Saw on another board that a poster is sending this letter.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand,
I read with dismay a recent news article stating that a planned sale of antique rifles by the South Korean military to collectors in the United States is being blocked by the State Department. This sale was initially approved by the administration. These rifles were originally given to the South Korean defense forces after the Korean War by the US Government and are now being sold to raise funds for its military.
The firearms to be sold are legal to own in the United States. They are very popular to collectors, sportsmen, competitive shooters and those being instructed in marksmanship. The government of South Korea may be able to raise half a billion dollars from this sale that would otherwise be taxed to the people of South Korea or given as aid by the United States.
In light of some common sense reasons for allowing this sale, a comment by a state department spokesman inferring that these firearms would be used by individuals for illicit purposes arouses my suspicion. Firearm sales in the United States are strictly controlled and purchasers are subject to the NICS background check. Is this an attempt by some appointees within the administration to express anti-2nd Amendment political leanings? I hope not.
Being an avid shooter and hunter, it is my explicit desire to allow the sale of these antique firearms in the United States to go forward. Collecting funds by selling outdated equipment (rather than borrowing or taxation) to an enthusiastic and law-abiding community is a no-brainer.
I have distributed this letter to my friends, family and co-workers to call as much attention to this issue as possible. I will view your public support favorably during the upcoming election.
As always, your observant constituent,
