Dear Senator Cruz:
Let me introduce myself. I am one of your constituents. I come from a strong Conservative Christian family that loves Jesus, America, and believes in the Constitution, and I am CONCERNED, sir.
I am concerned because we have lost balance as a nation, and we cannot afford to turn our heads, while lamenting "that's so sad" over instances like the Pulse NightClub shooting, or heaven forbid, those babies at Sandy Hook, any longer. Jesus showed us that love is a verb by taking up his cross and spreading out his arms to show us just how much. If we love our country, our fellow man, woman, and child in America, we must realize that love is a verb. I believe there is a balance to be found between personal liberties and safety of a nation from violence.
I'm not suggesting an all out ban. If a person has been investigated for terror or otherwise flagged by a professional community (like a psychiatrist, or someone of similar evaluative means), perhaps certain access should be limited to them. That isn't a slippery slope, that's called discretion. Protection from those who would take the lives of innocents is easier when we think of similar analogies.
In a school setting, all students have access to education. Let's say one arrangement/environment doesn't work for one student because the student has different needs beyond what we can provide. Their LRE (least restrictive environment) becomes slightly more restricted/structured. The student still gets an education. Nothing has been deprived from the student. But now, the other students in the original room aren't distracted, fearful in their surroundings, or undertaught.
Or, should that idea not fit, consider parallels with how we treat alcohol. Again, I'm not saying ban weapons. Establish better regulatory practices and education. Liquor was more popular than ever during prohibition, but, since the 21st amendment or reversal, where are we on alcohol related deaths? People make dumb choices. We do have age limits (which might discourage some), checks in stores where it is enforced, but what I think is most helpful is two things: one, businesses will cut a person off when they sense the individual may become a hazard to themselves or others. Some of those businesses have a policy on number of drinks served per person, even. This is wise. Second, sitting down and discussing alcohol frankly: what it is, what it does, and the concept of moderation actually has significant impact when conversation is open.
Let's not turn a blind eye to this. Regulation is not a bad thing altogether, and to me, it's a part of a social contract of living amongst other humans. I respect personal liberties insomuch as there needs to be a balance between them and the greater good. When unfettered liberties splash around recklessly, other people are violated. That's not okay.
Sincerely,
L.B.-- wife, mother, and proud American
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