Chris Swatts' position
Dear NRA,
As a candidate for State Representative in Indiana, I want you to know where I stand on the right of Indiana Citizens to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment to United States Constitution reads:
“A WELL REGULATED MILITIA, BEING NECESSARY TO THE SECURITY OF A FREE STATE, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.”
This elegant and simple statement of a God given right should need no explanation. Unfortunately, some people have been misled to believe that this right is somehow non existent, or that the Founding Fathers intent did not apply to ordinary law-abiding citizens to be permitted by government to own or carry firearms. As many others have done, I’ve researched the history and writings of our Founders who wrote the Constitution and have found --- that they meant exactly what they said.
Unlike some in politics and the media, I understand that the right to keep and bear arms provides Indiana citizens with the means to protect themselves and their families against violent crime. I also understand that this is not the only reason for the Second Amendment. Our Founding Fathers knew all too well that unarmed citizens cannot protect themselves against the excesses of a government that becomes greedy for power. They placed their faith in God and armed citizens, not in government, to preserve the freedom for which they had fought.
When elected to the State Legislature, I will examine any bill carefully for its impact on the right to keep and bear arms, and I will oppose any bill that attempts to abridge that right. I will also oppose any bill that attempts to tax or regulate the purchase of firearms or ammunition for the purpose of making them difficult to obtain. I will support legislation to protect the rights of those who operate or use safe firing ranges from unreasonable zoning or environmental regulations.
As all responsible supporters of the Second Amendment do, I pledge to do all I can as a State Legislator to punish those who commit violent crimes. I will support and introduce bills that require truth in sentencing and increased penalties for crimes committed with firearms. I will work with Judges, Prosecutors and local Law Enforcement officials to enforce the laws against violent crime already on the books.
I promise that I will support and defend the Second Amendment with all my conviction and energy. I respectfully ask for the support of the NRA as a candidate for Indiana State Representative, House District 89.
Sincerely,
Chris J. Swatts
Candidate for State Representative, House District 89
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