Letter to California's US Senator Dianne Feinstein:
Defeat H.R. 2038

21 July 2003

I find disturbing the apparent focus by some policy makers that the complete abolition of firearms from America would somehow make America safer. This obsessively-narrow focus ignores the numerous social issues we face in this country. The availability of a particular object in no way changes, nor does it address, the underlying problems. Violence in this country is not created by firearms, nor is it worsened by their availability. In fact, as a public official, you are well aware that the presence of firearms serves as a deterrent, a deterrent which was guaranteed to every citizen of this country by its founders. Historical and scholarly works amply demonstrate that the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right that shall not be infringed by the government, national or—because of the 14th amendment—state.

Legislation that infringes on the rights of the people is wrong legally, morally, and ethically. By the same token, H.R. 2038 is wrong. You were elected to represent the people of this fine Country, not your personal agenda that is in part dictated by your fears and biases. I expect the same of you as I expect of every elected official: that you sustain, uphold, and defend the Constitution, the Amendments, and all the rights guaranteed to the people.

As a citizen and voter, I ask that you discourage any legislation that infringes on our individual rights, even if those rights are considered unpopular by some element of our society. Please do your part to defeat H.R. 2038 and any similar anti-rights bills. It is the right thing to do for our Country.

Sincerely,

Matt Warner