I met Marc Coppola on Saturday and today he sent along this note, which I thought worth sharing:
Howard,
Nice running into you at Summer in the City in Batavia this past Saturday. As I mentioned, I thought it was ironic that someone commented on your site that I was anti-gun when in fact I hold and carry permits for my own guns (and have) for almost 19 years now. And, in case anyone should ask, I do support the right to keep and bear arms. I believe that while the approval process for obtaining a pistol permit in NYS could be quicker, we do it right, trying to assure that those who pose a real threat to society or themselves, don't wind up with a dangerous weapon.
On a more current legislative issue, microstamping, I think that the reasoning and idea behind it has merit, but there are two things lacking that would prevent my support: technology and economics.
My understanding is that the technology of microstamping is still in its evolution stage. Given this, I think it is a large step and therefore premature to enact such a law for NYS at this time.
Secondly, since the law would only apply to guns legally purchased in NY state, and data shows that most guns used in the commission of a crime originated from outside NYS, you have to question the true impact of the legislation.
On the economic side of the equation, this may cause just another burden on NYS businesses that sell or deal guns and related equipment. It puts NYS again, in a less competitive position, which could hurt a strong industry, especially in upstate NY.
Sorry if I sound like I'm on the soap box, just something I wanted to clarify since it was mentioned.
Unfortunately our government leaders, well-intentioned at times, take knee-jerk reactions to things without fully exploring and considering the true impacts, both positive and negative. Using guns for hunting and sport is a tradition and culture particularly in upstate, throwing the baby out with the bathwater so to speak is not good policy.
Take care,
Marc Coppola
(Note: He is a Democrat running for state Senate in the 61st District.)
I think Mr. Coppola is
I think Mr. Coppola is oversensitive or incapable of interpreting a written comment. I checked back on the commments that were written.The only comment regarding guns or the 2nd amendment was left by me as follows:
"I checked both web sites listed by Chris. I see no opinion about our archaic gun laws or the 2nd amendment. Are they pro or con?"
I find this 'ironic' that this comment implies that either of the candidates is anti-gun.
Mike, Whatever sparked the
Mike,
Whatever sparked the question about gun laws, etc., did you get the information you wanted?
Mike, I'm pretty sure Coppola
Mike, I'm pretty sure Coppola didn't actually read the site. He was told what was said by Chris or someone helping him with his campaign. Reguardless of the miscommunication it was a good answer to where he stands on gun control.
My stand on firearm
My stand on firearm legislation formed, growing up, spending immeasurable time at the Bergen Rod & Gun Club with my father, younger brother and sportsmen/women who were members of that organization. The members of the gun club- effectively all of the gun owners that I have ever met are responsible citizens who apply their interest in guns to legitimate, Constitutionally protected and safe purpose. I have deferred responding to Mike's note that my website (along with Marc's) did not deal with Second Amendment issues specifically, because there is so much existing and proposed legislation- much called into question by the recent SCOTUS ruling, it would be neglectful to offer a summary statement. Instead- as I have completed questionnaires for both NYS Rifle and Pistol Association and National Rifle Association; I await their evaluation of my stand on specific legislation. An endorsement by NYSRPA and/or the NRA speaks volumes over an incomplete encapsulation of my general position on firearm ownership, licensing, ammo microstamping/casing registry, concealed weapons, Castle Doctrine and long-gun registration.
I don't think he's being
I don't think he's being 'oversensitive.' I think he's being exactly as sensitive as he needs to be. The idea that Democrats are automatically anti-gun is a myth, and a silly one at that. Upstate Dems hunt, we own firearms and we support Second Amendment rights.
We're part of the same rural tradition as our conservative friends. We have every intention of protecting those traditions and we get righteously pissed when folks from downstate don't take our way of life into account when they write and push anti-gun legislation that adversely affects us.
Politicians can write all the
Politicians can write all the gun laws they want, and criminals will still have guns. All gun laws and gun control legislation do is make it more expensive, and more difficult for law abiding citizens to exercise their 2nd amendment rights.
CM..This wasn't about you it
CM..This wasn't about you it was about Marc Coppola stance was on this issue..I did meet him Saturday ,in fact Howard introduced us..Where were you...
Wow, Mark, kind of harsh,
Wow, Mark, kind of harsh, don't you think?
I'd think it would be helpful to know where all candidates stand on the issue.
"Where were you?".
Perhaps, he was there and you missed him...or he didn't see the sign on your back identifying you.
Perhaps, he was working the crazy shifts that he has.
I'm glad you got a chance to meet Marc. I'm curious, what is your impression of him?
Bea ,I found him to be real
Bea ,I found him to be real and up front with his views..And he is out there meeting the people who he wants to represent..What's that mean sign on my back..Was CM there that all i was asking..It was the prefect chance to meet the people of Batavia..And how was my statement harsh...Why does CM need to jump on this thread to tell us about himself...This is about a letter Marc Coppola wrote about were he stands on the gun rights issue..
Back in June, Mark didn't
Back in June, Mark didn't know enough about me, "I would just like to hear more about him." Now he pans me for grandstanding.
Re-read Mike Kelly in this thread: "I checked both web sites listed by Chris." The "both web sites" referred to belong to Marc and I. My post was hardly an arbitrary "jump on this thread to tell us about (myself)." I sent a reply to Mike's original post through his guestbook. He apparently didn't see it, so I replied to his second posting in this thread.
I was in Batavia Saturday. I may not have been there at the instant you were; I had to work from 8 AM to 5 PM. Between work and raindrops I was at two events this past weekend: The Churchville Lions Club Country Fair and Summer in the City.
For the math-freaks: it would
For the math-freaks: it would take over 400 days to spend five minutes with every resident of the 139th Assembly District- no time out for anything.
Like my parents always told
Like my parents always told me, start early. Actually it's OK, because I hate to think what you'd be doing during MY 5 minutes.
Both Dave Olsen and C.M.
Both Dave Olsen and C.M. stopped by The Batavian booth, as did Hawley and Ranzenhofer.
WOW!!!!! All I asked for is a
WOW!!!!! All I asked for is a clarification of 'pro or con' because it was not clearly stated in the listed websites. I could also list my previous experience with weapons, organizations and military. I bet I would win.
Dang, I missed everyone
Dang, I missed everyone except for Steve, I passed him and said "How ya doin'?" He answered, with "Hi, guys". He probably was talking to my brother.