Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to H.R. 4296, the Assault Weapons Ban Act. After intensive study of this bill, the Constitution, the Federalist Papers and a wide range of research materials dealing with the second amendment, I have come to believe that the second amendment does guarantee Americans the right to bear arms, and that this legislation infringes on the rights of law-abiding citizens. I represent the 19th District of Illinois, 27 counties in America's heartland which encompasses large communities such as Decatur and small towns of no more than a few families. I have traveled my district, some 260 miles north to south hundreds of times, and talked with thousands of people on this and other issues. I have tried my best to explain how crucial this issue is and how we must view it in its proper context. I reject the notion that opposing this ban somehow means one favors the violence resulting from the illegal use of firearms. Nothing is further from the truth. Throughout my career in public service I have supported strong crime control measures. Anyone who steps outside the boundaries of a civilized society and harms people in his or her community should be punished severely. If they commit a crime with a firearm then we should remove them from society. And I am willing to pay for the prisons and jails which will help us keep such persons from causing this destruction ever again, and perhaps provide a deterrent to others.”