The Second Amendment
Over the past week, I've been outlining the very clear and obvious right to bear arms that the citizens of the United States own, despite any attempts by courts or legislators of this country. Today, even more quotes from the people who tried to design a system of law and government so that the right would not be taken by the government.
Zechariah Johnston, Revolutionary Soldier, Virginia Legislator, Ratified of the Constitution:The people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them. This is a principle which secures religious liberty most firmly.Richard Henry Lee, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, framer of the second amendment:
To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.James Madison:
The advantage of being armed is an advantage which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation. In the several Kingdoms of Europe...the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.George Madison, Delegate to the Constitutional Convention, "Father of the Bill of Rights:"
Forty years ago, when the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great-Britain, the British parliament was advised...to disarm the people. That is was the best and most effectual way to enslave them. But that they should not do it openly; but to weaken them and let them sink gradually.Thomas Paine, Patriot and author:
I am thusfar a Quaker [a pacifist]: I would gladly agree with all the world to lay aside the use of arms and settle matters by negotiation; but unless the whole will, the matter ends, and I take up my musket and thank Heaven He has put it in my power.Noah Webster, Revolutionary Soldier, Legislator, Author of portions of the Constitution:
Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed - as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword because the whole body of the people are armed.Once again showing that there is no possible way that the authors of the United States Constitution had any hints that the right to bear arms was anything other than an individual right. Anyone who claims that the right to bear arms is limited to the police and militia is utterly clueless to history, or is intentionally attempting to advance their own agenda for whatever reason. If that's not enough, there's even more coming tomorrow!
Comments
1
Keep it comin', man. The Truth is hard to dispute!
Posted by: Gun-Toting Liberal at June 30, 2005 12:10 AM (Adprk)
2
The only problem I have with your arguement is that the 2nd amendment specifically states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessay to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." That is what the law is based upon. When we get into personal letters and writings we do have the issue that it is not the Constitution. Since the framers of the Constitution specifically put the word Militia in the amendment they must have had a reason to do so.
I don't know if the definition of Militia changed, but it was defined back in the 20th century as any male over the age of 18 and under the age of 45 or any female serving in the national guard or reserves. Personally I feel the Militia is any able bodied adult.
Then again I'm also one of the guys who are waiting, per Artical 1, section 8 of the Constitution and a member of the militia, for my arming and training.
I don't know if the definition of Militia changed, but it was defined back in the 20th century as any male over the age of 18 and under the age of 45 or any female serving in the national guard or reserves. Personally I feel the Militia is any able bodied adult.
Then again I'm also one of the guys who are waiting, per Artical 1, section 8 of the Constitution and a member of the militia, for my arming and training.
Posted by: Contagion at June 30, 2005 08:52 AM (Q5WxB)
3
That is a REAL problem, Contagion. It indicates a bit of a comprehension challenge. The 2nd Amendment, like the 1st, doesn't "live and breathe". If you want the "righties" to respect our OTHER civil liberties, you must pull your head out of your BUTT and respect the 2nd Amendment. It is what it IS, friend.
Posted by: Gun-Toting Liberal at July 04, 2005 02:36 AM (Adprk)
4
Did I answer all your questions about that one in the next day's post?
Posted by: Ogre at July 04, 2005 04:23 PM (lZf6y)
5
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