General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "Handguns...exacerbate our flaws, tempt us to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing.... [View all]jody
(26,624 posts)to protect law abiding citizens?
Fact, handguns are the tool of choice for self-defense by 840,000 sworn law enforcement officers. Their privilege, not a right, is granted by government, not a natural, inherent, inalienable/unalienable right possessed by law-abiding citizens as sovereign entities before they accepted the social contracts we honor as state constitutions and the Constitution.
Fact, PA (1776) and VT (1777) said in their constitutions:
"That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable/unalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
Fact, as inalienable/unalienable rights "defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property" could not have been given away when citizens through their states ratified our Constitution.
As asserted above handguns in particular and other firearms are the best choice for law abiding citizens to defend themselves and their property.
For those who disagree, they can call 911 and wait for law enforcement to arrive perhaps hours later and use chalk to outline the body.