February 4, 2013
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A Well Regulated Militia
America is embroiled in a fake debate about guns. I say fake because we all know too damn well that no gun legislation is going to pass. I've already expressed countless times my thoughts and views on guns. So this time I'm just going to focus on two more reasons for gun control.
The pro gun lobby has always staunchly hide behind the second amendment as to why there should be no gun laws. But, the way I see it, the second amendment actually argues FOR gun control. It says early on "a well regulated militia". And what are gun laws? They are regulations. Unfortunately, the constitution was intentionally vague and left open to interpretation which is why you get two people reading the exactly same thing but yet having a different opinion on what those exact words mean. It is both frustrating and beautiful at the same time and part of what helps to make our country great. But, I feel this wording "a well regulated militia" gives a big enough argument for gun control. In my no nothing opinion, it pretty much says that guns should be legal but okay to be regulated.
The other argument is how could the second amendment be more important than any of the other amendments? The NRA is against any gun laws at all, even if they do make sense (background checks............hello, that one should be a slam dunk) but that would tend to imply that the second amendment is somehow more valuable or important than the others. Fortunately in America we have freedom of speech which allows me to write this and allows others to have opinions and say certain things. Yet, there are still laws that have been made to curb free speech. For example, there is no swearing on television. And you can not legally spread lies and rumors about people without potentially being sued. See, common sense laws. Also while people have the right to peacefully assemble and protest, the police can still end those rallies and protests. Alcohol is legal but there are still regulations and guidelines that must be followed when it comes to booze. See, the constitution is filled with all sorts of freedoms that we have that can legally be regulated. So, why not the second amendment?
Comments (7)
The NRA has this country by the balls. I know I keep saying that but until people realize that, there will be no change. Even the smallest suggestion gets shot down (I know. I know) because they act as if any restriction is the end of the World. Having said that, I tend to think gun control does not work. Every piece of legislation tends to just be a sort of band aid. I think we need a massive reduction of guns and that will never happen.
@TheTheologiansCafe - Oh I agree when it comes to the hold the NRA has. Before Sandy Hook the gun debate was pretty much over. I'm not 100% convinced gun laws will solve the problem because we are a country obsessed with guns. It's a gun culture. You can't change that overnight with a couple of gun laws. But, laws are a start.
I have never owned a firearm and never will. If my neighbors want to own a firearm, fine.
I think the courts agree in some gun control laws.
I think all citizens should be allowed a revolver--no automatic weapons, a shot gun and rifle--again nothing automatic. If people actually think the need a firearm for personal protection, a revolver, rifle and shotgun would be enough.
Also, I think any use of a firearm in committing a crime should add at least 10 years to the sentence. If it is used and someone wounded, they should get 25 years added on. If the kill someone in a crime with a firearm, the should be given life in prison with no chance of parole.
frank
@HUMOR_ME_NOW - I've never owned one either and have no desire or need to own one. I do believe everybody should have the right to own one, but that doesn't mean we can't have limits to guns. after all, it's not legal for somebody to own a tank or a nuke
I am all for more gun control laws. And I like shooting a gun.
Bill Maher made the point that the Second Amendment must be viewed as the predecessor to the THIRD AMENDMENT, whose meaning is buried in the dustbins of history.
"No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law."
The Third Amendment is a part of our sacred Constitution, and so what? Nobody gives a shit. Look, the Founders were stuck in a revolutionary war mindset. For all their gifts, they were still unable to think outside the box and imagine a completely free society.
@we_deny_everything - See that is one of the things that totally fascinates me; what the founding fathers would say about our society now. people like to say that jefferson or washington or any of them would believe one way or whatever, but honestly nobody has any idea. i mean America is vastly different than back then. shit i don't think anybody would have thought that we would emerge as the worlds most dominant force in such a short period of time
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