Gun Control and the 2nd Amendment

With the tragic events in our recent history, one is left to ask, how do we control the guns?

A lot of people just want an outright ban on assault weapons. This is a reasonable approach, but of questionable likelihood of success. The problem with a country of this size and diversity is that we MUST come to a consensus by compromise that everyone can accept.

The second amendment is a simple declaration: "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 common arguments for gun owners are: hunting and personal protection. Interestingly, the 2nd amendment makes no such protections. The REAL argument can be found, I believe, in the armed forces (National Guard) oath: "I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations."

The catch phrase in the oath is "gainst all enemies, foreign and domestic." This is a clear statement that implies that we expect some of our enemies to be domestic. This makes a it of sense. If you look at the clashes between police and the people, the conflict is palpable. Under G.W. Bush we had "free speech zones." The "occupy wall street" movement showed police with electrical tape over their badge numbers brutalizing citizens. You don't have to look hard using google to find videos of police brutality in recent years. There is real and legitimate fear in this country that we are losing our freedoms. We are. Since the world trade center attack in 2001, our rights are under attack and we need to defend them.

An armed and ready public is something to be feared. This is the thinking of the NRA and gun advocates. Whether or not you agree with this thinking, it can be argued as a rational and reasonable position. It is a legitimate argument and one which must be addressed in any gun control talks.

To be continued......