Thank you, Mr. President. Now, Dear Congress:

I’m heartened that President Obama has maintained the urgency of dealing with the public health issue of gun violence by taking the executive actions within his presidential powers and by proposing that Congress pass legislation and fund closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and sales of magazines of more than 10 rounds, increasing police protection at our schools and on our streets,  and increasing access to mental health services. These measures don’t infringe on rights afforded law-abiding gun owners; these measures balance those Second Amendment rights with our rights to life, liberty and happiness. I’m going to ask Washington senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell and my Second Congressional District representative Rick Larsen to support the President on this public health and safety issue. Here’s what I’m writing to them (individually) today:

Dear Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell , Representative Rick Larsen :

Gun violence is a public health and safety concern that touches all our lives as community members, parents and grandparents. I support President Obama’s proposals for reducing gun violence by closing background check loopholes, banning military-style assault weapons and sales of magazines of more than 10 rounds, increasing police protection at our schools and on our streets, and increasing access to mental health services. These measures don’t infringe on rights afforded law-abiding gun owners; these measures balance those Second Amendment rights with our rights to life, liberty and happiness.

As a Washington state citizen and voter in the Second Congressional District, I ask that you give your full support and do all you can to assure House and Senate passage of the President’s proposals. Thank you. Mike Sato

There. Now, how about you writing?

--Mike Sato