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.
The Founding Fathers screwed this up for everybody. Properly worded to reflect their intent, it would read as follows: "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of that Militia to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
We know what they intended...state militias can keep their muskets. That doesn't mean every citizen can house an arsenal of AR-15 weapons and a semi-truck load of ammunition. Give me a break, people.
Did you know renting a car is difficult until age 25 because of liability insurance, but an 18-year-old can purchase an AR-15 rifle? How about mandatory liability insurance for gun owners?
Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, before his death, said the amendment was adopted initially out of concern that a national standing army might pose a threat to the security of the states. "Today, that concern is a relic of the 18th century," he wrote. He was right. But, here is the problem, the idea of repealing the Second Amendment serves to feed the gun lobby's rallying cry, "they're coming for your guns." It is politically impossible to accomplish and a waste of effort. Our country's abysmal record on gun laws and the increasing episodes of violence requires us to do something. I don't know about you, but I have had enough of the "thoughts & prayers" crowd. It is time for action.
The truth is gun laws work, and most Americans want reform. A few steps would go a long way. Red flag laws: Accordingly, seventy percent of people surveyed said they support so-called "red flag laws," which allow police to confiscate firearms from people that courts say are dangerous. Raising the legal age: A teenager should not be allowed to purchase firearms. There are plenty of nonsense gun rules, and authorities should revise them. These concealed carry and open carry permissions are ridiculous in a civilized society. The images of morons armed to the teeth parading around in a Walmart or Target do not make anyone safer.
Politicians will never give us solutions because they only serve their donors. Some folks won't like to hear this, but nothing will be done about the gun problem or the myriad of issues facing this nation until we do something about campaign finance reform. We will never solve the problem when the representatives sent to Washington are bought by those creating and benefitting from the situation. Sadly, these same politicians have much support from the cam-wearing, assault rifle-toting, military gear-adorned, Johnny Rambo wannabes. These mostly out-of-shape fellows believe they somehow strike fear in the hearts of a well-supplied, functioning infantry company.
We should get rid of the Second Amendment or, at a minimum, enact some sensible weapons law. Please do it for the children.
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