Tag Archives: 2nd Amendment

Response to anti-gun attitudes

From my anti-gun friend:

thats not it at all for one the amendment says and i quote the right to bear arms “a well regulated militia,being neccisary for the security of a free state, the right to bear arms shall not be infringed. they were saying the right to have guns fora militia is fine. they didnt say you cant for other reasons but the constitution only protects militias, most murders are comited with no way of self defense, people dont go im gonna kill you when they ahvea gun in your face and chat you up they run up and pull the trigger, more guns just means more people will get pissed and retaliate causing utter chaos, i know anarchist crackheads who think thats a dumb idea. the times have changed i beleive in street justice but still, its not he way thigns used to be people no longer have any repsect for the power a firearms really holds or any grasp of what theyve really done when theyve killed somebody. so giving everone a gun just makes it easier for someon to sneak up beind you and blow your brians out, and sice everyone else has a gun if they see it they start shooting and it turns riotus. gun battles in the streets people not knowing who or what to shoot at. most murders go un witnessed and most people wouldnt have the guts to pull the trigger if neccisary. our founding fathers also said “the constituiton is in no way based on the christian doctrine” -george washington and “churches are no more useful than lighthouses -ben franklin, but people still try to put prayer in schools. if times were different and attitudes toward death were different id have no problem with lax gun laws, but there are alot of crazy people in the world. the constitution can be overidden and amended in the case of clear and present danger (shenck vs us) and current gun laws like the gunshow loophole which is were the colombie kids got there guns, is getting on that line. they set up that amendment at a time of muzzle loaders. not fully auotmatic 20 round or more rifles. theres a big discepency, i beleive only guns with a form of neccsity and or low level of danger from hidden murder should be allowed. pistols for those in law enforcement etc. i think people should be allowed to stra a shotgun around there shoulder and walk down the street with no issue. but not hide a pistol in their pocket so they can rob someone without seeing the gun

My Response:

Damn man, use some paragraph breaks. I’m not a robot. I gotta have my information chunked up for me.

On some points, I agree, and on others. I disagree. The intent of the forefathers with the word militia is unclear today by our definition of the term but what they thought it meant was something entirely different. It is very clear from their writing that it is intended as an individual right to bear arms, not a collective right of an organized govt sponsored militia. I’ve pointed that out very well in my latest video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JaDACSwvIw

Now that being said, I AM for some responsible and reasonable gun legislation. I believe mental and criminal background checks are good ideas and should be compulsory. I believe that we need to close the loopholes that criminals are using to arm themselves. But, I also believe it is our obligation to allow honest, decent, non-criminal citizens the right to carry. In the interest of that I believe it’s a good thing that we have a government sponsored gun program like Concealed Handgun License so long as they are on a shall-issue basis. Citizens that go through that (like myself) submit to a rigorous background check, classroom instruction on gun safety and the law and must demonstrate proficiency with a weapon on a range in front of a qualified instructor. Now that I’m certified basically all I have to do is show my CHL ID and I can walk up to any gun dealer and buy any semi-auto or lower classification weapon with no background check and minimal paperwork.

Now, the fact that I have to have that license to actually carry concealed is bullshit. I believe you are granted the power to carry openly or concealed by the 2nd amendment and any regulation adverse to that is unconstitutional. I hear your concerns about concealed carry vs open carry. That’s a big debate in the gun community and always has been. It’s basically a trade off of surprise vs show of force.

I have to disagree with your view on giving everyone guns. I believe the history behind concealed carry laws passing over the last few years has shown us quite clearly that an armed populace can police itself well in this matter. Citizens that apply for and receive officially sponsored licenses like a CHL make up way less than 1% of the conviction rate of the standard populace. (that statistic is from the Texas department of public safety and is visible there for verification) Furthermore, there has always been a major liberal media campaign saying blood will run in the streets prior to any Concealed Handgun legislation passing in a state. Those days have come and passed without incident. In truth, the honest hard working citizen is generally lawful and would not commit crimes such as you describe. That has been proven by the lack of bloodshed once they are armed. The citizens that WOULD commit such acts are generally criminal in their very nature and would already have barred themselves from legally owning a gun by virtue of their criminal status (most likely felony).

Anyone who is afraid to arm the populace of their country has no faith in their fellow citizens and in their fellow man. I can tell you that where I come from, EVERYONE is armed. We go bout our lives in quiet dignity just as if we weren’t armed. However, when the need does arise, the means to defend yourself and your property against the tyranny of evil men is on hand when needed. That means is employed when necessary, but often, the threat of it is enough to keep those would-be criminals walking the straight and narrow. There are always going to be crack-heads, knuckleheads and the like. Society will always produce vermin. Having an armed populace allows an individual citizen to defend themselves from that element of society without having to crawl under a desk and dial 911 so someone can come save them. It is the god given right of every man, woman and child to be able to defend themselves. Depriving a honest citizen of that is illegal, unconstitutional and immoral.

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Right to Bear Arms

Note: I’ve been asked many times about conceal and carry methods and various types of gun gear and holsters. To save time I put together a list of my recommended gear on Amazon.com . Take a look. I put notes on the gear where needed. http://astore.amazon.com/gungear-20

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions.

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I would like to share with you my views as a law abiding and voting citizen of the US on the 2nd amendment’s Right to Bear Arms. I encourage you to contact your local representatives and share these views as well if you share them. They dont’ know if you don’t tell them. You have my permission to use my words directly if needed.

Synopsis:

I support total and uncompromised right to bear arms as guaranteed by the US Bill of Rights and the issues put forth by the NRA.

I passionately object to ANY means of regulation on how, when or where arms can be transported, carried or otherwise borne by private law-abiding citizens.

I passionately object specifically to any law that restricts citizens from carrying concealed handguns to any state or federal facility, school or hospital. Such restrictions directly impact the ability of said citizens to not only defend themselves but to assist in defending others and assist in defending law and liberty (which is the right and responsibility of every individual citizen, not just law enforcement.)

I passionately reject any measure by any government body that requires the registration or recording of law abiding citizens inventory of arms in any way form or fashion. We all know that’s the first step gun control advocates will use to confiscate guns they deem inappropriate.

Repeal or strike from law any such legal restriction on law abiding citizens immediately.Such laws are unconstitutional, and unnecessarily restrictive of law abiding citizens.

I do NOT object to concealed handgun permits so long as they are granted fairly and on a shall-issue basis. I also do not object to background checks that may or may not include mental health history clearance or legislation that banns individuals with a proven record of domestic violence from owning a firearm.

I also actively boycott any business that displays a sign disallowing handguns and make it a practice to inform the business owner of why they have now lost my business and agree to restore patronage to their business in the future should they change their policy on law abiding citizens exorcizing their 2nd amendment rights. I don’t trust any business or any govt. that doesnt trust me with a gun.

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*steps on soapbox*

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.
-USA Constitituation, Amendment 2

….. shall not be infringed.

in·fringe·ment Pronunciation (n-frnjmnt)n.
1. A violation, as of a law, regulation, or agreement; a breach.
2. An encroachment, as of a right or privilege.

-http://www.thefreedictionary.com

I’m not a highly educated man, but i do have intelligence. If I adequately understand plain English that means that the govt has NO rights to legislate ANYTHING regarding the people’s rights to bear arms.

The government has no legal authority to legislate when, how or really who for that matter can bear arms. Anyone who is a citizen of the US has the guaranteed and “inalienable” right to bear arms. Any government regulations that try to stipulate how, when where or who we are allowed to invoke that right is unconstitutional.

The constitution does not say we must conceal our arms.
It does not state that we’re not allowed semi-automatic or rapid fire weapons.
It does not say “shall not be infringed unless in a government building, hospital or school”
It does not say “shall not be infringed so long as you are traveling multiple counties and the gun is unloaded and locked in the trunk.
It does not say “shall not be infringed so long as the citizen registers the gun with the government.

It says that our right to bear arms shall NOT be infringed.

Requiring citizens to conceal their weapons is unconstitutional.
Regulating ANYTHING to do with how a citizen bears arms is unconstitutional.
If I want to walk down main street with a 12 guage strapped to my back then that is my constitutional right.
Unfortunately, the people have, little by little, rolled over and allowed laws to be passed that infringe up on our rights to bear arms. Why is this true? Because it’s written in our most sacred of political documents in this country.

To accept anything less than “shall not be infringed” as it as stated is to sadly whittle away our freedoms but also tragically giving up your god-given right and ability to defend yourself as god intended it.

(note, should you like to argue that god didn’t intend it… that’s the language of the constitution, not mine.)

If the gun control freaks don’t like the founding principles and ideals of our constitution, there are other places they can live… like France. 🙂

Can I get an Amen?

*steps down*

Useful and funny links:

If you REALLY believe in your 2nd amendment rights you will become a member of the NRA.

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Gun Misconceptions

Why is it important to support your right to bear arms and stand against gun control laws?

Our 2nd amendment right to bear arms is the one guaranteed freedom we have as citizens is the one freedom that guarantees you the right to defend yourself, your property, your friends and family and guarantees your other freedoms.

Without trying to sound like a gun nut or anti-government (I’m not, I’m just for minimized government control) our founding fathers in this country understood all too well how quickly a government could get out of hand and oppressive of the people. They also understood that the power always must be with the people. To allow the government to become more powerful than the people is to openly invite government oppression.

I love this country dearly, and would gladly die in defense of our way of life. It is because I love this country and our way of life that I passionately defend the ideals upon which this country is founded. I personally believe that if you love your country it is your right and duty as a citizen to defend our civil liberties and protect the public peace. Being armed and vigilant against oppression (either by criminals or others) is every citizen’s responsibility.

If you know of someone who exorcises their right to bear arms for these reasons, thank them fervently for being a true patriot and for helping to defend our society.

[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
—James Madison,The Federalist Papers, No. 46.

To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.
—John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive.
—Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution (Philadelphia 1787).

Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American…[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.
—Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

[C]onceived it to be the privilege of every citizen, and one of his most essential rights, to bear arms, and to resist every attack upon his liberty or property, by whomsoever made. The particular states, like private citizens, have a right to be armed, and to defend, by force of arms, their rights, when invaded.
14 Debates in the House of Representatives, ed. Linda Grand De Pauw. (Balt., Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1972), 92-3.


Banning guns or imposing gun control laws makes for a safer society.

At first glance, this seems logical, but think it through to it’s logical conclusion.

Gun control laws only affect law abiding citizens. Criminals do not obtain firearms by legal means so laws that restrict a citizen’s right to carry and thus defend themselves only hurts law abiding citizens. Criminals will always be armed and have no regard for the law. Gun laws won’t even directly effect the availability of guns to criminals because criminals rarely obtain firearms through any legal means.


More guns on the streets means higher crime and poses a threat to public safety.

Yes/No. Once again you must separate the issue of guns being “evil” from the intent that a gun is used for. If legal, law abiding and peace loving citizens are armed and willing to defend themselves, their families, their neighbors and their countrymen from criminals then having guns in the hands of those citizens creates a drastic drop in crime. Not only will citizens be able to stop crimes in progress (the police can’t be everywhere), but the criminal elements will be more discouraged to act out when they aren’t the only ones armed.


Don’t take the law into your own hands, just call the police. Or It’s the job of the police or law enforcement to protect me, I don’t need a gun.

This is a very common misconception. The truth of the matter is that the police have no duty to protect private citizens. The supreme court of the US has said so and backed up this stance on many occasions.

Ultimately you are responsible for your own safety and you, as a citizen, have a responsibility to help law enforcement officers to uphold the laws of our society.

If a law enforcement officer ever tells you “never take the law into your own hands” ask them whose hands the law should be in if not a law abiding citizen? Ask them if they can be with you everywhere. Ask them if they have the manpower to do that and then ask them if they have the legal responsibility to protect you personally. If they know the law they already know the answer. Then thank them for doing the job they do every day.

See: http://www.firearmsandliberty.com/kasler-protection.html


Conceal and Carry Citizens are dangerous. Conceal and Carry laws allow criminals to legally arm themselves. Conceal and Carry Citizens should be banned from some areas.

Entirely untrue. All states in the US that issue conceal and carry laws require a criminal background check. Statistics have also been measured that show directly and overwhelmingly that citizens who submit themselves to the certification process, safety training and the responsibility to conceal and carry are FAR less likely to be involved in ANY criminal activity. In fact, statistics show in Texas that of all criminal activity relevant to the topic, CCL citizens represent LESS THAN ONE PERCENT of convictions. (See http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/convrates.htm )

If anything, you should openly welcome CCL individuals into public and private areas and businesses alike. These are the people that are most likely to help should you need it and are statistically much more law abiding than the average citizen. Personally I’m offended at any business that excludes or bans CCL weapons. They obviously don’t understand that those are the people they WANT as patrons.

I’m also dumbfounded as to why CC licensed citizens are banned from carrying in state and federal buildings as well as hospitals and places of business where more than 51% of business revenue is form alcohol sales. These are trusted citizens who have voluntarily submitted themselves to a background check, cleared it, attended safety classes and qualified on a firing range to ensure that they’re capable of using said firearm. As stated above, they’re also FAR less likely to commit criminal acts than non-licensed individuals. These are the people we WANT everywhere. These are the people we WANT armed to defend themselves and others. They have taken the initiative and responsibility upon themselves to do this. Banning them is a slap in the face.


Why should I oppose all gun control laws?

It has been revealed on many occasions that the strategy of gun control entities is the ultimate and outright ban of all firearms. They know they can’t do that here in America in one fell swoop. The people would never stand for it. Instead, they take a more sinister approach. The method currently in play is to pass as many small gun control measures as possible to desensitize the people (you and me) to seeing gun control passed (and thus our civil liberties eroded) a little at a time. They take impose a piece of control here and there. Little by little the laws are more and more restrictive because they build upon one another. You doubt this? Do the research yourself. It’s been revealed publicly several times. There is a plan, and it’s to disarm you entirely.

First you have to pass a background check (which I personally agree with).
Next comes the law that says how you must carry your weapon (concealed, unloaded, etc)
Then they tell you when and where you can carry (no schools, public buildings, government buildings, etc.)
Now you have to pay a fee to get licensed to carry a gun. We’ll also increase that fee over time to make it more and more difficult for the common man to afford their right to protect themselves
Then we’ll start banning certain types of guns (no automatic weapons, no high powered rifles, etc.)
Next we’ll require all citizens to register all gun purchases and ownership with a central or government agency. (we know where that’s going)
Then we’ll regulate how often, when and where you can buy to make it more difficult.
Finally, we’ll ban all guns everywhere under the guise that no guns means as safer society (we’ve already disproven that). We’ve made it very easy to collect these guns from the law abiding citizens who have complied with previous laws by registering. We simply go confiscate them, We know where they are.

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
—Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.


Aren’t Guns Dangerous?

The comedian Robin Williams once said “Guns don’t kill people, Apes with guns kill people” (as a comic quote supposedly given by Charlton Heston, spokesman for the NRA and well known actor in the Planet of the Apes series.

Fundamentally that’s true though. Guns are simply a tool. Like any other tool they can be used to do great harm or great good. Guns are simply a powerful tool. They have no bent towards good or evil. They are totally subject to the will of the possessor. Banning guns is not the answer. Guns are not the problem.

In fact, society would not be where it is today if it weren’t for firearms (or weapons in general). It’s true that guns make it easier to kill, but they’ve been used by many an army to fight for freedom and have been used by many and many a hunter to provide for their family and even more still by individuals to protect themselves, their families and friends and their property.

Guns are dangerous, yes, and safety is always a concern, however much good has come from firearms. Don’t discount the good because of an media villainy imposed upon guns. It’s not the weapon, it’s the wielder we should be concerned about.


Anti-gun control advocates like the NRA oppose all gun legislation.

Absolutely not. Groups like the NRA are pioneers of gun safety and training. They also support background checks for gun owners to make sure that proven criminals are not armed. However, we realize that there is a very fine line between protecting the public trust by making guns safer and impeding civil liberties. Legislation that restricts the types of guns available to the citizens or the quantity, quality or ammunition are adamantly opposed. Laws that provide safer and better products (such as firearms) or promote safety are always supported so long as they do not supersede civil liberties.


How can I help with these issues?

  • Talk to people you know, friends and family about these issues. Share what you’ve learned and ask them to do the same. A grass-roots movement is often the most powerful.
  • Join a 2nd amendment or gun-rights advocate group like the NRA . – one of the reasons I’m a lifelong member of the NRA is because they actively lobby to elected officials for the rights of Americans. If you don’t support these organizations (by word of mouth and with $$ via membership) they can’t do their job by representing you and helping to preserve your rights and freedoms
  • Exorcise your right to bear arms. Get a gun, learn how to use it. Learn how to be safe. Enjoy the sport of shooting in general if you can. You may find you like it. The surest way to lose a right is not to exorcise it.
  • Write your local, state and federal representatives about how you feel about these issues in general, and especially when you know a vote on a sensitive issue is coming up. I sent a copy of Right to Bear Arms essay to my city council, mayor, state senate and house rep, governor and my representatives to the US house and senate. This can easily be done via email with a little searching around on google.com (search for “who represents me“). If you don’t let them know how you feel, how can they represent you?
  • By all means, feel free to fwd this website to others as well. If you dont agree with other content on this site, just copy and paste what you want from this page or from my essays. I don’t mind so long as you’re not claiming credit for my work/writings.
  • Be aware of current issues. Again, I strongly encourage folks to visit the NRA website regularly. They have the most up to date information on current issues and legistation.

Merddy
02 /08/07

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