2nd Amendment

Not that I felt there was a huge need for this, but more than I wanted to continue the review.  Does everyone know what the first ten amendments are in the bill of Rights?  I didn't/don't.  There are some more well known than others, but what of the others?Just so everyone knows, the wording is from the original Bill of Rights but, the opinions are my own.  I'm drawing from the deep recesses of my high school history and civics class, so bear with me.  If I'm factually wrong, let me know, otherwise, they are my opinions.

http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/funddocs/billeng.htm

 II Amendment

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.

I will be the first to admit that growing up I didn't pay much attention to what was going on in the world.  My dad did some hunting and kept some shotguns for pheasant hunts, but I am not aware of anything other than wild game guns that might have been in the house.  They were kept in a gun closet and I really couldn't tell you if it was locked or not because I had no desire to check.  I was wildly against hunting of any kind. (Yes, early tree hugger) That attitude changed after a class in college for Wildlife management.  Now, while I won't hunt, I don't object to others hunting unless it is without true intentions.  Anyway, I digress.

If memory serves me, the original intent of the founding fathers for this amendment was because under the British rule, they were against people owning firearms.  The colonies did not have an organized militia and relied on those farmers and their weapons for hunting to begin the fight for freedom from the rule of England.  Therefore, by allowing arms in the hands of everyday people the colonies and ultimately the US, would be able to call upon the citizens to defend the country.

Ok, so this day and age we have a well regulated militia, do we still need to have the right to bear arms?  I say yes.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a staunch supporter of the NRA, but I think with education and training, we as a people, should be able to own firearms.   Does the public need access to military style weapons, not necessarily.  Why?  For what reason would they be warranted?  Protection?  From what?  The Covenant, other aliens?  Not unless you are living near Area 51( yes, I'm snickering).

But, I do believe that handguns, shotguns (not sawed-off) and hunting rifles should be allowed.  Now, it is vital that the owners are responsible with these weapons and held responsible for the safe keeping and any mishandling of these weapons.  If a child expresses interest have them attend educational training.  Fear should not be involved, but oversight and education is a must.  Unfortunately, we have many who do not have the capacity to be responsible.

Concealed carry is another hot point.  With all of the hoops the public has to jump through to be licensed to carry concealed, it is highly unlikely they will be involved in illegal activities.  But, again, education of the laws, handling of weapons and training is paramount.  I also think they should be required to maintain similar requirements that law enforcement does with regards to marksmanship.  Why carry if you can't shoot the broad side of a barn?  You only endanger others around you.  But, if I lived in a high crime area, I would definitely carry, within the confines of the law, of course.

Yes, there has been an incident of a woman with a concealed carry shooting at another driver because of a perceived threat.  That is not the place to pull a weapon.  There are other options and she was stupid and should not/will not be able to carry any more.  But, those types of people are few and far between.

There are many times in my travels for work that I wish I could carry.  Unfortunately, I am not allowed to carry while in an official capacity and that includes any time during my time away from my office, including travel and lodging time.  And I will follow that because I like my job it would be grounds for immediate dismissal.

Anyway, again, these are my thoughts and opinions.  Feel free to disagree, just don't try to change my mind.  You are as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine (Remember the first amendment?).


Keep on Go!