Lincoln Chafee: “I believe the tactics used by Mr. LaPierre in his recent fundraising letter for the National Rifle Association are just…”

“I believe the tactics used by Mr. LaPierre in his recent fundraising letter for the National Rifle Association are just plain wrong. This letter does not contribute to any informed debate. Instead, it is inaccurate and irrational. It borders on the hysterical. And this kind of hysteria only encourages paranoia, which we certainly do not need at this time in our Nation. Here is one paragraph from the letter: It doesn't matter to them that the semi-auto ban gives jack-booted government thugs more power to take away our Constitutional rights, break in our doors, seize our guns, destroy our property, and even injure or kill us. This is another paragraph: In Clinton's administration, if you have a badge, you have the government's go-ahead to harass, intimidate, even murder law-abiding citizens. Not too long ago, it was unthinkable for Federal agents wearing nazi bucket helmets and black storm trooper uniforms to attack law-abiding citizens. And another: They've launched a new wave of brainwashing propaganda aimed at further destroying our Constitutional freedoms. And on it goes, Madam President. Now, Madam President, the apocalypse described in this fundraising letter is not familiar to me.”