As state representative, I will always uphold the inherent right to defend the lives of ourselves and others. Just as we stand firm in our right to free speech, stand firm in our right to be secure against unreasonable searches or seizures, we should also stand firm in our right to bear arms. Supporting the right to bear arms is not in opposition of firearm safety. We can uphold our right to freely choose and purchase a firearm while also championing a culture that promotes gun safety and the deescalation of potentially violent confrontations.