03.12.15
In the long and very successful battle for our rights, we have watched county after county stand with the citizens and make strong public statements defending our Second Amendment rights.
There have been a few curious hold outs. Obviously Lane County is one of them. But even stranger is Deschutes County.
Although many county residents have been working to get Deschutes to stand alongside them, the county chair has decided that he’d prefer to dodge, weave, and stall.
County Chair Tony DeBone, elected with the votes and financial support of gun owners who believed he would help protect them, has decided he wants nothing to do with a real stand. His recent statement to activists in his county:
“We have directed staff to research any bills that involve firearms and the second amendment in Oregon’s current legislative session. When there is a specific bill number then we may take a position in support or opposition.”
This is nothing more than dereliction of duty and cowardice. DeBone knows very well that waiting until the bill is introduced and moving is no different from approving more attacks on our rights. What does he mean he “may take a position“? It means he “may” do his job someday.
That is simply not acceptable. Deschutes County is now almost surrounded by counties who have had the courage to take a stand. (Notably, Lane County to their west is playing the same game.)
Deschutes is in the heart of central Oregon. Outside of Portland, Oregon is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and the politicians of Deschutes have no excuse for running from their responsibilities. Please contact DeBone and demand he stop playing games with your rights.
Tell him to take a stand NOW for the residents of Deschutes County, as so many other counties have done.
Contact info and suggested message:
Tony DeBone, Commissioner Chair
Phone : (541) 388-6568
Email :Tony.DeBone@deschutes.org
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Chair DeBone,
I am shocked that you have chosen to ignore the people who elected you and you refuse to take a stand for the Second Amendment rights of the people of Deschutes County.
Most counties have had the courage to step up. Even Clackamas County, with parts of Portland in it, took a stand.
Your position of waiting for a bill to be introduced that will attack our rights plays directly into the hands of the gun grabbers. You know this legislation has been promised. Stop playing games.
Introduce a strong pro-gun ordinance immediately.
Yours,
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