Response from Lt. Governor Phil Scott

Response from Lt. Governor Phil Scott regarding possible lawsuit by Crossfire Arms against Bloomberg:

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Dear Legislator,

As you have begun to see, the forces in Vermont that are pushing Universal Background Checks, are using misinformation and, as you will see below, outright lies.

Gun Sense Vermont uses “manipulated statistics” from Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety with fear-inducing language to produce a gut-level reaction for the uninformed public.

Gun Owners of Vermont, as well as local and national media have been reporting on this disturbing trend in the war on Vermont.

The latest attack ads by Michael Bloomberg include the hit piece “Hiding in Plain Sight”, an undercover “sting” operation, performed by a team of private investigators has now been exposed NATIONALLY.

Bloomberg’s attack piece falsely used a LEGITIMATE Vermont FFL dealer’s ads to “prove” that criminals are illegally obtaining guns online.

Crossfire Arms of Mount Holly, Vermont, is one of the targets of Bloomberg’s lies and deceit.

The discussion of this Universal Background Check bill S.31, does not need to begin with “something needs to be done with Vermont’s gun laws,” but, “something needs to be done with legislation built upon a foundation of lies.”

Gun Owners of Vermont has consistently reported facts, statistics and FBI data to show Vermont’s laws work for Vermont.

The only opposition to the facts, are presented by Gun Sense Vermont, using falsified data to sway legislators into making unconstitutional decisions under threat of public “humiliation.”

Bloomberg’s latest lies are now to the point of bringing legal action in the state of Vermont against Michael Bloomberg.

Read the full article here:
Everytown’s “Hiding In Plain Sight” Report Falsified Claims, May Spur Lawsuit

http://bearingarms.com/everytowns-hiding-plain-sight-report-falsified-claims-may-spur-lawsuit

This coordinated effort between Michael Bloomberg’s national organizations and Gun Sense Vermont to defraud the good and honest people of Vermont MUST END.

Legislative support for a bill based on lies and pushed by fear, also MUST END.

Bob DePino
REPLY:
Dear Bob,

Thank you for contacting me to share your views on the regulation of guns in Vermont. Over the years I’ve received more correspondence on firearm issues than I have on any other matter. This level of engagement makes it clear Vermonters have very strong views on the issue, and I’m glad to hear from you.

As you know, bills have been introduced in the Vermont Legislature that would further regulate the purchase and ownership of firearms in Vermont. For the record, I support the Constitutionally-protected right of Americans to keep and bear arms. The Vermont Constitution is clear, stating that “the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State.”

I am, however, deeply troubled by acts of violence across our country, especially Newtown, as are many Vermonters. Violence in our schools and public places weighs heavily on all of us, and as much as we all want to “do something” to protect innocent people (and particularly children), I don’t believe additional gun control legislation is the answer.

It’s not to say guns are not used in senseless acts, and in some ways it might be easier if the answer to stopping violent crime were as simple as banning guns. However, I think the underlying issues are much more complex, and have their roots in our education system, mental health system, entertainment industry and the multitude of pressures facing families today.

The Senate Judiciary and Health and Welfare Committees will be holding a public hearing pertaining to one of the proposed bills, S.31: “An Act Relating to Possession and Transfer of Firearms.”
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 5:30-8:00 p.m. (sign up for comments begins at 5 p.m.)
WHERE: House Chamber, Vermont State House, State Street, Montpelier

I appreciate your input and thank you again for your message.

Phil Scott