Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Drake
That's fine. I read your previous discussion on this subject. But even if you're correct, as a practical matter the attitudes in this country toward firearms and the regulation thereof are in large part based on interpretations of the wording of the 2nd Amendment.
|
And many, many citizens firmly yet mistakingly believe that we have a democracy as a form of governance. Some think that as far as guns go, if the majority says ban 'em, that's it! Gun nuts gotta turn 'em in!.
People today don't have the same affinity for the precision of language that the founders enjoyed and so obviously celebrated by immersing themselves in it (this thread is a prime example). Words had specific meanings, and two terms like "rights" and "powers" were actually considered antonyms, representing concepts in complete philosophical opposition to each other. Now we constantly hear of "government having the right to . . . "
I blame the schools. . .
I am quite confident that the Supreme Court will continue its unwavering endorsement of the individual right to keep and bear arms and re-right this constitutional ship regarding the 2nd Amendment. I fear quite a few liberals, if they don't have a firm grip on a handrail risk being pitched overboard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Drake
Do you think it might also have something to do with the peculiar way in which we allow millions of virtually unregulated firearms to float around the nation, immediately available to those who would attack, injure, and kill?
|
Not really because the overwhelming majority of firearms in private hands are of no risk to anyone. Approximately 3.5 million guns are added to the citizen's arsenal each year; estimates of civilian gun ownership center on about 65-75 million people owning 300 million guns. If more guns equal more murder how do you explain 8000 fewer murders in 2003 than in 1993 when some 30+ million more guns were added to the nation?
Most gun crime is committed by people who have already shown no regard for the rules of society; 75% of murderers have prior histories of violent crime. The money and time wasted watching and worrying about the law-abiding would be better applied watching the law-breakers.