our
American family. I join countless others in grieving for all those
whose lives have been taken too soon by gun violence.



Like the majority of Americans, I believe the Second Amendment
guarantees an individual right to bear arms. In this country, we have a
strong tradition of gun ownership that has been handed down from
generation to generation. Hunting and sport shooting are part of our
national heritage. Yet, even as we acknowledge that almost all gun
owners in America are responsible, when we look at the devastation
caused by gun violence—whether in high-profile tragedies or the daily
heartbreak that plagues our cities—we must ask ourselves whether we are
doing enough.



While reducing gun violence is a complicated challenge, protecting our
children from harm should not be a divisive one. Most gun owners agree
that we can respect the Second Amendment while keeping an irresponsible,
law-breaking few from inflicting harm on a massive scale. Most also
agree that if we took commonsense steps to curtail gun violence, there
would be fewer atrocities like the one that occurred in Newtown. We
will not be able to stop every violent act, but if there is even one
thing we can do to reduce gun violence—if even one life can be
saved—then we have an obligation to try.



That is why I asked Vice President Joe Biden to identify concrete steps
we can take to keep our children safe, help prevent mass shootings, and
reduce the broader epidemic of gun violence in this country. He met
with over 200 groups representing a broad cross-section of Americans and
heard their best ideas. I have put forward a specific set of proposals
based off of his efforts, and in the days ahead, I intend to use
whatever weight this office holds to make them a reality.



My plan gives law enforcement, schools, mental health professionals, and
the public health community some of the tools they need to help reduce
gun violence. These tools include strengthening the background check
system, helping schools hire more resource officers and counselors and
develop emergency preparedness plans, and ensuring mental health
professionals know their options for reporting threats of violence. And
I directed the Centers for Disease Control to study the best ways to
reduce gun violence—because it is critical that we understand the
science behind this public health crisis.



As important as these steps are, they are not a substitute for action
from Congress. To make a real and lasting difference, members of
Congress must also act. As part of my comprehensive plan, I have called
on them to pass some specific proposals right away. First, it is time
to require a universal background check for anyone trying to buy a gun.
Second, Congress should renew the 10-round limit on magazines and
reinstate and strengthen the assault weapons ban. We should get tougher
on those who buy guns with the purpose of selling them to criminals, and
we should impose serious punishments on anyone who helps them do this.



These are reasonable, commonsense measures that have the support of the
majority of the American people. But change will not come unless the
American people demand it from their lawmakers. Now is the time to do
the right thing for our children, our communities, and the country we
love. We owe the victims of heartbreaking national tragedies and the
countless unheralded tragedies each year nothing less than our best
effort—to seek consensus in order to save lives and ensure a brighter
future for our children.



Thank you, again, for writing. I encourage you to visit
Now is the time | The White House
</do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.whitehouse.gov%252Fissues%252Fpreventing-gun-violence%253Futm_source%253DFirearms%2526utm_medium%253DWHFirearms%2526utm_campaign%253DOPC>
to learn more about my Administration's approach.


Sincerely,


Barack Obama

I got the exact same response from him(his automated 2nd amendment e-mail). I doubt he or any other government official reads them.

 

[sarge1967]

The Democrats have their collective mind made up folks. They will use these tragic shooting to advance their liberty taking policies. Writing them letters especially to Durbin and Obama is a waste of time. Durbin is part of the Chicago machine. Obama is a product of that same machine. They do not care one bit what we think. You see they have nothing to loose. The ONLY DEMOCRATS that may be swayed to vote on our side on this issue are ones from Red States that are up for re-election.

 

[66Park]

The ONLY DEMOCRATS that may be swayed to vote on our side on this issue are ones from Red States that are up for re-election.

You may be right, but the rest of them should be concerned for their jobs as well. I know of people that have voted Democratic for their entire lives that are so pissed off over the attack on the 2A as well as the lies about tax cuts, Obamacare, and other issues, that they are saying they can no longer be Democrats, or that they will never vote for a Democrat again. The Democrats have seriously overstepped on many issues, and some people who formerly called themselves Democrats are having major issues with it.

 

[66Park]

The Democrats have their collective mind made up folks. They will use these tragic shooting to advance their liberty taking policies. Writing them letters especially to Durbin and Obama is a waste of time.

While I agree that they don't care one bit for our opinions, at least getting massive amounts of letters that are contrary to their policies might make them think that their party could lose some seats.

 

[sarge1967]

66Park
I hope you are correct. I would love to see the Senate swing right next year and get a Conservative in the White House in 16

 

[66Park]

66Park
I hope you are correct. I would love to see the Senate swing right next year and get a Conservative in the White House in 16

It is looking less and less like Obama will be able to get anything done on a national level, as he can't even convince all the Democrats to get on board, though some of the laws being passed on the state level are beyond belief. Personally, I think there is a big chance that he's really stepped in it with gun control. There are a lot of gun owners that I think may not have voted in the last election. He has managed to make a lot of them interested in voting now. They feel pretty passionate about this issue, and contrary to popular belief, not all gun owners are Republicans. I hope he has awakened the proverbial sleeping giant. I've been known to be wrong, however, so we'll see.