- Thu Jan 03, 2013 10:01 am
#46643
Dear Kenneth,
Thank you for taking the time to share your stances on the violence prevention and gun control debates. In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, I am interested to hear how the people of Connecticut believe public safety can be best served.
As you might be aware, I introduced a bill in 2011 which would have banned magazines carrying more than ten rounds of ammunition. Although that proposal did not pass, I strongly believe that we should revisit the idea. I recently reintroduced the bill along with Senator John McKinney, the Republican Minority Leader, for further consideration in the General Assembly.
There are many other dimensions to violence prevention and gun control which also must be addressed. We should consider an outright ban on semi-automatic weaponry. I have recently discussed the idea of locking firearms to guarantee that only their owners can access them. It is important to pass national background check legislation and ensure that weaponry does not end up in the wrong hands. We should consider banning certain types of ammunition, such as full metal jacket bullets, which serve no practical uses other than to harm and maim. It is our duty to examine the mental health system and help prevent future massacres by identifying and treating those suffering from mental illness. Although I have never supported this idea in the past, we should also consider the possibility of armed guards and teachers in our schools.
I expect that there will be a long, contentious debate and that many other proposals will be discussed. It is important that we consider all of these ideas and take a comprehensive look at gun control and violence prevention so we can make our state safer for our families and neighbors. As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Thanks,
Gary LeBeau
Senator, 3rd District
Thank you for taking the time to share your stances on the violence prevention and gun control debates. In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, I am interested to hear how the people of Connecticut believe public safety can be best served.
As you might be aware, I introduced a bill in 2011 which would have banned magazines carrying more than ten rounds of ammunition. Although that proposal did not pass, I strongly believe that we should revisit the idea. I recently reintroduced the bill along with Senator John McKinney, the Republican Minority Leader, for further consideration in the General Assembly.
There are many other dimensions to violence prevention and gun control which also must be addressed. We should consider an outright ban on semi-automatic weaponry. I have recently discussed the idea of locking firearms to guarantee that only their owners can access them. It is important to pass national background check legislation and ensure that weaponry does not end up in the wrong hands. We should consider banning certain types of ammunition, such as full metal jacket bullets, which serve no practical uses other than to harm and maim. It is our duty to examine the mental health system and help prevent future massacres by identifying and treating those suffering from mental illness. Although I have never supported this idea in the past, we should also consider the possibility of armed guards and teachers in our schools.
I expect that there will be a long, contentious debate and that many other proposals will be discussed. It is important that we consider all of these ideas and take a comprehensive look at gun control and violence prevention so we can make our state safer for our families and neighbors. As always, I appreciate your feedback.
Thanks,
Gary LeBeau
Senator, 3rd District
- By SR9