Posted on 01/13/2013 9:24:59 PM PST by Texas Fossil
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today called on the nation’s largest gun retailers to participate in a temporary moratorium on selling assault-style rifles until Congress has considered legislation to reduce gun violence.
>snip
A copy of Schumer’s letter can be found below:
Michael Duke Chief Executive Officer Wal-Mart
Thomas Millner Chief Executive Officer Cabela’s
James Hagale Chief Executive Officer Bass Pro Shops
David Pratt Chief Executive Officer Gander Mountain
Darrell Webb Chief Executive Officer Sports Authority
Rodney Faldyn Chief Executive Officer Academy Sports and Outdoors
Steven G. Miller Chief Executive Officer Big Five Sports
Dear Mr. Duke, Mr. Millner, Mr. Hagale, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Webb, Mr. Faldyn, and Mr. Miller,
I write today with a heavy heart; the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut, has left an indelible imprint on our national psyche. As a parent, my heart goes out to all of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy as well as the survivors. The people of Newtown —and all our fellow Americans—will have a long journey to try to understand how such a horrific event could occur. On a national level, there is a thoughtful discussion underway about specific legislative approaches to prevent a senseless massacre like this from occurring again. In the meantime, I respectfully request that you temporarily suspend all sales of assault rifles such as the Bushmaster .223 assault rifle and AK-47 rifle.
The Bushmaster .223 allowed Adam Lanza to fire enough rounds to put multiple bullets in each of the twenty slaughtered children in a span of two minutes. It may be that there is an appropriate role for weapons like the Bushmaster in the hands of civilians, but today it is difficult to imagine what that might be. I hope to work together with you to evaluate our laws and identify the best way to balance the rights of individuals with our responsibility to protect the most innocent among us. I am disturbed, however, that while that conversation is ongoing, sales of assault rifles are reportedly skyrocketing and those resistant to change are planning events such as “National Gun Appreciation Day” to protest these conversations. I believe that these activities are counterproductive to the open dialogue we have begun.
As the President recently said, “Our first task [is] caring for our children. If we don’t get that right, we don’t get anything right. That’s how, as a society, we will be judged.” I agree with the President and believe that every necessary step must be taken to protect innocent children. Therefore, during this time of grief, reflection, and sadness, I would ask that you follow the action of some of your peers and suspend sales on assault rifles both online and in your retail stores. I also hope that you will join in a conversation with the American people regarding these weapons and how to appropriately respect both the Second Amendment and the safety of our children.
Thank you,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
I'd say the "Patriot Act" and all other acts which have encroached on our freedoms since the World Trade Center was attacked should be on the table. I think we have bought enough assault weapons lately that we can take care of terrorists ourselves, so the rest of that isn't necessary.
“It may be that there is an appropriate role for weapons like the Bushmaster in the hands of civilians, but today it is difficult to imagine what that might be.”
Therein lies our primary difference — i can think of several.
I wonder if he even realizes that these are “defense weapons” when used by innocent law abiding Americans to DEFEND their families and homes. They love to use “assault” to imply that the weapon itself will assault you, when intelligent minds know that it takes a PERSON to assault you, not a weapon.
Works for me.
Taking into account that they cannot even secure the borders of this country, I would say you really have something there!
Smuckey knows, he likes weapons. It has been documented. But he does not think that you and I should be able to own them. Just like the Won who said he did not believe that citizens should be able to own weapons.
You know those little “bitter clingers” that he despises (and fears).
FUBO!
Who’s protecting us from our protectors?
This dumb dick apparently thinks Bushmaster is a type of gun and not a brand name, and that AK-47s can be purchased at WalMart. This is how stupid our enemies are.
Assault rifles are full auto. WalMart does not sell Class 3 firearms.
B.S.
He's licking his chops at the opportunity to exploit the Newtown deaths for his political gain.
He's pressuring these companies to stop engaging in a legal, Constitutionally protected endeavor until he and his fellow despots can craft some underhanded way to infringe on the rights of American citizens.
GUN-FREE ZONES.
The only thing you're right about is you don't get anything right.
Will be forced to change at the muzzle of a Federal gun.
A quick trip to the mighty Wikipedia offers the information that the first AR-15s were sold in 1959!!!
That makes the basic design almost 54 years old!?!
I’ve got news for the media and all gun grabbers, the technology IS old and barely qualifies as a modern military armament. Whether we still use it for such is not my point.
The point is that the cat is way out of the bag on these guns being mainstream all over the world. Just like the 1911. Hint: The model number is not random. ;)
Manufacturing technology has long ago surpassed the point where government has any logical argument to attempt to contain the availability of something that can be made in any basic CnC machine with the proper pattern.
In short, firearms themselves are rapidly turning into caveman tools by today’s standards. As common as the personal knife has been for thousands of years.
AR-15 in one hand and a 32 oz Coke in the other.
Now that’s hillarious....
I’m willing to give up the Patriot Acts, to start with, and the executive branch can give up their guns as a good faith submission to We the People.
In fact, just in case there is the slightest chance you haven’t heard about it, to encourage their participation in such a deal, someone has put it on the white house petition site that the concept of gun free zones be introduced to the president and vice-president.
Since they are big believers in said zones, they would certainly consider being gifted with their very own from We the Constitutionally specified holders of the real power, a high honor.
Despite the few naysayers around here, the signings are increasing in tempo.
Some might say that kind of pressure will make an anti-Constitutional politician nervous. But, ya know, sometimes I think there’s no such thing as an anti-Constitutional politician. Just those who have been on the job too long.
So, if you haven’t signed, yet, here’s where to go. But, hurry! After January 22, this petition is closed.
Don’t forget to tell your friends all about it.
Re: AR-15 in one hand and a 32 oz Coke in the other.
lol - a New York Liberal’s nightmare!
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