Editor: I received mail recently that I want to share with my neighbors in Georgia Senate District 1, where I am running to be your state senator. The letter came from the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund, and I think it will horrify you as much as it did me.
The letter included a survey questionnaire intended to "determine candidates’ NRA-PVF ratings, which will then be communicated to NRA members."
Included in the letter was this threat in bold text: "If you choose not to return a questionnaire, you may be assigned a "?" rating, which can be interpreted by our membership as indifference, if not outright hostility, toward Second Amendment-related issues (italics mine)."
Outright hostility? Based on a lack of response?
Rather than respond to the NRA, I want those whom I hope to call my constituents to know my views on gun safety:
I support legislation to keep guns out of the wrong hands, which includes individuals identified as having mental health issues, or who are government watch lists.
I support maintaining an up-to-date federal database to track gun sales, mandating background checks, and closing the gun show loophole. And I firmly oppose allowing guns on schools or on college campuses, other than in the hands of trained security personnel.
In 2018 alone, there have been 17 school shootings. I don’t think that statistic requires commentary. Let’s just say that I’m not against the Second Amendment. I simply believe our children should be taking tests, not bullets.
Evil can’t be legislated, but it can be disarmed.
Sandra Workman
Richmond Hill