Senator Thune-
The purpose of this letter is to speak with you on the issue of gun control. Just this past evening, the Senate shot down four gun reform bills that were created in the wake of the act of terrorism that occurred in Orlando, Florida earlier this month. I’ve done some research and I’d like to address some of your voting history when it comes to bills surrounding gun control:
- Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets.
- Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains.
- Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership.
- Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
- Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1.
- Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.
- Sponsored bill for national standard for concealed carry.
- Rated A+ by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.
- Voted YES to allow veterans to register unlicensed guns acquired abroad.
- Voted YES to oppose the United Nations’ Arms Trade Treaty.
- Voted YES to ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC.
- Voted YES to allow firearms in National Parks.
You’ve got a pretty impressive track record for enabling shootings and other gun violence to protect your ‘second amendment rights,’ which, ironically, goes directly against the clause written in to the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.‘ By voting against any sort of firearm control or safety bills, you are taking away the public’s right to life.
Most notably, on Monday you voted to allow individuals on terrorist watch lists to purchase any weapon that they desire, and a bill to expand background checks. You voted to enable more mass shootings in the United States. Which leaves the question- why do you vote in favor of terrorist attacks? After doing some investigation, I’ve got a pretty good idea.
You receive $93,045 from the National Rifle Association every year. So, naturally you will vote against any bill that hurts your romance with assault weapons and the NRA.
So congratulations, Senator Thune. You are successfully prioritizing your campaign donations OVER THE LIVES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. Voters will remember this come election day, so I’d prepare to move back to South Dakota if I were you.
On behalf of the American people whose lives you are risking,
Samuel H. Becker