As I have said publicly for years, while in Congress I was one of the 2nd Amendment’s strongest proponents. And even though the NRA worked nonstop to defeat me in my first campaign, they supported me after because I was always an unyielding advocate for gun rights. I still am.
As I said publicly in speeches, and TV and in columns, Newtown made me re-examine many of my views. I still support gun rights, carry laws, and Scalia’s view of the 2nd Amendment. But Newtown changed my thoughts on background checks and assault-style weapons, as did Heller.
For those frothing at the mouth thinking they just broke open Al Capone’s safe, stop humiliating yourselves publicly. I’ve been straightforward about my views on for years. I addressed it head on the Monday after Newtown.
And for those who thick enough to say I didn’t speak out “when I had power in Congress”, I will only say you are clueless if you believe I was more powerful as 1 of 435 backbenchers than I am today.
I was one of the most unyielding advocates for gun rights in Congress. The fact that I still strongly support gun rights but am now pushing back hard against extremists who are damaging the cause as mass shooting become an American epidemic only proves my point more.
The 5 deadliest mass shootings in American history have occurred since I left Congress. Anyone with a conscience and a little common sense would re-examine their views before more blood is spilled in children’s classrooms, in church pews and at country music concerts.
“When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?”
