New Mexico has a very strong representation in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich are able to represent the people and the interests of the state in a very positive manner. Representative Ben Ray Lujan and Michelle Lujan Grisham will very ably represent their constituents from the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts.
Steve Pearce in the 3rd District is a different matter. Pearce is intent on the wingnut vote. On February 24, I received a polling question from Pearce:
Do you support the 2nd Amendment, which states, "...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."?
Yes
No
Not Sure
I thought, "This is a stupid way to frame a simple thought! Who's in charge?"
So I called the Congressman's office!
The content of our conversation is below the Orange Squiggle:
Congressman Pearce's Office.
Thank you, for taking my call. I was just calling to tell you that I was insulted by the insult to my intelligence and the intellect of the people of New Mexico by the way that your poll question was framed.
Well, I'm sorry that you feel that way. What did you think was wrong with the way the question was worded?
Are you Serious! "Do you support the 2nd Amendment? and the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infinged?" Does Congressman Pearce believe that the rights of a mentally deranged individual to go into a crowded theater and shoot unarmed people in the audience should not be infringed?"
Well, No. Certainly, not.
Does Congressman Pearce believe that the rights of a mentally deranged individual to take an assault rifle into an elementary school and randomly shoot first graders and their teachers should not be infringed?"
Well, No, I don't think anybody thinks like that.
Does Congressman Pearce support the 1st Amendment and the absolute right of a mentally deranged individual to shout fire in a crowded theater?
No, I don't think that Congressman Pearcee thinks that.
Well, the way that your polling Question is worded is an embarassment to the people of the State of New Mexico. I would recommend that you take that question down from your website and that Congressman Pearce should apologize to the people of the State who received this question.
I gave my name, my phone number, mailing address and email. I explained that I had met Congressman Pearce on a number of occasions in a number of different situations. Fortunately, he is not my Representative. I am proud to be represented by New Mexico's Member of Congress, Michelle Lujan Grisham, who has already appeared on Up with Chris Hayes, and has made the people of the State of New Mexico proud.
I was once a member of the NRA, but I would not be seen at an NRA function due to the actions of Mr. Wayne LaPierre. Steve Pearce is almost as embarassing as Mr. LaPierre. I promised Congressman Pearce's office that I would post this question and publicize it as best I could in national and New Mexico media.
I have guns, and I am a Veteran. I would have no problem going through a backgound check to buy my next rifle, firearm or ammunition. I really don't see the need for any mentally deranged individual, criminal or domestic abuser to be able to purchase firearms or ammunition.
My condolences to the people of southern and southeastern New Mexico who are represented by Congressman Pearce.