William R. Richardson: “Americans are sick and tired of hearing about crimes that are being committed in their neighborhoods. It is our duty as…”

“Americans are sick and tired of hearing about crimes that are being committed in their neighborhoods. It is our duty as U.S. Representatives to prevent criminals from controlling the lives of law-abiding citizens. The strong punishment and smart prevention measures found in the crime bill, which recently passed the House, lets criminals know that they will no longer be tolerated. However, any attempt to take away the rights of law abiding citizens to own firearms is not the answer to stopping crime. In fact, the National Association of Chiefs of Police oppose the ban. Criminals by nature will break the law, and if Congress bans various assault weapons, criminals will simply choose to illegally obtain these or other weapons to perpetrate their crimes. Furthermore, the second amendment clearly states that people have the right to keep and bear arms. The idea of banning certain guns is an infringement on the rights of citizens to protect their own families. If the assault weapon ban is passed, gun control advocates will seek further ways to violate the rights of gun owners. The focus should instead be on finding new ways to help kids say no to gangs and drugs through crime prevention programs as well as measures which keep repeat offenders off the streets. These are the measures which will keep all Americans safe. At the very least, the idea of banning certain guns should be left to each State.”