Arizona’s newest (and most “progressive”) Congressional Representative has been noticeably absent in the current debate on gun rights since she was sworn in earlier this year. That’s now changed, and she’s finally responding to her constituent’s letters. I just received her response to one of the many emails I’ve sent regarding gun rights, and I’ve posted it below. Looks like she’s going to try and play both sides – not surprising, considering the number of Republican and Democrat gun owners in her district.

 
Dear Ms. XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting me to share your views on the issue of gun violence.  I appreciate you taking the time to make me aware of your position on this very important issue.

I believe strongly in the Second Amendment and that it guarantees individuals the right to own and bear arms.  I also believe that it’s time for Congress to have a serious discussion on how we keep our kids, schools, and neighborhoods safe.  This means discussing how we care for the mentally ill and how expanding universal background checks can be most effective.

I recognize that only a small minority of those afflicted with mental illness may ever become violent and believe that we can strengthen mental health services to help minimize that possibility.  At the same time, we can and should prevent access to guns for the small minority of the mentally ill who are dangerous.

We cannot let politics get in the way of doing the right thing for our kids, families and the millions of responsible gun owners.  As a former social worker at Sunnyslope and Shaw Butte Elementary schools in Phoenix, I understand the importance of this issue and am committed to having a discussion with all sides of the debate to pass legislation that helps protect all Americans.  Should legislation regarding this issue be considered by the House of Representatives, I will keep your views in mind as we work on this complex and important subject.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.  I encourage you to visit my website at http://sinema.house.gov for up-to-date information, press releases, and other information.

Sincerely,

Kyrsten Sinema
Member of Congress
 

Thank you for the response, Ms. Sinema.  If you’re serious about having that “discussion with all sides of the debate”,  I am more than willing to have that discussion with you at any time, any place.  You know how to reach me.