http://more.abcnews.go.com/onair/worldnewstonight/wnt_0005005_21st_hupp_chat.html
The Right to Bear Arms
Chat with Texas Legislator Suzanna Hupp
May 5 —Republican State Representative
Suzanna Hupp became a vocal advocate for
Second Amendment rights after the death of her
parents in 1991
After leaving her gun in her car in order to comply with
the law, Ms. Hupp watched helplessly as both her parents
and 21 other patrons of a diner were gunned down.
She contends that there are always going to be guns in
America. The real issue is how you use guns, who should
use guns and for what reasons.
Rep. Hupp appeared on World News Tonight as part
of the broadcast’s new “21st Century Lives” series, and
then joined us online in a chat.
Moderator at 6:59pm ET
Welcome Suzanna Hupp. Let's begin.
Moderator at 7:00pm ET
As a woman and mother, is your position on gun
legislation seen as contradictory?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:01pm ET
That question made me chuckle when I read it earlier,
because there's no way to know the answer to it unless
that question were asked on the census. I do know that I
represent a very large number of mothers. After all, it was
only 30% of the population that supported the American
Revolution.
michael m metzgar from proxy.aol.com at 7:01pm ET
Do you support responsible regulation of firearms (gun
locks, 10-day waiting period for purchases, safety
courses for gun owners), even while supporting the basic
right of citizens to own firearms?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:03pm ET
I believe anyone who deals with a potentially deadly piece
of equipment has the responsibility to act in a safe manner.
However, the last time I looked, it isn't the "Bill of
Mother, May Is," it is the Bill of Rights.
Moderator at 7:04pm ET
What will you be doing during the Million Mother's
march?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:05pm ET
I'm a keynote speaker for the counter to the Million Mom
March, that has been put together by the Second
Amendment Sisters. I believe their purpose is to make it
clear that those mothers represent themselves, not all
American mothers, by any stretch of the imagination.
Nick from pg1.md.home.com at 7:06pm ET
Suzanna: Thanks for telling the other side of the story! Do
you think the poll numbers are accurate — the numbers
showing a sizeable majority of Americans favoring still
more restrictive gun control?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:07pm ET
That's an excellent question. I think the vast majority of
people have been bombarded by stories of violence with
guns in the media. Although violent crime is down
dramatically, the reporting of it is up over 700 percent.
I believe people are responding at an emotional level,
that they are tired of gun violence. I believe it's a question
of giving people the correct information so that they can
make proper judgement calls.
Moderator at 7:08pm ET
What would you say to your critics who would challenge
your statement that "a gun is merely a tool"?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:09pm ET
(Laughing) I would do just exactly that — I would
chuckle, and be concerned about anyone who assigns
human qualities or animation to an inanimate piece of
metal. It does not pull its own trigger. It can either kill a
family or protect a family.
Rhonda from Texas at 7:10pm ET
As a mother and concealed-weapon carrier, what can we
do to show the uneducated anti-gunners that it is the
criminals and NOT the guns that are the problem?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:12pm ET
I would recommend finding stories such as mine on the
Internet, and when you're talking to people, try to put
them in the position I was in, with their little children
behind them. Even if they choose not to have a gun, as the
bad guy levels a weapon on their children, don't they hope
the guy next to them has a gun and knows how to use it?
I believe people make their decisions at the gut level,
and most people ignore statistical information. If you can
personalize a story, you may make a difference.
Moderator at 7:13pm ET
What kind of gun legislation do you think would be more
effective in this country?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:14pm ET
Let's keep it simple. When bad guys use guns illegally,
they should be crucified for it. Beyond that, I'm not
interested.
Wayne Clifton from bellatlantic.net at 7:14pm ET
Are you in agreement that the NRA is correct in asserting
that the Second Amendment is an individual right, and not
a collective, governmental right?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:16pm ET
Oh, heavens. Anyone who has had a history class would
agree with that statement. Again, I would say that it was
not written as "The Bill of Needs," or the "Bill of Mother,
May Is," it is "The Bill of Rights." Our founding fathers
stated that they were God-given rights, not rights granted
by the government. They simply enumerated them.
Moderator at 7:18pm ET
What was your reaction to the rash of school shootings
last year?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:21pm ET
What a ridiculous question. Of course my reaction was
one of empathetic heartbreak for the people involved.
Without sounding cliche, been there, done that. I know
what it's like to lose loved ones, and the idea of losing one
of my children makes me physically ill.
But I will say again, why is it that we consistently see
these types of mass shootings in places where guns aren't
allowed? We see them in schools, churches... If guns are
the problem, why don't we see these things occurring at
skeet and trap shoots, NRA conventions, gun shows, etc?
Stan Odum from btr.bellsouth.net at 7:22pm ET
If the government should ever try to seize our guns like
other countries, what type of reaction do you think the
public will give?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:23pm ET
I pray to God that such a thing will never occur in this
country. But history has taught us that it probably will. As
horrific as it may be, I believe another Revolution would
most likely occur.
KMoore0814@aol.com from proxy.aol.com at 7:23pm
ET
Would you agree, then, that if the teachers at these
schools had been licensed to carry guns that these
tragedies may have been prevented?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:26pm ET
Absolutely. A perfect example of that is how the carnage
in Pearl, Mississippi was halted by a vice-principal who
had a firearm in his truck, illegally, on school premises,
and held the gunman, after numerous murders, at gunpoint
until the police arrived.
There are two factors. Number one, it acts as a
deterrent effect, and number two, why are we treating our
teachers like second-class citizens, when we allow other
people to protect themselves in their work places?
Israel had numerous terrorist attacks perpetrated upon
their schools. When they required their teachers to be
armed, the terrorist attacks and the number of children
that died dropped to zero.
Mort for Florida from
gulfbreeze.mediacom.ispchannel.com at 7:28pm ET
What is your opinion of the "12 children a day killed by
gun" (statistic) that Clinton and HCI keep harping on?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:31pm ET
Be very careful with statistics. The
anti-Second-Amendment crowd includes, in their
definition of "children," people through the age of 21. The
vast majority of those deaths are due to gang-related
violence between these "kids" age 17 through 21.
When we talk about true children, more than twice as
many children die by drowning in five-gallon buckets than
do from gun accidents. However, as a mother I am a
staunch supporter of the Eddie Eagle program, that
teaches children, if they see a gun, to stop, don't touch,
leave the area, tell an adult.
Moderator at 7:31pm ET
What are the laws in currently in Texas regarding
concealed weapons?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:33pm ET
In a nutshell, we are a "shall-issue" state, which means that
if you meet the criteria, you must be issued a permit.
There is a fee, and you must complete a 15-hour course
that concentrates on conflict resolution and Texas law.
And you must satisfactorily complete a test of your
shooting capability. You have to be 21 years of age or
older, and a non-felon.
Peter C from proxy.aol.com at 7:34pm ET
Rep Hupp, what has been the effect on crime in the state
of Texas since the "Shall Issue" conceal carry law was
passed?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:35pm ET
As has occurred in other areas where this law has been
enacted, violent crime — that is, crime perpetrated on a
person — has dramatically decreased. Interestingly,
property crime tends to go up slightly, the thought being
that criminals look for easy targets, and if they perceive
you as a possible threat, then they will turn to property
crime instead. And frankly, I'd rather have someone steal
my car than rob or rape or kill me or my children.
Gene Dultz from as.wcom.net at 7:36pm ET
What is your opinion about the media's coverage of gun
and firearm issues?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:38pm ET
That's a great question. As I mentioned earlier, the
coverage of violent crime is up over 700 percent. So, our
perception is that this stuff occurs everywhere and none of
us are safe.
I believe that the school shootings would not occur if it
weren't for this coverage. We have all grown up knowing
at least one weirdo in school that may have been capable
of this, but in the past, it was not an option that they
considered.
I would love nothing more than for the major networks
to come to an agreement to report what must be reported
the first day, and thereafter, never, ever, use the
perpetrator's name or picture again.
I believe that all it would take is one of the major
networks to step up to the plate and make that
commitment. They will be perceived as heroes, and the
other networks will jump on the bandwagon immediately.
Greg in Austin TX from ev1.net at 7:39pm ET
As a mom, do you talk to your kids about guns?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:40pm ET
My children are four years old and one-and-a-half. The
four year old is taught the Eddie Eagle program of stop,
don't touch, leave the area, tell an adult. My second child
is just getting to the point where we can begin to work
with him.
Ronald Florendine from proxy.aol.com at 7:40pm ET
What significance do you attach to the term, "a
well-regulated militia," in the Second Amendment?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:41pm ET
A well-regulated militia consisted of every able-bodied
man. Ie, the citizenry. The purpose was to defend
themselves against a tyrannical government.
Fr. Terrence McGillicuddy from ply.adelphia.net at
7:42pm ET
Do you think "the press" in general stereotypes gun
owners in a negative manner?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:43pm ET
I think, typically, gun owners are portrayed as "Joe Bubba
hunters." In other words, camouflage-wearing, missing a
front tooth, guys that like lots of blood. And that truly,
truly is a misrepresentation. That's why it's important for
people like me to come forward and give a different face
to people who believe in the Second Amendment.
Dave Erhard from kscymo.swbell.net at 7:44pm ET
Ms. Hupp, what do you think the future holds for gun
owners in the U.S.? Will we end up like the Aussies?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:45pm ET
I sincerely hope not. As many of you are aware, when the
Australians recently outlawed guns, their homicide rate,
and their ARMED robbery rate went up dramatically,
immediately. Their armed robbery rate went up 44
percent. This is like creating OSHA for criminals.
Greg in Austin TX from ev1.net at 7:46pm ET
How severely should minors who are found to be illegally
possessing firearms be punished? What about their
parents?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:48pm ET
Because of my experience in the Legislature, I will say that
this must be handled by the court on an individual basis. It
completely depends upon the circumstances of the
individual and the family. And certainly if the family is
guilty of negligence or abuse, then that should be factored
in by the court.
Moderator at 7:49pm ET
Is it possible to find a middle ground for compromise
between pro and anti-gun groups?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:51pm ET
That's a great question that I'm asked frequently. I believe
that middle ground can be found, on safety training for
children. I am very concerned, however, and believe that
the constituents of certain representatives — who have
taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United
States — should be concerned. And without sounding too
cliche, what part of "shall not infringe" don't they
understand? So my fear is, if we let them infringe a little
bit, why can't they infringe a lot? The phrase is, "shall not
be infringed." It's just that simple.
Moderator at 7:51pm ET
Rep. Hupp, do you have any final thoughts?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:53pm ET
If you're on the fence on this issue, just imagine yourself in
a restaurant, on a bright, sunny day, as a madman begins
to slaughter innocent people like fish in a barrel. And as he
levels the gun at your child, don't you hope that either you
or the guy next to you has a gun and knows how to use it?
The only thing the gun laws have done is prevent
law-abiding people from protecting themselves and their
families. I would much rather be in jail with a felony
offense on my head, and have my parents alive to know
their grandchildren. And I think that says it.
Moderator at 7:54pm ET
Thank you for joining us today.
You can continue chat about Suzanna Hupp on our
message board by
clicking here now.
------------------
http://second.amendment.homepage.com
The Right to Bear Arms
Chat with Texas Legislator Suzanna Hupp
May 5 —Republican State Representative
Suzanna Hupp became a vocal advocate for
Second Amendment rights after the death of her
parents in 1991
After leaving her gun in her car in order to comply with
the law, Ms. Hupp watched helplessly as both her parents
and 21 other patrons of a diner were gunned down.
She contends that there are always going to be guns in
America. The real issue is how you use guns, who should
use guns and for what reasons.
Rep. Hupp appeared on World News Tonight as part
of the broadcast’s new “21st Century Lives” series, and
then joined us online in a chat.
Moderator at 6:59pm ET
Welcome Suzanna Hupp. Let's begin.
Moderator at 7:00pm ET
As a woman and mother, is your position on gun
legislation seen as contradictory?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:01pm ET
That question made me chuckle when I read it earlier,
because there's no way to know the answer to it unless
that question were asked on the census. I do know that I
represent a very large number of mothers. After all, it was
only 30% of the population that supported the American
Revolution.
michael m metzgar from proxy.aol.com at 7:01pm ET
Do you support responsible regulation of firearms (gun
locks, 10-day waiting period for purchases, safety
courses for gun owners), even while supporting the basic
right of citizens to own firearms?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:03pm ET
I believe anyone who deals with a potentially deadly piece
of equipment has the responsibility to act in a safe manner.
However, the last time I looked, it isn't the "Bill of
Mother, May Is," it is the Bill of Rights.
Moderator at 7:04pm ET
What will you be doing during the Million Mother's
march?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:05pm ET
I'm a keynote speaker for the counter to the Million Mom
March, that has been put together by the Second
Amendment Sisters. I believe their purpose is to make it
clear that those mothers represent themselves, not all
American mothers, by any stretch of the imagination.
Nick from pg1.md.home.com at 7:06pm ET
Suzanna: Thanks for telling the other side of the story! Do
you think the poll numbers are accurate — the numbers
showing a sizeable majority of Americans favoring still
more restrictive gun control?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:07pm ET
That's an excellent question. I think the vast majority of
people have been bombarded by stories of violence with
guns in the media. Although violent crime is down
dramatically, the reporting of it is up over 700 percent.
I believe people are responding at an emotional level,
that they are tired of gun violence. I believe it's a question
of giving people the correct information so that they can
make proper judgement calls.
Moderator at 7:08pm ET
What would you say to your critics who would challenge
your statement that "a gun is merely a tool"?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:09pm ET
(Laughing) I would do just exactly that — I would
chuckle, and be concerned about anyone who assigns
human qualities or animation to an inanimate piece of
metal. It does not pull its own trigger. It can either kill a
family or protect a family.
Rhonda from Texas at 7:10pm ET
As a mother and concealed-weapon carrier, what can we
do to show the uneducated anti-gunners that it is the
criminals and NOT the guns that are the problem?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:12pm ET
I would recommend finding stories such as mine on the
Internet, and when you're talking to people, try to put
them in the position I was in, with their little children
behind them. Even if they choose not to have a gun, as the
bad guy levels a weapon on their children, don't they hope
the guy next to them has a gun and knows how to use it?
I believe people make their decisions at the gut level,
and most people ignore statistical information. If you can
personalize a story, you may make a difference.
Moderator at 7:13pm ET
What kind of gun legislation do you think would be more
effective in this country?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:14pm ET
Let's keep it simple. When bad guys use guns illegally,
they should be crucified for it. Beyond that, I'm not
interested.
Wayne Clifton from bellatlantic.net at 7:14pm ET
Are you in agreement that the NRA is correct in asserting
that the Second Amendment is an individual right, and not
a collective, governmental right?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:16pm ET
Oh, heavens. Anyone who has had a history class would
agree with that statement. Again, I would say that it was
not written as "The Bill of Needs," or the "Bill of Mother,
May Is," it is "The Bill of Rights." Our founding fathers
stated that they were God-given rights, not rights granted
by the government. They simply enumerated them.
Moderator at 7:18pm ET
What was your reaction to the rash of school shootings
last year?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:21pm ET
What a ridiculous question. Of course my reaction was
one of empathetic heartbreak for the people involved.
Without sounding cliche, been there, done that. I know
what it's like to lose loved ones, and the idea of losing one
of my children makes me physically ill.
But I will say again, why is it that we consistently see
these types of mass shootings in places where guns aren't
allowed? We see them in schools, churches... If guns are
the problem, why don't we see these things occurring at
skeet and trap shoots, NRA conventions, gun shows, etc?
Stan Odum from btr.bellsouth.net at 7:22pm ET
If the government should ever try to seize our guns like
other countries, what type of reaction do you think the
public will give?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:23pm ET
I pray to God that such a thing will never occur in this
country. But history has taught us that it probably will. As
horrific as it may be, I believe another Revolution would
most likely occur.
KMoore0814@aol.com from proxy.aol.com at 7:23pm
ET
Would you agree, then, that if the teachers at these
schools had been licensed to carry guns that these
tragedies may have been prevented?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:26pm ET
Absolutely. A perfect example of that is how the carnage
in Pearl, Mississippi was halted by a vice-principal who
had a firearm in his truck, illegally, on school premises,
and held the gunman, after numerous murders, at gunpoint
until the police arrived.
There are two factors. Number one, it acts as a
deterrent effect, and number two, why are we treating our
teachers like second-class citizens, when we allow other
people to protect themselves in their work places?
Israel had numerous terrorist attacks perpetrated upon
their schools. When they required their teachers to be
armed, the terrorist attacks and the number of children
that died dropped to zero.
Mort for Florida from
gulfbreeze.mediacom.ispchannel.com at 7:28pm ET
What is your opinion of the "12 children a day killed by
gun" (statistic) that Clinton and HCI keep harping on?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:31pm ET
Be very careful with statistics. The
anti-Second-Amendment crowd includes, in their
definition of "children," people through the age of 21. The
vast majority of those deaths are due to gang-related
violence between these "kids" age 17 through 21.
When we talk about true children, more than twice as
many children die by drowning in five-gallon buckets than
do from gun accidents. However, as a mother I am a
staunch supporter of the Eddie Eagle program, that
teaches children, if they see a gun, to stop, don't touch,
leave the area, tell an adult.
Moderator at 7:31pm ET
What are the laws in currently in Texas regarding
concealed weapons?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:33pm ET
In a nutshell, we are a "shall-issue" state, which means that
if you meet the criteria, you must be issued a permit.
There is a fee, and you must complete a 15-hour course
that concentrates on conflict resolution and Texas law.
And you must satisfactorily complete a test of your
shooting capability. You have to be 21 years of age or
older, and a non-felon.
Peter C from proxy.aol.com at 7:34pm ET
Rep Hupp, what has been the effect on crime in the state
of Texas since the "Shall Issue" conceal carry law was
passed?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:35pm ET
As has occurred in other areas where this law has been
enacted, violent crime — that is, crime perpetrated on a
person — has dramatically decreased. Interestingly,
property crime tends to go up slightly, the thought being
that criminals look for easy targets, and if they perceive
you as a possible threat, then they will turn to property
crime instead. And frankly, I'd rather have someone steal
my car than rob or rape or kill me or my children.
Gene Dultz from as.wcom.net at 7:36pm ET
What is your opinion about the media's coverage of gun
and firearm issues?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:38pm ET
That's a great question. As I mentioned earlier, the
coverage of violent crime is up over 700 percent. So, our
perception is that this stuff occurs everywhere and none of
us are safe.
I believe that the school shootings would not occur if it
weren't for this coverage. We have all grown up knowing
at least one weirdo in school that may have been capable
of this, but in the past, it was not an option that they
considered.
I would love nothing more than for the major networks
to come to an agreement to report what must be reported
the first day, and thereafter, never, ever, use the
perpetrator's name or picture again.
I believe that all it would take is one of the major
networks to step up to the plate and make that
commitment. They will be perceived as heroes, and the
other networks will jump on the bandwagon immediately.
Greg in Austin TX from ev1.net at 7:39pm ET
As a mom, do you talk to your kids about guns?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:40pm ET
My children are four years old and one-and-a-half. The
four year old is taught the Eddie Eagle program of stop,
don't touch, leave the area, tell an adult. My second child
is just getting to the point where we can begin to work
with him.
Ronald Florendine from proxy.aol.com at 7:40pm ET
What significance do you attach to the term, "a
well-regulated militia," in the Second Amendment?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:41pm ET
A well-regulated militia consisted of every able-bodied
man. Ie, the citizenry. The purpose was to defend
themselves against a tyrannical government.
Fr. Terrence McGillicuddy from ply.adelphia.net at
7:42pm ET
Do you think "the press" in general stereotypes gun
owners in a negative manner?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:43pm ET
I think, typically, gun owners are portrayed as "Joe Bubba
hunters." In other words, camouflage-wearing, missing a
front tooth, guys that like lots of blood. And that truly,
truly is a misrepresentation. That's why it's important for
people like me to come forward and give a different face
to people who believe in the Second Amendment.
Dave Erhard from kscymo.swbell.net at 7:44pm ET
Ms. Hupp, what do you think the future holds for gun
owners in the U.S.? Will we end up like the Aussies?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:45pm ET
I sincerely hope not. As many of you are aware, when the
Australians recently outlawed guns, their homicide rate,
and their ARMED robbery rate went up dramatically,
immediately. Their armed robbery rate went up 44
percent. This is like creating OSHA for criminals.
Greg in Austin TX from ev1.net at 7:46pm ET
How severely should minors who are found to be illegally
possessing firearms be punished? What about their
parents?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:48pm ET
Because of my experience in the Legislature, I will say that
this must be handled by the court on an individual basis. It
completely depends upon the circumstances of the
individual and the family. And certainly if the family is
guilty of negligence or abuse, then that should be factored
in by the court.
Moderator at 7:49pm ET
Is it possible to find a middle ground for compromise
between pro and anti-gun groups?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:51pm ET
That's a great question that I'm asked frequently. I believe
that middle ground can be found, on safety training for
children. I am very concerned, however, and believe that
the constituents of certain representatives — who have
taken an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United
States — should be concerned. And without sounding too
cliche, what part of "shall not infringe" don't they
understand? So my fear is, if we let them infringe a little
bit, why can't they infringe a lot? The phrase is, "shall not
be infringed." It's just that simple.
Moderator at 7:51pm ET
Rep. Hupp, do you have any final thoughts?
Suzanna Hupp at 7:53pm ET
If you're on the fence on this issue, just imagine yourself in
a restaurant, on a bright, sunny day, as a madman begins
to slaughter innocent people like fish in a barrel. And as he
levels the gun at your child, don't you hope that either you
or the guy next to you has a gun and knows how to use it?
The only thing the gun laws have done is prevent
law-abiding people from protecting themselves and their
families. I would much rather be in jail with a felony
offense on my head, and have my parents alive to know
their grandchildren. And I think that says it.
Moderator at 7:54pm ET
Thank you for joining us today.
You can continue chat about Suzanna Hupp on our
message board by
clicking here now.
------------------
http://second.amendment.homepage.com
