marion: The 2nd Amendment is very clear on the topic, and the founding fathers understood quite well that the only way to avoid the despotism they fled in England was to have a well-armed citizenry as a counterweight. Adams, Jefferson, and Paine all wrote of the need, and understood it’s importance (which is why the only Amendment that pre-dates the 2nd Amendment is the 1st Amendment guaranteeing freedom of speech, religion and peaceful assembly).
There are those who conflate the two parts of the 2nd Amendment with each other, saying that the founding fathers meant the right to bear arms is tied to the formation of a militia. This is nonsense. The right to keep and bear arms is an essential part of the Bill of Rights, and an essential part of what makes America the country it is.
You cite certain circumstances where you find it acceptable to “allow” people to have guns. What if I were to cite certain circumstances where I were to decide how you were to use your body (using your argument with respect to freedom of choice)? Answer? It is not up to me, any more than you possess the right to tell me where and when I can own a gun.
You speak of only the police having guns. That idea horrifies me. This is the sort of thinking that leads to an authoritarian police state. You think I’m kidding? Look at the first thing every despot goes for when he/she grabs power. The guns. Followed by the modes of free communication (press, radio, TV, etc). You want an eye-opener? Read what Mahatma Gandhi had to say about gun ownership under the British Raj. Yeah, that Mahatma Gandhi.
You want to impose training for safety and proper use? You bet. I am all for that, as well as a thorough background check prior to purchase. But, under no circumstances will I allow anyone to infringe upon my rights to own a gun. Ever. Anymore than I would allow someone to infringe upon my rights of free speech, religion or franchise.
You feel comfortable having the police protect you? That is your choice. However, I trust the police about as much as I trust the government, which is to say very little.
Remember Lord Acton’s admonition: “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
Be very careful about giving your liberty and your rights away, you might never get them back.
On another note, I am all for the legalization of marijuana. I am probably too Catholic to go for legalizing prostitution, but a person’s choice of professions should be their own, regardless of nature.
