Response from OR Sen. Ron Wyden

[2hawk]

Dear Mr. 2hawk:

Thank you for contacting me with your opposition to gun control. I appreciate hearing from you.

The recent mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School and Clackamas Town Center are tragedies, and as the father of three children under six, I cannot imagine the horror and heartbreak faced by the families of the young victims. Like many Oregonians, I believe in the right of law-abiding citizens to own guns. I am also committed to working for a number of policies that will help prevent these tragedies in the future and protect public safety.

First, I hope you can join me in supporting more mental health care services. My late brother Jeff suffered from a serious mental illness. My family was constantly aware of the potential for violence that Jeff's condition presented. As a country it is long past time to prioritize the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. Those with emotional and psychological disorders need our help. It is time to establish, once and for all, a system through which individuals who are found to be a potential threat to themselves or others can receive the treatment that they need. It also means assisting family members, friends, teachers, and other observers--including gun sellers and range owners--when they sense something is amiss and that an individual might need professional help.

Many gun owners already believe that gun rights include responsibilities. I believe gun owners have a responsibility to secure their weapons and prevent illegal use. Gun owners should have the responsibility to demonstrate proficiency with their firearm and familiarity with laws regarding them. In households with unlicensed individuals, gun owners must keep their firearms under lock and key. All owners have the responsibility to ensure that their own sales and transfers are conducted within a system to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining weapons. Sales or transfers of dangerous weapons should not be conducted outside a well regulated retail system that checks for detailed criminal and mental health history. The federal background check database must be made substantially more accurate and comprehensive. This system must also include legal protection for licensed dealers who refuse a questionable sale.

This is not a simple problem with a single solution. Each solution should balance rights and responsibilities, promote responsible gun ownership and address the woeful lack of mental health services across the nation. I intend to do everything possible to move forward before our nation loses more of our children to yet another tragedy.

I'm grateful for your thoughts on gun ownership and will keep them in mind as we begin the new Congress and debate mental health issues and any gun safety measures. Again, thank you for keeping me apprised of the issues that are important to you. If I may be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.



Sincerely,

Ron Wyden
United States Senator


At least he didn't sidestep...but it doesn't look good...

 

[Moonman]

HE'S NOT SINGING TO YOUR CHOIR!

You know where his vote is, remember him.

 

[BuckeyeChuck]

It is time to establish, once and for all, a system through which individuals who are found to be a potential threat to themselves or others can receive the treatment that they need.

Sincerely,

Ron Wyden
United States Senator

Why do we need to establish a system that was supposed to be created by the passage of the last health care act? What does this system have to do with new regulations on the possession, sale, or usage of firearms?

Also, what does "once and for all" mean? The suggestion that such a system, if possible to achieve, can be created on the first attempt is laughable.

 

[Joewisc]

gobbledygook

 

[jtpur]

Congressmen who smoke crack should be removed from office. Tell the fifteen year old kid in the Houston area that shot two burglars after him and his sister just how effective a locked up rifle would have been. Oh yeah it was one of those evil Military Assault rifles no,one needs for self defense too.

 

[jaykellogg]

I believe gun owners have a responsibility to secure their weapons and prevent illegal use. Gun owners should have the responsibility to demonstrate proficiency with their firearm and familiarity with laws regarding them. In households with unlicensed individuals, gun owners must keep their firearms under lock and key. All owners have the responsibility to ensure that their own sales and transfers are conducted within a system to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining weapons. Sales or transfers of dangerous weapons should not be conducted outside a well regulated retail system that checks for detailed criminal and mental health history. The federal background check database must be made substantially more accurate and comprehensive. This system must also include legal protection for licensed dealers who refuse a questionable sale.

I suppose we gun owners get to let Uncle Sam inspect our gun safes without a search warrant.

Also if we have to prove we are proficient I am confident the US will keep records of those facts.

I see he is against FTF sales.

The phrase "well regulated retail system" sends chills down my spine.

Last I heard a persons medical records were considered privileged information.

The Federal background check database must be made substantially more accurate and comprehensive. This is the same government that cannot keep track of illegal immigrants?

 

[M&P Freak]

Once again, not pleased with Oregon's Senators and Representatives. We deserve much better.

Thank you for getting involved.