McCaherty: We'll make our children safe without addressing gun problem

In his latest newsletter, Rep. John McCaherty, R-High Ridge, says the House will address the issue of gun violence in the wake of the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., but will not do so through any means that might involve restricting access to any kinds of guns. McCaherty, you may remember, raised money for his campaign last year by raffling off an AR-15.

I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to contact me about an issue that is important to everyone in our district and all Missourians. The tragic events that took place in Connecticut have shocked and dismayed families across Missouri and across America. While we can’t undo the terrible events that took place that day, we can work to make our schools and our communities safer, and to protect Missouri families from the misguided actions of individuals who would do them harm.

 For me and my colleagues here in the House, our efforts to improve the safety of the public will not involve an attack on our Second Amendment rights. While the White House may think an erosion of the rights given to us by our founding fathers is a good idea, here at the state level we believe in defending the liberties that have made this nation great. We will discuss a number of issues this year ranging from legislation that would allow our teachers, who are licensed and trained to do so, to carry a firearm in the classroom to bills that would improve our system of mental health care so that it can help those in need who might otherwise endanger the lives of the innocent. We want a state that is safe for our young people and all Missourians, but we don’t believe the way to achieve that goal is by trampling on the rights of law-abiding citizens.