We're having, finally, a conversation. In
Morrisville,
across NC, in
Vermont, and
DC, in
FL, we're having a conversation. Not surprisingly it's an emotionally charged discussion. Fine. That's fine. Debate, argue, accuse, insult, donate money, threaten and then.... these emotionally charged conversations will lead to the changes needed to lessen gun violence. On to the Q&A.
Q: Who do you think you are, telling a legal retailer what they can or cannot sell?
A: I'm a mom, a wife, a friend, a neighbor, an elected official. That's who I am. I have no authority to regulate the sale or purchase of legal items. I have every right to ask for voluntary measures that will make my community safer.
Q: Have you read the 2nd Amendment?
A:
Yes. "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Q: The real problem is the liberal media, video games and movies. Did you write letters to stores that sell newspapers and video games?
A: No. But the topic is of interest and I am happy to discuss whether or not video games and movies contribute to gun violence. To begin the discussion, the 1st Amendment reads thusly:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Q: Are you stupid?
A: Does it matter?
Q: Why don't you do something about mental health?
A: I sadly agree that we, the collective we, are not adequately addressing the needs of children and adults with mental health issues. Yet another overdue conversation we are now tackling. Our NC Legislature will soon be in session. I encourage our elected leaders to better fund mental health services.
Q: Are you aware that you can purchase a firearm in North Carolina without any gun safety training?
A: I am now. And that needs to change. For those so inclined, you can
contact your representatives to ask that they sponsor a bill to require gun safety training.
Q: Did you know that more murders are committed using hammers than guns? Where's your letter to Home Depot (or Lowes from my friends to the west) demanding they stop selling hammers?
A: Gotta love
Snopes.
Q: I will do everything in my power to see that you are not re-elected.
A: That's not a question, so here's one: aren’t we fortunate, truly fortunate, to live in a country where this is an option?
Q: Are you allowed to use your office letterhead to write to law-abiding retailers?
A: Yes. And if it matters, I paid for the stamp. I always pay for the stamps I use to mail correspondence, regardless of the topic. I also pay for my paper, ink, printer, computer, cell phone and internet connection.
Q: Stay out of our lives. We don’t tell you what to do and what not to do.
A: Actually, I think you just did. Again, not a question, but interesting. And you are not the only one to make suggestions about what I should (ahem) “do.”
Q: I ask, are you from the South? This is the land of God and guns.
A: Yes, sweetie, I am from the south. That was a determination made by my parents and not one for which I can take credit. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Q: Why do you and other
like you not stick to facts? This is just more knee jerk and emotion.
A: I always consider factual information. I read statistics and point of view pieces and talk to people. I listen to the opinions of others. Sometimes their opinions are fact based, BTW, sometimes not. I also speak and act based on, yes, emotion. I have never known a mom who did not. I am not sure it is even possible.
