Response to my email to US Rep Greg Walden

Just got this email response from US Representative Greg Walden (R - Oregon). Bolding is mine:

Dear Brew:



Thanks for contacting me with your thoughts on gun control laws in light of the recent shootings.



My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families affected by these horrible tragedies in Clackamas and Newtown. As a father, I believe that we as a nation must work together to prevent these horrific acts of violence and address the underlying issues that cause them.



Every two years, I raise my hand as your Representative and swear to uphold and defend the U.S. Constitution. That's an oath I take seriously. The Second Amendment to the Constitution establishes a citizen's right to keep and bear arms, and I have always been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.



The shooters in Oregon and Connecticut committed their crimes with stolen guns. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a majority of guns used by criminals are stolen, bought on the black market, or obtained in other illegal ways. Another law is unlikely to deter these types of attacks which violate multiple laws to begin with.



I do think we can do more on the side of helping people with mental illness and those contemplating suicide. I'm working with leaders in these communities to see what they think would be most effective.



Thank you again for writing me about these issues. It's an honor to represent you in the U.S. Congress.




Best regards,

Greg Walden
Member of Congress

Solid

Nice...how long did it take to get that response?

What did you write to him?

It took about a week for him to respond. I used Ruger's letter sending page to automatically send it to all the right folks: http://ruger.com/micros/advocacy/

Senator Jeff Merkley also responded but his email says "Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about any proposed legislation that would affect gun ownership by signing the Ruger Firearms petition." Along with some other non-committal wishy-washy stuff. I was kind of pissed because I didn't sign any petition, I just borrowed ruger's form of letter. So the next time I would change up the text somewhat.

Here's the ruger letter:

Dear (Recipient),

I am a law-abiding citizen and responsible gun owner.

I am saddened by the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, but I believe that efforts to impose new restrictions on me and other lawful and responsible owners like me are misguided. Did you know that violent crime with firearms has declined since the Federal "assault weapons ban" expired in 2004?

Your focus should be on strengthening mental health care and improving the quality of data supporting NICs checks (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). Do NOT pass more gun laws; instead, work to enforce the more than 20,000 gun laws already on the books.

I am your constituent and I vote. Please represent me.

Sincerely,
(Your Contact Information)