David Sanders Discusses the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Rights of Gun Owners and Sportsmen
Thursday, September 7, 2006—Dr. David Sanders, candidate for the office of U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District of the State of Indiana, appeared at a press conference at 10:00 AM Thursday, September 7, 2006 at the Tippecanoe County Democratic Headquarters, 320 Main Street in Lafayette.
Dr. Sanders stated, "The 2nd Amendment to the 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."
"As I have traveled around the district meeting veterans, visiting County fairs and talking with people in their neighborhoods I have been asked about my positions on gun ownership. Many people have also written to me with their questions.
"I would like to take this opportunity to present my position to the public. I have just a few simple principles:
- Law-abiding citizens have the right to own guns.
- Law enforcement must have the resources to prosecute crimes committed with guns.
- Current legislation needs to be enforced to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.
- Children need to be protected from gun violence.
"I do not now see the need for any additional gun legislation.
"I also advocate conserving the open spaces that sportsmen need. I would sponsor H. R. 4953, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2006 and H.R. 5539, the North American Wetlands Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2006. These measures have been supported by a broad array of groups including the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, The Wildlife Society (H. R. 4953), and the National Rifle Association (H. R. 5539). H. R. 4953 is an important step towards restoring essential habitats in the Great Lakes region. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act protects fish, wildlife, rare plants and insects, and water quality. It is focused on conservation on the entire ecosystem.
"Through my daily contacts with citizens in the 4th District I know that there is a real desire on the part of the voters to know where the candidates stand on the issues. I have tried to reach out to voters by meeting them and holding regular press conferences. I respond individually to their letters, phone calls and e-mail messages and have made my positions available through a continually updated Web site and nonpartisan surveys such as Vote Smart. Nevertheless the voters need to be able to directly compare the candidates. I call on the media and civic organizations to schedule debates between the Congressional candidates now. I call on the other campaign to agree to a series of debates including one in Lafayette."
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