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2nd Amendment

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Devonsangel

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!

 



Comments (19)

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SoupNazzi·
Oh boy... This should start an interesting debate.
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Wigman·
Im with you being a responsible person who is right now in the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit.not for protection (will I have it for this if ever needed yes!)but I have to tell you god willing I dont ever, ever want to have to use it for that.I love going to the shooting range just to practice and the competiton part of this is very fun indeed.it all depends on the person!
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Devonsangel·
@Soup, You know me, I like to stir the pot once in a while. It's not to agitate, but to get people to think a little outside of what they may be comfortable with. Look at me, I was totally against guns, now I can handle others hunting. Keep and open mind, that's all I ask.
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NotStyro·
I have no problem with the second amendment in our treasured Bill of Rights. Every citizen that demonstrates a need for a firearm, the capacity to train in the proficiency of the care & use of a firearm and the civic & legal responsibilities of firearm ownership & use, should be able to own and use a firearm. I would hope that others also think this way.
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Devonsangel·
I'm not sure I totally agree with the demonstrating need, since need can arise in various situations that one can't totally prepare. But, yes with the rest of your statement.
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NotStyro·
The need for a firearm could be as simple as 'I live in a crappy area' or 'I feel a vague threat to my life and/or the lives of my loved ones' or 'I like to hunt' to 'I'll need a gun when the people rise up and overthrow this corrupt government, man!' \r \r
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RyanFromVegas·
I think we can all agree that there are plenty of respnsible gun owners around. Likewise, we can all agree that there are plenty of idiots with guns (and I dont mean criminals).\r \r The question really is, whats the percentage of each and at what percentage do the idiots pose such a threat that we take drastic action at the expense of the responsible?\r \r Ill be honest. Im afraid of the idiots. Not the criminals...the idiots..the ones compensating for small peckers.\r \r My neighbors work truck was almost broken into a few months ago. His wife saw the guy and started screaming bloody murder at him and he took off. The husband was in the shower or something so was out of it. Later he came over to see if I saw anything which I didnt. Then he proceeds to tell me how lucky the guy was that he was in the shower 'cause he would have come out with his 357. I say \"hold up...uhh..my house is directly downwind of your line of fire from the front door to your car.\" He is unfazed. If my kids bedrooms starts taking gunfire because this guy wants to protect $500 of tools in the back of his truck with deadly force... Anyway, Im more afraid of my neighbor than carjacking or armed burglers or mugging.\r \r My ultimate feelings on this..and really for any and all groups that are feeling threatened because the public is afraid of your fringe minority..Its your job to clean up your organization...not my job to be tolerant.\r
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LuxDraconis·
You NRA freaks.... Kidding. I believe one of the things that make us strong (USA) is that we have a right to bear arms. The illegal you make the more you'll see it, and the more likely less able to track.
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Devonsangel·
@Ryan, although this is little consideration but the guy would have been in violation of the law. He can't endanger the lives of others, especially if he says it's to protect tools. His life was not in danger and he would be hard pressed to justify the shooting. Unfortunately, you are right, idiots are always mucking it up for the rest. Unfortunately, that will always be the case. Look at the drivers on the interstates. That can be very scary.
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Devonsangel·
@Lux, actually, I don't belong to the NRA and don't have any plans to join. I don't agree with all of their tenets. But, I agree with your logic.
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NotStyro·
@Dastard - Thank the NRA for that law in New Mexico, and for the insane law in Fla that allows you to fire if you are being threatened (and not necessarily with a firearm).
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LuxDraconis·
@ @the above. I know you don't aggree with the NRA, I'm not a fan of some(some) of the things they are for. But I'm hard pressed to find another group that will fight for our rights to have fire arms, and polictal pull. Besides at some point we super heros will eliminate the need for them. Isn't that right Scary Fox? LOL
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Devonsangel·
So very true. I just hope they don't take my flame blunderbuss away from me! But you are right, the NRA is doing some good things.
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Kwazy·
http://www.bustedtees.com/bt/images/BT-secondamendment-gallery-835.jpg
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Devonsangel·
I dont' get it, Kwazy.
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doorgunnerjgs·
Bear Arms! btw - I'm a Life Member of the NRA and I also don't agree with everything they say and advocate, but they are the best game in town.
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Kwazy·
:) Free beer!\r \r Actually, I own several side arms as well as a shot gun. I even have a permit to carry. I generally don't care for the NRA, but mainly due to their oposition to waiting periods (ala Brady Bill). If you're the kind of person that can't wait five days to buy a handgun, you're exactly the kind of person who SHOULD wait five days to buy a handgun.
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LuxDraconis·
I guess I'm an ass too. I thought it was some kind of flamenco dancing shirt(you,know with the rufflely(?)sleeves.
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Bertt·
The Second Amendment has been scrutinized for years. As I understand it, it was written by our forefathers so that the people of this country would not have anything to fear from its own government. Because of the way we defended ourselves from England. They wanted to make sure that the government is regulated by us. Any state that allows an armed citizen the right to shoot someone FLEEING needs to re-evaluate its laws. \r \r Lifetime NRA member, lifelong hunter/outdoorsman/sportsman.