Why won't congressman respond on gun control?

My wife was a teacher. My son is a teacher, as is his fiancee. I think I can speak for teachers - not all perhaps but most. I taught for 37 years.

But after the crazed woman in Highland Park shot up the grade school in 1988, I began locking my door in every room where I had classes.

One afternoon we had a lockdown. As this turned out, the danger was limited, but we didn't know that at the time. I turned off the lights, crowded the 30 students in a corner not visible from the hall, and urged them to be silent.

For nearly an hour.

I was willing to take a bullet for them, but I never thought that arming myself with a weapon was anything but an idiotic idea. The only people who believe in arming teachers are the ruling forces of the NRA (who want to sell more guns and bullets) and our misguided president.

I've been trying to find out where my representative stands on this issue. As he refuses to hold town-hall meetings, I'm forced to email him, where I am asked "Do you wish a response?" Yes, I tell the computer. But either he doesn't read these, my name is on the forbidden list, or he has no spine and therefore cannot make up his mind.

So maybe I can ask my question here: Mr. Roskam, Where do you stand on this issue?

What about a real statement, like your stance on the suppression of assault weapons and/or common sense gun restrictions?

Where are you on these issues? Preparing for your retirement?

Kevin Brewner

St. Charles