Thursday, January 10, 2013

Part 2 - Q&A

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.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

An Open Letter to Gander Mountain CEO David Pratt




January 3, 2013 David Pratt, CEO
Gander Mountain
180 East Fifth St Suite 1300
St. Paul, MN 55101
Dear Mr Pratt,

As a small town mayor, it is with mixed emotions that I greet 2013. I have hope that the coming year will bring health, prosperity and opportunity to my Morrisville community, my state of North Carolina and to our country at large. It is with sadness that I acknowledge that unless we begin to make meaningful changes, the gun violence of years past will continue in 2013 and beyond.

When the Morrisville, NC Gander Mountain was announced in March 2012, I allowed my name to be attached to a press release that read in part:

"This is great news for the citizens of Morrisville and our entire Triangle area," said Morrisville mayor Jackie Holcombe. "Gander Mountain has a highly-regarded reputation and will be a perfect fit for our community’s diverse retail mix. I’m pleased to welcome this quality company to Morrisville and to the Triangle and our community looks look forward to continuing to serve their business needs in the future."

I now question that decision. The availability of semi-automatic Military-style rifles and high capacity ammunition magazines at the Morrisville Gander Mountain has not been great news for our citizens. As a recent email to me noted: “I wept when I opened today’s News and Observer and saw the Gander Mountain ad for semi-automatic rifles.” Further, the phrase “highly-regarded reputation” is not one I have heard associated with Gander Mountain’s sale of Military-style rifles.

At the memorial service for victims of the Newtown, CT tragedy, our President said:

“If there is even one step we can take to save another child or another parent or another town from the grief that has visited Tucson and Aurora and Oak Creek and Newtown and communities from Columbine to Blacksburg before that – then surely we have an obligation to try.”

I believe it is indeed our obligation to try and the reason for my letter to you today.

The issue of gun violence is a complex one and will require a multi-faceted solution. I ask that Gander Mountain do their part toward that solution by discontinuing sales of semi-automatic rifles and high capacity ammunition magazines.

I appreciate your consideration and am available to meet with your local representatives to further discuss opportunities to address the alarming loss of life from semi-automatic rifles.

Respectfully Yours,


Jackie Holcombe, Mayor, Town of Morrisville