A letter I sent to my Senator:

Senator Warner,

I am writing to express my disapproval of your vote to allow the latest gun control legislation to the floor. While heartened that you voted against the so-called "assault weapons" ban, I am nevertheless disappointed with your decision to vote in favor of strengthened background checks.

In an email response to me when I voiced my hope you would vote against the measure, you stated that you believed strengthened background checks were the best way to keep guns out of the hands of those that should not have them.

Unfortunately for those that support this position, there is no evidence that this bill would have any impact on gun violence. It is an empty gesture designed to showcase that concerned politicians are doing SOMETHING to demonstrate how concerned they are on the issue. Moreover, it is unclear precisely HOW this bill would have "strengthened" background checks. It is already a crime to purchase a gun for someone not allowed to have one. The VAST majority of all guns sold already go through a background check. Moreover, I am deeply concerned over provisions calling for increased federal databases of any sort--particularly those involving people's mental health records (what about HIPA privacy guarantees?).

I find this legislation distasteful and I deeply resent laws passed simply to allow politicians to be seen as "doing something."

You talked about how you support the Second Amendment. I would appreciate it if your actions reflected that support.

Violence IS a problem. The underlying problems in our society need to be addressed. Increased background checks are not the way to curb violence. That is simply a feel-good band aid. This law will not prevent the next school shooting. Nor will the next law, or the one after that. You and I both know that. This is a slippery slope--addressing the tool rather than cause--where the public is continually promised this law will solve our problems. When it inevitably doesn't we are led to believe that it was because it didn't go far enough; the next law (further restricting rights and/or imposing greater burdens on law-abiding citizens) will be stronger and more restrictive. Where does it end?

Criminals will not purchase guns legally. Those intent on ill-will will always find ways to circumvent the system, or they will find other weapons with which to vent their anger--like pressure cooker bombs. What about the man in Texas who slashed 14 people with a knife? Will we need background checks on knives? Will that curb knife violence?

Senator, the problem is not guns. It is not the law-abiding citizens who use the background check system. It will not be solved by treating the law-abiding gun owners like criminals.

Focus on violence in the media--tv, movies, music, and the internet. Focus on the breakdown of the family unit and the impact of divorce on children. Focus on understanding the root causes of bullying in the schools. Focus on the root causes of why our society is producing more violent people. Do not focus on the tools those violent people are using to carry out their attacks. That is misfocused, misdirected, and mistaken.

Do not unite with politicians seeking to appease the public with temporary, ill-advised, superficial approaches. Be better than that.

Regards