Guns and Americans' right to commit violence

[SecularMotion]

Guns are dangerous instruments, even in the hands of people who know how to use them. A bullet can maim or kill whether from a gun that is aimed or from a stray bullet. I was taught that in the Army as an infantry private.

Americans have a right to commit violence against aggressors under very specific circumsances and may use guns to protect themselves and their property against threatening intruders. I use the headline to dramatize and emphasize that guns are not intended for use as toys, though some people enjoy shooting them for recreational purposes.

Here, I share thoughts about the "right to bear arms," and gun possession with regard to crimes and public safety.

The intent of the Constitutional “right to bear arms” meant that citizens had the right to defend themselves and to use guns to provide for their families. That right was bestowed at a time when America was young, still pioneering, and living in relatively crude conditions. Law enforcement had yet to develop and governments at all levels had yet to develop sufficient capacity to ensure community safety.

http://www.examiner.com/article/americans-right-to-bear-violence-guns

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. You seem to have...

...bought into the myth that crime is preventable.

[SecularMotion]

2. I guess you're right

Let's just repeal all the laws and give everyone guns.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. Are you thinking...

...that the only purpose of law is to prevent crime?

[Remmah2]

3. Second amendment, providing for my family?

When did hunting become a constitutional right?

Poor misguided author.

[sarisataka]

4. Wrong premise leads to wrong conclusion

That right was bestowed

Rights are recognized; privileges are bestowed

[ileus]

5. LE still hasn't developed to where there's a cop beside me 24/7....until then

[PavePusher]

6. Interesting claim...

Still, having gun control and regulations impose a dampening effect, and when guns are used in crimes, history shows that registration helps law enforcement trace guns and convict criminals.

...with no supporting evidence in sight.

I wonder why that is?

[slackmaster]

8. He lost me at "The right was bestowed"

It wasn't bestowed. It already existed and was recognized as being important to the security of the state at all levels.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

9. Absolutely!

Since rights are attributes of people, rights have existed as long as people. The fact that people have, over the course of history both individually and as part of collectives, denied the rights of others does not mean those rights did not not exist.

There will always be cases where the rights of the minority are denied by the majority. These actions are now properly regarded as crimes.

[Oneka]

12. Or

reasonable restrictions.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

15. Some restrictions are acceptable...

...some aren't. What's your take?

[Marinedem]

14. That was on purpose.

If you can convince people that a right was "Bestowed" you can easily convince them that it can be taken away.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. From the Examiner, bogus claims:

Then, all hell broke loose when Americans fought one another over the most compelling aspects of the Constitution having to do with ensuring freedom and liberty for all citizens regardless of race, creed, religion, gender or any other natural characteristics. The Civil War was about ending slavery and much more as it was about ensuring civil liberties.

The Civil War was not about religion or gender. The pivotal points leading to the war were Southern states that refused to end slavery and their actions to secede from the union over these disagreements.

There are abuses of power by governments from a local renegade sheriff to a renegade President like Richard M. Nixon, though the legal mechanisms available to citizens to rein in abuse are effective in correcting such behavior.

These methods were ineffective for the citizens of McMinn County. There is and should always be a last resort.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Athens_%281946%29

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. I thought America was born to get away from Kings bestowing upon their subjects.

Last edited Mon Jun 25, 2012, 08:33 PM - Edit history (1)

I thought this Grand Experiment was designed because people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, while assuming the responsibility of being a good citizen and a contributing member of society. To live harmoniously and peacefully while recognizing the fact that others in the world may not therefore; one must be prepared for circumstances that may arise not of their choosing but, must be handled as quickly and judiciously as possible. Restraint and moderation were the norm.

Maybe I looked out the window too much during my American History class. It was spring, after all.

[Meiko]

13. I may just be dumb

but I am not really sure what the OP is driving at. Do you have any questions or specific observations to help clarify your intent.