You should know who you keep electing.

I routinely send letters to my congresscritters in DC. They always send form letter responses. Byrd's office, Rockefeller's office, and Capito's office, all have form letters they send in response to any given issue.

I sent one recently to Jay Rockefeller. It was a fairly boring request that Senator Rockefeller not approve funds for BATFE. I realize that's a futile request, but hey, it's just another letter. I assume they keep tallies on those things, and my request is just a click on the ole pedometer of people who don't like the BATFE.

Regardless, you should be aware that this man would not know the meaning of the Second Amendment if Madison hit him on the bridge of the nose with a flintlock with the constitution wrapped around the stock. Observe the following excerpt, verbatim, from his response.

"I have heard from a number of West Virginians concerned about speculation tha tthe ATF has been working to limit the gun ownership rights of law-abiding citizens. Your suggestion that Congress should limit funding for the ATF is noted. I will be sure to keep your concerns in mind as the Senate considers appropriations legislation for the coming Fiscal Year (FY) 2009."

A number of us, huh? Interesting. Well, if "a number" of your constituents are voicing this concern, why no mention of his willingness to launch an investigation? I realize I didn't ask for one, but hey, if "a number" of folks are concerned, why not do more than "keep our concerns in mind?"

But, that's not what chills me in his response. I will denote my comments within brackets.

"Gun ownership is an issue of great importance to me and many West Virginians. [km: no kidding.] I respect the Second Amendment to the Constitution, and the right to bear arms it guarantees. [km: excellent so far] That said, I agree that there are times and circumstances when it is appropriate for our government to ban certain types of weapons or ammunition in the interest of protecting public safety. [km: uh oh. Don't like where this is going.] I have supported the assault weapons ban, the ban on 'cop killer' bullets, so-called 'banana' clips, which are designed to hold large amounts of ammunition, and other items more suited to military use than to hunting or personal protection." [km: oh boy.]

Well, it seems Mr. Rockefeller doesn't understand the Second Amendment at all, as defined by the founders, nor as defined in the recent Heller decision. The police are not military. And if they're not military, and their weapons are defensive, why do they need "banana" clips? Oh, you mean they are suited to personal protection? And, well, Mr. Rockefeller, there was no mention of duck hunting in the Second Amendment.

This man is an anti. He does not trust you. He views you as a subject, not a citizen. You are not to be trusted with modern arms. Why do West Virginians keep voting this clown into office?

His letter then goes on... I'll comment in-line again.

"At the same time, I do believe that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of law-abiding individuals to own firearms.[km: Except effective ones... like ones with 'banana' clips, right?] I have supported liability protection for gun dealers and manufactures, and I have opposed proposals to tax ammunition and register gun owners."

What a two-faced clown. He clearly doesn't understand the Second Amendment, which is both about self-defense and defense against domestic tyranny. Yet, he sometimes votes in our favor. Probably because he thinks the Second is about Duck Hunting. Senator Elmer Fudd.

If I were you, I'd have a long hard look at Jay Wolfe at http://www.jaywolfe2008.com.