FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
In light of the tragedy in Tucson and the attempted assassination of a sitting member of Congress, some lawmakers are taking matters into their own hands.
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They say they plan to carry guns in public in their home districts.
Republican Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah tells CNN he's always had a concealed weapon license and has often carried a weapon, but says now he may "do it more regularly."
Chaffetz says he's already gotten half a dozen threats that have caused him to call the capitol police or local law enforcement - and that's after only 2 years in office.
He also thinks Congress should consider using the U.S. Marshals service to provide security for lawmakers in their districts - like they do for federal judges.
Politico reports that Democratic Congressman Heath Shuler of North Carolina also plans to carry a gun more often and increase security in his district. Shuler is even encouraging staffers to get their own permits to carry a gun. Shuler was the victim of a serious death threat a couple years back.
Other lawmakers are taking steps to tighten security in their offices. Some suggest that local law enforcement could play a larger role at events like the one where Congresswoman Giffords was shot or at town hall meetings.
But - other members of Congress say they won't change their lifestyles at all. They say they'll continue to engage their constituents and offer full access.
Here’s my question to you: What does it say about the U.S. that some members of Congress will now be carrying guns?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Strom in Charleston, South Carolina writes:
I think members of Congress carrying firearms might be going a bit too far, but the days of being able to directly meet with your constituents in a small public forum are simply over. It's just not safe.
Wade in Sacramento, California writes:
It says that the hateful rhetoric has left these leaders fearing for their lives. Who is going to want to serve the people if you can be killed because the likes of Limbaugh, Beck and Palin have inflamed people to become monsters? Sad.
Donald in Missouri writes:
It implies that the Second Amendment is not so old fashioned after all.
Steve in Virginia Beach writes:
It says a lot of things: Our expectations of effective parenting and traditional American values aren't nearly what they used to be. It also says that our politicians' ignoring the importance of the rule of law for so many decades wasn't a good idea either. And it says that Congress is still addressing symptoms instead of the underlying problems.
C. writes:
Hi Jack. Actually I'm surprised that these guys aren't already carrying guns. For years they've claimed to be advocates of pro-gun legislation to the point where they have written legislation to allow guns into our national parks, our universities, our trains, and our political events. Now things are so dangerous they have to protect themselves from lunatics who are armed, thanks to their own legislation.
Lisa writes:
Ridiculous and selfish as usual! Instead of worrying about their own personal safety, how about tightening gun laws in the U.S. so we are all safe from the "crazies" among us?
Kathleen in South Carolina writes:
This is just what we need, Jack. Instead of them calling each other "liar", "socialist", "bigot," they can start shooting each other. This country is becoming more and more like a banana republic!