Trying to insinuate that Rep. Jim Hagedorn doesn’t care about human life is a cheap political shot. Elly Zaragoza of Mankato claims Rep. Hagedorn voted against the Violence Against Women Act because the National Rifle Association told him to vote that way — ridiculous.

Regarding gun rights, gun owners should be pleased by his “no” vote because this VAWA could take owners’ constitutional rights away without giving them due process. Further, more liberal wish-list items were tucked into the bill. If this bill becomes law, shelters would be forced to house any male who self-identifies as a woman. In addition to serious religious liberty issues with this, a male attacker could gain access to his female victim at a shelter simply by claiming to be a woman.

The Violence Against Women Act has historically had good, bipartisan policies for protecting women. To this end, Rep. Hagedorn cosponsored a bill to extend current VAWA funding. This would continue historical programs without including these liberal wish-list items. Rep. Hagedorn also twice voted this spring to extend funding on current VAWA policy.

Clearly, House Democrats, led by Nancy Pelosi, wanted to use VAWA for political purposes. Stay strong in Washington, Rep. Hagedorn!

Christine Green

Austin