From Bob Gibbs January 15, 2013 Dear Mr. Parks, Thank you for contacting me regarding your opposition to further gun control legislation. As your representative in Congress, I appreciate your input on this important issue. On December 14, 2012 our nation experienced an unspeakable tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. A gunman stormed Sandy Hook Elementary School and murdered 20 young children and six adult staff members. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims and families of those affected. As a father myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain these families are experiencing. In response, the President and some members of Congress have called for stricter gun control legislation. Senator Dianne Feinstein has already announced she will introduce a new assault weapons ban in the 113th Congress and President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to head a task force looking at ideas and legislation to curb gun violence. While I am deeply saddened by the senseless acts of violence in Connecticut, I do not believe it is appropriate to politicize this heinous incident and use it as a platform to push for new gun control legislation. People choose to own firearms for a variety of reasons and many new gun laws end up adding burdens to law abiding citizens and our 2nd Amendment rights. We should enforce current laws and work to ensure individuals with mental illness and criminals can't carry out criminal acts against our fellow citizens. Thank you for your input, I will be sure to keep your views in mind. Again, thank you for contacting my office. Please continue to keep me informed on the issues that are important to you. For more information on my work in Congress, or to sign up to receive my e-newsletter, please visit the 7th District's website at: http://gibbs.house.gov. Sincerely, Bob Gibbs Member of Congress