Editor’s note: The following was written by Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, in response to a letter written by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva that appeared in the Oct. 30 Orange County News.
Dear Editor,
In response to Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s recent letter in which she sought the public’s help to fight a “bogus recall,” I would like to point out the facts regarding her rather obvious – and opportunistic plea for money.
Editor’s note: The following was written by Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, in response to a letter written by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva that appeared in the Oct. 30 Orange County News.
Dear Editor,
In response to Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s recent letter in which she sought the public’s help to fight a “bogus recall,” I would like to point out the facts regarding her rather obvious – and opportunistic plea for money.
Last week it was announced by a group called Free California that recalls are being planned due to repeated votes against the Second Amendment in California and that the subjects of the recalls are being carefully considered. Several districts were mentioned when asked by reporters, but it was made perfectly clear that NO targets have been selected.
I find it troubling that as one who boasted support of the Second Amendment, Quirk-Silva voted to support the law-abiding gun owners a dismal 17 percent of the time.
As a mother and teacher she should know that would be an “F” grade. It is clear that the Assemblywoman has no understanding of what the Second Amendment means and why it was included in our Bill of Rights.
Rather, in her short tenure in the legislature, Quirk-Silva has already made it a habit of voting in support of bills that will drastically restrict the ability of the lawful to protect their homes and families.
She has – in essence – taken a broad step toward creating more victims.
What is most disturbing about Quirk-Silva, however, is that she had the audacity to play the race card and questioned the motive and intentions of those who are looking into recall opportunities.
Frankly, I don’t know if I should laugh or be angry because I don’t care about the color of your skin, where your parents were born, what you eat, what you drive, where you live, or to whom you pray.
The bottom line is if anyone votes to diminish the Constitution, it’s a responsibility, a right and a privilege to bring opposition in any lawful way available. The recall process is a part of the California Constitution and can therefore be legally utilized by any citizen.
I have a strong personal desire to protect the Constitutional rights of the law-abiding and would like Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva to know that I am a first generation American. I am brown, my parents were born in Mexico, I was raised in East Los Angeles, my favorite thing to eat is menudo and I am grateful every day for the beautiful Mexican family God has graced me with.
I would be happy to share much of our cultural similarities but not in this venue. This is about our rights. Not about race.
This is not a partisan game. It is honest to goodness big-boy and yes, big-girl politics.
The one truly predictable thing about liberals is that they have an uncanny ability to turn anything and everything into a fundraising opportunity! I think that in the past, using a letter to the editor as a vehicle for a fundraising appeal would have been considered as very poor taste.
Sam Paredes
Executive Director, Gun Owners of California
