Well done, Erin McClelland! (PA-12)
"Like many other issues, I look at the issue of guns from my own personal experience. I'm from Western PA and most of the people in my family have guns. I even remember what my dad's fancy gun case looked like in the hallway of our first family home. But I have also worked in the mental health and addiction field for nearly 2 decades. And in every job, I was required to pass a background check. My education, experience, references and skills were all irrelevant, if I failed my background check. But Keith Rothfus calls that protection a "bald attempt to criminalize the behavior of law-abiding citizens" by Governor Wolf. It's just common sense employment practices."
"The way I understand the argument being made by Rothfus, and please correct me if I am wrong, is that it is important that we protect the mentally ill from me, which I completely support. But if one of my patients is suffering from a serious mental health issue or illness, the second amendment says the law has no right to protect me from him until after he buys a gun and shoots me?"
"I agree that legislating morality is never effective and we will never stop every violent crime. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't do our best to solve some. I also agree with Rep. Tim Murphy that our mental health treatment system is in serious need of an upgrade. Both the President and Tim Murphy made valid, thoughtful comments, demonstrative of civilized discourse involving a contentious issue. And that is what we need. Mr. Rothfus, however, fell back on his alarmist, fear mongering and blame-ridden talking points once again. As always, no thoughtful discourse, no alternative solution, no policy knowledge, just anger and blame."
"The Supreme Court however, made some great points on the Second Amendment in the District of Columbia vs. Heller where they ruled a gun ban as unconstitutional. Here are two:
"1. "The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home." This would suggest that the Supreme Court does NOT feel the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a firearm to shoot up a school of innocent children. Now, one root cause of someone wanting to open fire in a school or post office, is very, very likely to be a history of serious mental health issues. A background check could identify that issue, stop him from purchasing a gun and perhaps save a life. That would make it seem a viable policy approach and constitutional. And the Supreme Court agreed below."
"2. "Like most rights, the Second Amendment right is not unlimited. It is not a right to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever in any manner whatsoever and for whatever purpose: For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the Amendment or state analogues. The Court’s opinion should not be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms. Miller’s holding that the sorts of weapons protected are those “in common use at the time” finds support in the historical tradition of prohibiting the carrying of dangerous and unusual weapons."
Bans don't stop behaviors. Banning speeds over 65 miles an hour doesn't stop me from hitting 75 when I'm late for work. Banning Cuban cigars didn't stop my Uncle Bob from smoking them. Banning abortion won't stop a scared woman from seeking one. Banning guns won't stop people from getting them and using them. Banning drugs has only made our drug problem worse. But this policy isn't a ban. Its a background check. It is also a conversation that needs to be had."
"If you agree, I really need your support on this issue. So please donate $250, $100 or even $20 to show that you, like so many Americans, believe its time for a real conversation on this issue."
I had this e-mail from Erin today. I can't wait until next November, when she defeats Keith Rothfus PA-12. Looking forward to casting my vote for Erin McClelland. 
