Diane Black response

[ManCalledNoon]

I'm sure a lot of you guys got this same letter. Just thought I'd post this response to show where she stands on our 2nd amendment.

 

 

Dear Mr. ______,

 

Thank you for contacting me regarding gun laws in light of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, December 14th.  As a former educator and grandmother of elementary students, my heart breaks for the families of the 20 children and 6 adults whose lives were taken all too soon and my prayers remain with the community for comfort and healing in the days ahead. 

 

While I believe that this tragedy warrants a serious discussion on what can be done to prevent future school violence, I do not believe that greater government restrictions on gun ownership offer a viable solution. In the tragedy of Newtown, Connecticut, for example, the individual who carried out these heinous acts did not have a criminal background and the weapons used to carry out the massacre were legally registered to the gunman's mother, thus greater gun control laws would not have impeded his ability to carry out his actions. 

 

Instead, we must focus our attention on strengthening families and empowering parents to provide safe home environments and to recognize aggressive behaviors early on. A New York Times study found that 63 of 100 rampage killers made threats of violence before the event occurred. We must engage parents and teachers in being aware of these warning signs so that we can help stop these tragedies before they occur. 

Additionally, we must curb the trend of desensitization to violence, profanity and other high-risk behaviors glamorized by videogames and movies that often consume children's time, and shift to a culture that respects the sanctity and value of each innocent human life. 

 

As a nurse for more than 40 years, I believe we must be prepared for a conversation on school violence as it relates to mental health. While we still do not know the motive of the gunman in the December 14th shooting, we know that the individual was among the millions of Americans with a mental disorder, and may have benefitted from other treatment options or more frequent opportunities to speak with counselors. Examples such as this are among the many reasons I continue to advocate for patient-centered healthcare reforms that will offer those facing mental disabilities access to the care that they need.

 

Thank you again for contacting me about this issue and please join me in continuing to pray for the families affected by the tragedy. 

 

 

Sincerely,
Diane Black
Member of Congress

[RobertNashville]

Seem like a good letter...however, the cynical side of me can't help but wonder if she had any part in writing it and/or if she actually believes any of it personally. :-\

[gregintenn]

I don't smell a lot of commitment in that letter.

[Guest Razz]

I got the exact same response, two weeks ago... Having said that, I really enjoy speaking with Congressman Black. She is very genuine, in person.

[mikegideon]

I don't smell a lot of commitment in that letter.

 

I smell a lot of rational thought in that letter. If there is enough of that, no gun bans will happen.

[Guest cardcutter]

Seem like a good letter...however, the cynical side of me can't help but wonder if she had any part in writing it and/or if she actually believes any of it personally. :-\

The cynic in me wonders if she has another form letter for the antis. ?

[mikegideon]

I guess anything is possible. My gut is telling me that she ain't our problem.

[RobertNashville]

I don't like Diane Black...I don't trust her...but I agree, I don't think she is our problem either!

[gjohnsoniv]

I'll believe it when I see it.

[mikegideon]

Shooting the wrong boogie man accomplishes nothing. That's how we got into this mess to begin with. Her position looks pretty clear to me. Next

[Jonnin]

I see more bs blaming of games for the actions of a deranged criminal.   :wall:

[m16ty]

I see more bs blaming of games for the actions of a deranged criminal.   :wall:

To be honest, I'd be fine with them banning all the video games in the world as long as they leave my firearms alone. Not that I think video games are the problem but if the politicians want to think that and leave my guns alone, I'm ok with it.

[Guest TNrepublican1]

I know Diane personally. I've been out shooting with her, Dave and a few of their friends before. She is on our team 100%. 

[gregintenn]

She's probably our best hope from Tennessee.