William Kaufmann shared a link.
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/21/House-Republican-members-circulate-plan-to-oust-Speaker
Representative Scott Rigell, please support this effort.- Mr. Rigell, as one of your constituents, I am asking you to NOT support any new gun control measures at this time. We don't try to ban alcohol when a drunk driver kills someone, we step up enforcement and punishment. We didn't ban fertilizer or planes after Oklahoma city or 9/11. The gun control measures proposed are from uninformed people who just won't look at or accept hard data. Again, please DO NOT SUPPORT ANY BANS OR FURTHER GUN CONTROL MEASURES
Rowland Parks shared a link.
Mr. Rigell, the NRA is the foremost organization that promotes gun safety. The NRA has trained more police officers than any other organization. The NRA's Eddy The Eagle was well received by schools and parents and had a measurable and sign...ificant effect on gun-related accidents. Now, the NRA is starting a new program to train volunteers to respond to school emergencies. Whatever your politics, you cannot credibly deny that the NRA is the best qualified to do this. I urge you to support their efforts. http://www.nraschoolshield.com/See More- What are you doing about making sure military children are safe at the military run daycare centers?! Toddlers being abused at the centers near the Pentagon or anywhere else is unacceptable!
Dave Sepelakposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Thank you for meeting with our Concert Choir yesterday and allowing them to perform for you. They are special group of kids. The rotunda made a great place for them to sing. The acoustics were awesome.- I don't think all guns should be banned. If you feel the need for personal protection I have very little problem with stable, weapon trained individuals keeping side arms in their homes. If you like to or need to hunt, I don't have a problem with people owning rifles powerful enough to shoot large game. I don't think gun manufacturers should stop manufacturing these guns. I believe we should have ...the best armed, best trained military and law enforcement in the world. I do not believe that the 2nd amendment that specifically states a "well regulated militia" was ever intended to allow "gun manufacturers to sell military style, high-caliber, semi automatic combat assault rifles with high capacity magazines to whoever the hell they want"(JS) As a nation we must do better to protect our children. The gun regulations need to change. The way we sell guns needs to change. Who is allowed to own these weapons needs to change. VA is THE major contributor to this problem on the east coast. We have made it possible to move large quantities of these weapons with little or no regulation, thereby obliterating other states attempts in curbing the traffic of weapons, by our sheer proximity. You need to pass a test and acquire a license that has to be renewed to drive a car (this is a favorite comparison “weapon”). You must have insurance on the vehicle because you are responsible for what happens with the vehicle. These regulations don't even take into consideration the list of safety regulations on the manufacturing of automobiles, which are, at their highest purpose, a means of transportation. When used as intended it gets you from point A to point B. Guns are manufactured to kill. Automatic and semi-automatic assault rifles are manufactured to kill as many people as possible as quickly as possible. This is their intended purpose, but there are still those who will argue that this isn’t the problem. What I will grant you is that it is not the only problem. Access to mental health care, recognizing and treating disturbed individuals. This is also a problem we face in this country. Is there one sweeping answer to our problem? No, absolutely not. Will it be solved over night, still no. But we must work for change and we must begin today. Is this reactionary, yes but the reaction was not swift enough. 35 incidents have followed the Columbine shootings and still there has been no move to change. This is mostly because the gun lobby has been too big a voice in the lives of our politicians. Well now my voice must carry above that din. Our children’s futures must become a more important concern for our representatives than their campaign contributors and gun lobbyists. Until we hold each of them responsible for their vote, for their position and their actions they will continue to vote for their money rather than the safety of our children.
See More Amy-Beth Davisposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
This new call for any owner of an AR to "turn in their magazines" and/or weapons is INSANE. Can you please address the knee-jerk legislation happening on the heels of the CT tragedy? Looks like it is most surely going to be politicized to push the left gun control agenda... Comments and position, please?Pannullo Maryposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Representative Scott Rigell - Congressman, I have posted, emailed and called. I have been 80% very polite, 20% not so much. I understand that you are a very busy man and there are budget talks happening right now. But, to remain silent over what happened in Newtown, CT? How is this responsible governing? I googled your former opponent, and the following is the response he posted. I have to say..., it gave me peace inside to know he thinks and feels this way. I am motivated - and am not going to stop advocating until sensible gun control laws are in enacted in Virginia and nationally. I am also going to work with NAMI to advocate for better, more adequate mental health services and laws -aimed at caring for the sick but protecting the innocent. One last try, and this is with calm and respect: What will you do to help stop gun violence in Virginia, in America?
From Paul Hirschbiel:
My friends,
The campaign may be over but as I promised on election night, I'm going to continue to speak out on issues that effect our community. After the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary school, one issue on the minds of every parent is how we can bring about smart gun regulations that protect our children while upholding the constitution. I have submitted my thoughts in the following op-ed to our local newspapers. We cannot let this tragedy fade away into the next news cycle. Now is the time for us all to stand up and let our elected officials know that inaction is not an option anymore.
Susan and I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year.
Paul
-----
For all the violence in our world and for all of the problems, I, like most parents, always believed that our elementary schools were a safe haven. These schools were a place for a child’s imagination to run wild and where we could foster within our children a sense that anything was possible and that any one of them could change the world.
My friends, that innocence ended last Friday. The tragic mass murder of teachers and children at Sandy Hook Elementary school was a horrific act of violence that has shaken this nation to its very core. We can no longer console ourselves by pretending that this could never happen in our community, because the truth is it can happen anywhere.
Unfortunately these random acts of violence are not so random anymore. Our children are being murdered and for far too long we’ve chosen political expediency over common-sense safety measures. Over the years, as the news stories about each seemingly random mass shooting faded away to other news stories, so did our will to help alleviate the problem.
Those days must end. We must act now.
It’s time for a new era of leadership in Washington, not to restrict our freedoms as Americans but to take every little step we can to prevent the tragedies of Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Sandy Hook, and the far too many violent gun deaths that occur every day.
When Columbine awoke the nation to school violence, we cried as a nation and pledged to do everything possible to make sure such a tragedy could never happen on a school's grounds again. Unfortunately, we have done far from our best.
In comparison, when it comes to our national security we are willing to quickly adapt. After the tragic terrorist attacks on 9/11 we all quickly adapted to tighter airport security measures because it was the patriotic thing to do. When one terrorist attempted to board a plane with a bomb in his shoe, we all gladly lined up to take our shoes off at the airport. However, since the Columbine shootings in 1999, we have witnessed 23 more school shootings and have reacted by making military style, semi automatic assault rifles easier to purchase. Let me say that again, after witnessing 23 school shootings since Columbine our elected officials have responded by making assault weapons legal and easier to purchase, some without a background check.
If you listen to the politicians in Washington you would think our nation is equally divided on this issue…we are not. The overwhelming majority of Americans from across the political spectrum agree that common-sense gun regulations do not restrict our freedoms, but make us safer.
That is why I’m calling on Congress to take immediate action to start saving lives. We need a new assault weapons ban that makes military style, mass killing assault weapons illegal. We need to end the use of large scale extended magazines filled with amour piercing bullets, and we must ensure that every person who purchases a firearm goes through a solid background check.
The American people will no longer accept the argument that just because we can’t prevent all gun deaths means that we should do nothing. We may not be able to root out all evil in the world, but that is not an excuse for inaction.
A final message to our politicians in Washington: We expect both Republicans and Democrats to come together to solve this problem. The American people will no longer accept our elected officials hiding behind opaque campaign talking points. They will no longer allow either party to exploit our safety for political gain. Now is the time for real leadership in Washington. The nation’s eyes will soon fall upon you and they are expecting you to act. For the sake of our children and our children’s children we must act. No more school children deserve to die at the hands of military style assault weapons because you didn’t have the courage of your convictions to take action.See More- Thank you, Congressman, for your reasonable approach to the financial situation in Washington.
Josh Kelloggposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
The tragedy in Connecticut was horrible, but that does not justify attacking the rights of the 80 million gun owners who are not criminals. Laws should always be made using logic and NEVER emotion. Do NOT support any further gun control, including an "assault weapon" ban.
When the original ban expired in 2004, crime across the country DECLINED and is still declining. The ban did NOT work then and a new ban won't work either.
A vote for any further gun control will cost you my future support.
Michael Kubat shared a link.
Congressman Rigell, I submit that this is a VERY bad idea. I am all for guns, but if I were selling and certifying, I would insist on a face-to-face meeting and course, so I could personally get a "feel" for the concealed carry applicant and his/her actual skills.- MESSAGE SENT TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE KNESSET AND DIRECTED TO EACH OF US
My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
There is much strife and seeming complexity regarding peace and brotherhood among all of us in the world. There are many, who believe they have the right answer and are militant to impose their “right” answer on all. They seem to forget the earliest message of our holy scriptures, whether the K...oran, the Bible or the Thora, namely that each of us, within our hearts, have been provided with the spirit and love of the Father of us all. This was revealed to our common earthly father, Adam, who understood this in his heart before the writing of any scripture. Each of us have access to this fundamental truth, whether Muslim, Christian, Jew and also our fellow human beings, who have not had the good and fortunate access to the teachings. When we pray, we pray to our Father, present and living within in hearts of each of us. The secret to the peace and brotherhood we all yearn for is to see the presence of our Father in each of us and to love each other as our Father loves us. Within this context, the actions required to address the problems of our contemporary times will not seem insurmountable.
“We have sent by inspiration to you as We commended to Abraham, Moses and Jesus, namely that you should be steadfast in religion and make no divisions therein… Allah is our Lord and your Lord… there is no contention between us and you. Allah will bring us together, and to Him is our Homecoming.” (Sura 42.13 - 15)
My access to our Father is through the Christian teaching, neither less nor more important than the teachings of Abraham or Mohammad. It is the Christmas season, a time when Christians celebrate the love of the Father for and within us all. I give you the following teaching of the Apostle Paul and invite you, whether Muslim, Christian, Jew or a brother seeking access to our Father, to live this teaching within your life:
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
From Love and Brotherhood,
Erik Hesse
See More Pannullo Mary
Representative Scott Rigell - a FOURTH attempt to hear from you regarding your thoughts on Newtown. I'll make it easier on you. Can you tell me what you think of Governor McDonnell suggestion to arm teachers? How much has the NRA donated to your and Bob's campaigns, by the way?Pannullo Maryposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Representative Scott Rigell - a FOURTH attempt to hear from you regarding your thoughts on Newtown. I'll make it easier on you. Can you please tell us what you think of Governor McDonnell suggestion to arm teachers? How much has the NRA donated to your and Bob's campaigns, by the way?Guy Sturinoposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Once again your “Wisdom of the District” questionnaire does not include the definitive response. As far as raising the debt ceiling, you did that when you authorized the country to spend on your projects. To now say that you are not going to pay the debt YOU incurred is unconscionable. If your customers at Freedom Ford took this position you would haul them into court in an instant. Enough of this ‘our team, their team’ petty tomfoolery. You took an oath of office. Live up to it or quit.- Gun control laws I want
Standardized gun laws consistent from state to state.
The same gun laws apply to on-line sales and gun show sales.
Enact Universal Health Care that covers mental health.
4. Increase the number of gun buy-back programs in order to reduce the number of weapons in our midst.
Increase the cost of ammunition by raising taxes on bullets -- but not so high as to create a black
ma...rket.
Enact legislation such that guns used at target ranges can only use bullets that are purchased at those ranges.The bullets would be at a reduced cost and tax free -- but can only be used at the range and cannot leave the premises. This would reduce the amount of bullets out in society.
Reduce the gun purchases by educating the public about the statistics that show that we, or our loved ones, are far more likely to be harmed by our weapons than they are to be used to protect us from bad guys -- and that one out of every four Americans has, or will experience, mental illness.
As we do for cars:
Title and tag each gun at point of sale (even private sales).
Mandatory gun training with quarterly continuing education required to maintain gun registration.
A gun owner license required to buy a gun with required written tests and practical tests buying a gun. Must show your gun license to buy a gun. Periodic renewal of license required.
Health requirements required to own a gun. ie eye sight, mental health exams for all.
Liability insurance on each gun.
Renewals and inspections at intervals.
As we do for the purchase of Sudafed:
I.D required for the purchase of ammunition. Must have a gun license to purchase ammo.
A legal limit of ammo sales. No one needs to purchase thousands of rounds of ammo at a time.
All ammo sales entered into a single database. Registration numbers on each bullet.
Sales above legal limits blocked.
Police investigate when appropriate.
Gun owners prosecuted for criminal negligence if their guns are stolen and used in a crime. Severity of punishment depends on severity of negligence and proximity to crime. ie--your kid is easily able to take your gun and go out and shoot up a school, you will serve jail time (if he hadn’t killed you already). I’m tired of gun owners not locking up their guns and locking up their ammo seperately from the guns. There are too many ‘lucky’ gun owners and not enough *responsible* gun owners.
Assault guns banned for private citizens.
Not one of these laws violate the Constitution nor infringe on responsible gun owners rights. If we can regulate cars and over the counter drugs to prevent crime and encourage responsible use, why can’t we do the same for guns.See More - Absolutely, we need all the good people we can get in DC. We need to get this country moving. Obama needs to see the light. Don't cave in to him.
Who knows what his agenda is besides buying votes with welfare and citizenship.
We don't know who's pulling his strings, him being a puppet in front of the puppeteer. I don't trust him. You can tell when he is lying cuz his lips move.
Do not cave in to the rants for gun control. Obama never lets a disaster go to waste. Mental health is the issue that needs to be addressed. Find a way to get people into affordable treatment. You don't put out a fire by wetting down the smoke, you have to hit the fuel. Sickness is the fuel to mental health problems.
- Merry Christmas
from the "Virginia Wrecker Assocation"
Penninsula Chapter
Wishing you and your family a Verry Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year
Roger Brownposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Mr. Rigell,
I posted this to my facebook page the other day. Many Virginians agree with this sentiment! What do you think?
"I've some ideas on how the government can save some money. My mom mentioned this by the way, just to give credit. Our elected representatives in Washington should spend the vast majority of their time in their home state. That way they will be amongst their constituents, and... have a better feel for their needs. Any communication can be via phone, email, teleconference, or video conference. Occasional trips for important meetings to DC would be far cheaper than the year round rent and expenses that taxpayers currently pay! Why not keep that money in their home state? In addition, any lobbyists would have to travel to each state, instead of camping out in the capital. And why not make all communication public and viewable in realtime? The technology exists for this to happen right now." See MorePannullo Maryposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Representative Scott Rigell
Congressman Rigell - a third attempt to hear from you regarding your thoughts on Newtown. Can you please address your thoughts about the massacre in CT? Yet another mass killing by a mentally ill/disturbed young man who was able to easily access assault weapons? These are weapons created and intended for for mass/efficient killings on the battlefield - not for sport, or... self-protection. Does it not make commonsense to reinstitute the Brady Ban on assault weapons? Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence I am asking you to please publicly address the mass shootings of recent years and what you think should be done to prevent more of this kind of horrific violence - violence that has become more common in the United States than any other developed country in the world. With appreciation, Pannullo MarySee MoreLinda Bergmanposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Mr. Rigell, The gun control advocates are all over the news. Are we suffering from a shortfall of gun laws? Who do laws effect? Here are some statistics. Death by: Drownings: 187,000, Falls, 204,000, Automobile 614,000, Gun shootings, 101,000...... Do we need more laws for water? Maybe our lawmakers want to change the laws of gravity? Or, perhaps further regulate our driving privileges. It seems that we have a far greater threat from other inanimate objects. Is there no common sense left in our elected officials?Sarah Policastro Kubickiposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Please meet with Senator Mark Warner and become a leader in the House to get some sensible GUN CONTROL LAWS passed. We need to close the "Gun Show LOOP HOLE" and require background checks on all sales. The assault ban needs to re-instated. We need to outlaw these "magazines" and military style guns. This violence must end - we must and should reform our gun laws and keep our citizens safe. Clearly we also need to address the mental health system in this country too. To prevent these types of attacks, we need a multi-pronged approach, and I hope that you can lead on all of these fronts. Thank you in advance for your consideration.- I think its time Americans get an answer to all the questions about Benghazi. PLEASE DO NOT let it go....
1. Who gave the order to stand down?
2. Why were those AMERICANS denied assistance 3 times?
We CANNOT allow the deaths of 4 Americans to be swept under the rug!!!!! Christian Nicholposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Congressman Rigell,
Supporting an Assault Weapons ban will not do anything for this country. It will hurt our country socially and economically. This would only make it more difficult for the abiding citizens not the criminals. People who do evil will always will do evil. Laws are only followed by the obeying citizen. Even till this day no person cannot own an Assault weapon(full-automatic). An A...R-15 (semi-automatic) is no different than a Ruger mini 30 or a Springfield M1A1. Just because one will made of all metal than wood does not make it less dangerous. The media has over exaggerated the semi-automatic weapon. i dont think we need to change the firearm but we need to change how we see the firearm. Most incidents happen in no-firearm grounds. what if we put a sign that said "Staff heavily armed and trained, Any attempt to physically do harm in someone will be met with deadly force". Would the outcome be any different? Any ban on semi-automatic rifles would increasingly hurt our U.S economy! So many U.S manufacturer and small business manufactures will be hurt and go out of business. We are not only hurting peoples lives but also peoples living. I am a very concerned citizen with the U.S economy and lives. The fact Australia has implemented this, the crime rate has risen, and home invasions have doubled due to it. We most learn from other people and how to deal with in a proper position. See MoreJason Hoffmanposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Congressman, in light of the recent horror in Newtown, CT, please support a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines. These weapons of war have no place in the hands of the public.Ted Gelletly shared a link.
Something worth renouncing?
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/recips.php?id=D000000082&type=P&cycle=2012&sort=N&state=VA- Representative RIgell: Are you true to your God? Are you truly a representative of all your constituents? If so, you will take a step to end the combination of factors that conspire to create mass shootings. Gun control and treatment of mental depression are chief among them. Are you strong and self determined enough to stand up for process or will you simply follow your party's lack of response and the money trial?
Pannullo Maryposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Representative Scott Rigell
Congressman Rigell: Can you please address your thoughts about the massacre in CT? Yet another mass killing by a mentally ill/disturbed young man who was able to easily access assault weapons. These are weapons created and intended for for mass/efficient killings on the battlefield - not for sport or self-protection. Does it not make commonsense to reinstitute th...e Brady Ban on assault weapons? Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence I am asking you to publicly address the massacre(s) and what you think should be done to prevent more of this kind of horrific violence that has become more common in the United States than any other developed country in the world. Thank you very much. Very truly, Pannullo MarySee More- Congressman, As a life long Republican and 2 time supporter, I ask that you work to remove high powered weapons from our streets! How many people need to die before Congress takes action in defending the rights of citizens to live without fear of being shot at school, at the mall, at the movies?
Louis Klampfe shared a link.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/china-knife-attack_n_1731760.html China Knife Attack: Teen Reportedly Kills 8, Wounds 5 In Northeast.... i guess any weapon will do with pathetic sick criminals ... creating a counter measure with some teachers armed and/or a security school departmental force is goodTony Wagermanposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
By Opinionated Democrat
I'm so sad. Sad and angry. Worst school shooting in American history. Mostly children dead. 18 children as of now, 8 adults.
If you want unlimited access to guns with no universal health coverage to cover full mental health... you're sick. Sick and disgusting and should be ashamed of yourself. Our American culture is abhorrent. Other nations have plenty of guns without this problem. We can't live in a society where we deem freedom through guns, or solutions through violence. We look utterly psychotic. Something NEEDS to be done.Juanita Hayesposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Can we talk gun control NOW! This is why we need to get the lobbyists out of Washington D.C. With lobbyists like the NRA having such a strong hole over our legislators, this country can’t get common sense gun control laws. We all know that its the very gun manufacture's that is the driving force behind the NRA. Yet the NRA leave our politicians cowering in fear. Our children aren’t safe in schools any more and the gun manufacture's continue to get rich.
When the Founding Fathers put the 2nd Amendment in place they had no idea of how that would work with todays AK 47’s. We must be able to adapt our laws as we evolve our technology.Rick Schlegel shared a link.
Scott, you're on the right side of the spending/tax revenues/"fiscal cliff" discussions --- keep at it! Really enjoyed the Politico article about your letter to the Republican Conference.- how about an end to oil industry and agribusiness subsidies as a way to save money why does it have to be the old and middle class and poor....
- I am concerned about HR 4970 - which does NOT allow tribal courts to prosecute non-indians for sex-based crimes occurring on tribal lands. Are not tribal lands sovereign? These women do not need to be abused TWICE!
- RAISE TAXES!!!!!!!!! NO CUTS!!!!!!!! GET A NEW HOUSE SPEAKER!
Matt Hogendoblerposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Because Democrats tend to vote for their own personal agendas, it is questionable that President Obama was elected with a mandate to do his will. Republicans who were elected, on the other hand, were elected with a mandate... the same commitment to fiscal and fiduciary responsibility as has been their core for decades. It would be imprudent for the Republics in the House to cave to the pressures... of the Democrat majority in the Senate in order to prevent economic disaster. While many may blame the Republicans, the truth will win in the end. Obama won the election and couldn't put a stop to the economic nose dive. Americans haven't suffered enough yet to really get mad. They're spoiled. We can survive, and hopefully, while we still have our Second Amendment, we can bear arms. Don't be afraid to do what's right. Caving to those who wish this country ill is not an option.See More- Why does Medicare almost also pay first (as the primary) when a patient also has private/commercial insurance? How much could Medicare save, if it were always secondary?
- I am convinced that we need to redefine the purpose of Social Security and Medicare. We need everyone to pay into the systems, but the wealthy don't need, nor should they receive, any benefits.
Mike Sandersposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Rep Rigell, with the recent admission of the Navy admitting they "overshot" downsizing (see navy times this weeks edition) isn't it about time Congress holds hearings about this matter? They admittedly mismanaged the manning levels so they felt it was necessary to violate the contracts of nearly 3000 Sailors. Now they claim they overshot... Something does not add up. We are talking about the defense of our country here. Can we really afford to make this many mistakes with so much on the line?Dennis Wilson shared Janet Williams Horn's video.
I would like to know why I am an unemployed Disabled Veteran, my wife is an underemployed Accountant and MY TAXES are paying for refurbishment of Islamic Mosques in the Middle East. Why does the Appropriations Committee continue to fund the... State Department when we KNOW we have a gun running operation to Al Queada in the Middle East, mosque refurbishment, $$ Billions goiing to Morsi (the Muslim Brotherhood) in Egypt.... We are facing a Fiscal Cliff and we borrow money to give to Muslims whoo would murder us if given the chance??? WTH is going on inside the Beltway Congressman??? Unfornately, you are the ONLY representation in Congress in whom I can rely! HELP US OUT HERE!!! PLEASE!!!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=506095022758115&set=vb.100000728662025&type=2&theaterSee More
James Cohenposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Americans have also been told that a failure to raise the debt ceiling means a default. This is a lie.George Raabposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
I have a question. Listening to the current rhetoric for getting out of debt, I have a question that I need answered by someone smart: How is something I pay into, Social Security, an entitlement that needs to be reduced while all our corporate subsidies & entitlements to boost business interests is not? I don't know of any programs they pay into that these revenue impacters are drawn from and many involve tax incentives that reduce the revenue that they would be able to ear mark for such subsidies.Ken Reynolds shared a link.
Documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman about the failing war on drugs due to corruption, overcrowded prisons, guns, and the list goes on. You might want to take a look at this, considering a huge chunk of tax dollars go to the war on drugs. Perhaps it's time we take another approach?- we have real problems people....no more time for conspiracies...time to move forward...
Rachel Kenyon shared a link.
Good morning, Congressman,
My name is Rachel Kenyon. I am a proud and battle-tested Army wife and mom of two beautiful babes, one with autism. As Committee confers to reconcile House and Senate versions of the FY2013 NDAA, I personally ask... for your acceptance and consideration of the attached 2,497 petition signatures and 421 individual comments regarding the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act/Gillibrand Autism Amendment. I have spent the last two years pouring my heart and soul into seeing this legislation pass. I thank those of you who have offered your support and I beg those of you who are hesitant to accept this legislation to look again. Look at our bravest families. Look at the thousands of names and stories our citizens have lent to this cause. They represent only a small fraction of our military families in crisis. They speak for the thousands who are simply unable to fight for this while fighting every day for our country and for their own children with autism who need care.
Currently, TRICARE military healthcare provides less than half the recommended treatments for autism, and only to children of active duty service members.
Service members who retire after more than twenty years and Wounded Warriors forced to medically retire are stripped of what little treatment TRICARE allows via the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).
On Thursday, May 17, 2012, Congressman John Larson took to the House floor armed with embarrassingly large photos of our little family and made the case for Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act to be included as an amendment to the FY2013 NDAA. It worked, because for Mr. Larson, this had become personal. It worked because Rep. Tom Rooney had the courage to walk up to Chairman Buck McKeon and tell him it was personal. Mr. Rooney has two nephews with autism. Mr. McKeon did the right thing, because now he understood, it was personal. The amendment passed as part of the NDAA in the House.
Senator Gillibrand and several bipartisan cosponsors passed a similar amendment in the Senate. Now our thousands of military families await conference committee members to approve this life-changing legislation.
I contact you today because this fight is so very personal for so many of us serving our country each day. Not only do I want my husband to feel that his more than 26 years of service warrant the medical care our daughter with autism needs, but I want my daughter to have the security of being able to access the tools that can give her a richer, more meaningful life.
It’s personal because I now hold 23,000 other children in my heart, and more than that many parents who serve our country. I love them as I love my own. I want them to feel proud of their country’s service to them in return. I want them to sleep at night, knowing that though autism may have knocked on their door, they can live their lives to the fullest with the care they need and deserve. It’s personal.
I started this petition on Change.org several months ago to garner support for this legislation. I believe in my heart that if you read even a small portion of the petition comments from your constituents, both military and civilian, you all will choose to do the right thing. To take this fight personally. To share with your fellow staffers, Senators and Representatives that our families are proud. That our children are worthy. That if just one military child was denied the cancer treatments he or she needed, we would not be wasting time with emails and petitions and action alerts. A true American who hears that 23,000 military children are being denied the medical standard of care for autism takes that personally. Well, for real American patriots, it is so very personal.
I appreciate your time and I pray for all of you and your loved ones, because I know that your own public service to our country is so vital as well.
For our little family, we will be spending another holiday season living with autism in our house and praying so hard that this is one fight we can say we have found victory.
Best,
Mrs. Rachel E. Kenyon
Wife to Command Sergeant Major William W. Kenyon, 1BN 102IN (MTN) CTARNG.
Mother of two beautiful babes – one with autism.
http://www.change.org/petitions/congress-make-recommended-autism-treatment-available-to-all-military-childrenSee More- You must continue your independence and support Obama's tax plan.
- Don't fall for the president's trap and vote to raise tax rates.
- ...compromise...brings us forward....let's move forward...we have alot to do....
Dale Andersonposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Please, no taxes increases to address the "revenue side" of our economic problem. We have to stop bailing out the democrats for all their wasteful spending. They will NEVER cut spending if we keep giving them more money. They drive the debt large in order to gain more control of us. They do not even care about cutting spending.Fred Morefieldposted toRepresentative Scott Rigell
Shame on you Congressman Rigell for voting NO on the U.N. Disabilty Treaty! Your vote is an embarrassment for everyone who can read and understand these things.- It is time to do act rather thans flapping our gums. 1) Repeal the Bush tax cuts 2) Reduce spending -- eliminate waste, eliminate duplicative programs, and start analyzing programs to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
