Second Amendment is not license for treason, armed revolt
According to some, the primary purpose of the Second Amendment is to ensure that citizens have enough firepower to overthrow the federal government, should it become necessary to do so. If the government ever loses its fear of such a revolt, the theory goes, our liberty ends and tyranny begins.
Let me be blunt: That is mythological claptrap. But like a lot of mythological claptrap, it can push weak-minded people — the Timothy McVeighs of the world — to do stupid and dangerous things.
It is certainly true that when the Second Amendment was drafted back in the 18th century, it was plausible to believe that an armed citizenry could be a check on overweening government power. Back then, there wasn’t much difference in the weapons available to private citizens and the weapons available to the military. It could have been, and sometimes was, a more or less even fight.
Today, that is no longer the case, and it hasn’t been the case for a century or longer. Around the world, governments have access to a range of weaponry that private citizens have no hope of matching or withstanding. There is simply no comparison between the brute, deadly force that a government can wield and that wielded by private citizens, individually or collectively. Technology has rendered that aspect of the Second Amendment a dead letter.
If you want to rejuvate that aspect of the Second Amendment, you have to be willing to grant private citizens access to fully automatic weapons, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, grenade launchers, etc. And it’s not going to happen.
That’s not just my opinion. It is also the opinion of the U.S. Supreme Court, as expressed by one of its most conservative members, Justice Antonin Scalia, in the most important Second Amendment opinion the court ever issued.
In District of Columbia v. Heller, issued in 2008, Scalia and the court made it clear for the first time that the Second Amendment “protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia.” But in that same opinion, Scalia brushed aside claims that the Second Amendment guarantees citizens the means to armed revolution. He concluded that technology has rendered that part of the amendment an archaic artifact, because “a militia, to be as effective as militias in the 18th century, would require sophisticated arms that are highly unusual in society at large” and that “no amount of small arms could be useful against modern-day bombers and tanks.”
For that reason, Scalia made it clear that the Second Amendment “does not protect those weapons not typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes,” and that the government is fully within its rights to ban military-style weaponry.
In Iraq, for example, gun ownership is extremely widespread, with many if not most households owning fully automatic weapons that would be banned in this country. Yet Saddam Hussein had little trouble imposing and maintaining a brutal dictatorship in that country for decades. He did not confiscate guns, because he understood that such guns posed no real threat to his tyranny.
And as Joshua Keating notes at ForeignPolicy.com, look at Tunisia and Egypt, where private gun ownership is very low but citizens have nonetheless managed to overthrow brutal military dictatorships. If government now has a massive advantage in terms of brute force, innovations such as Twitter, Facebook, cellphones and satellite TV have more than offset it in the cause of freedom.
Guns don’t overthrow tyranny or guarantee liberty. People do.
– Jay Bookman
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,326 comments Add your comment
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:33 pm
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS!
TomB
January 17th, 2013
2:34 pm
OK, fine. Where do I go to get my F-35 fighter, my Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and my tank. Because again, if you want to rejuvenate the Second Amendment for this purpose, that’s what your going to have to do.
Oh, and you’ll also have to convince the Supreme Court, ALL of whom, including Scalia, say your interpretation is absurd.
Well, Jay you fail to miss one very important point. The greatest defenders of the second amendment other than our founding fathers are our brave individual soldiers that represent this great country. They know more than anyone what kind of country they are fighting for; they know the price that has already been paid by those who have preceded them with the ultimate sacrifice. And, I believe if you took a vote, our military men and women would tell you exactly how they feel about the second amendment. And, I guarantee you would not like their answer.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:34 pm
Why are the last four words of the Second Amendment holy gospel, but the first four words are merely a suggestion? I have yet to have anyone answer this.
Dig Cheney
January 17th, 2013
2:34 pm
Rise up Cons- Now1 That Black Muslim is sending Muslims and Black Pantherswith weapons of mass destruction out to get your guns! Some birdshot straight in the face is what we need! Rise UP!
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:35 pm
901st!
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
2:35 pm
As your neighbor I have a right to know who is your gun registered to, what firearm training have you had, where do you store your gun(s) and who has the keys to your gun locker? if you are not a registered gun owner, never been through firearm training and your gun(s) are not in a secure locker I will dis-arm you with little or no difficulty for the safety of all our family, friends and neighbors.
As MY neighbor you don’t have a right to ANY info. If you SUSPECT I may have a weapon and attempt to ‘disarm me” I will whip your arrogant stupid ass, toss you unceremoniously OFF my property and have you prosecuted for criminal trespass, all for the safely of MY family and neighbors.
It sounds to my like your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:35 pm
Where are the tea parties?
Doggone/GA
January 17th, 2013
2:35 pm
“I wonder if Jay Bookman would have the same reaction if congress was sniffing around making some changes to the FIRST amendment.”
Probably not. Since “changes” to the 1st Amendment have ALREADY been made. Go shout “FIRE” in a crowded theater sometime and see how far you “freedom of speech” gets you.
Seriously Folks
January 17th, 2013
2:36 pm
Ok td, I’ll bite on the “list of things”
1) National registry of “automatic weapons”..aka assault rifles, to be held by your local Sherrif’s office
(does NOT include shotguns, or anything holding less than 10 bulletts)
2) Mandatory training for usage, storage and safety for all “automatic weapons” aka assault rifles to be completed annually at no charge to the gun owner
3) Extend registration of “private gun sales” to include a simple transaction to occur at local Sherrif’s office (similar to when you buy a car, you have to both be present to turn over the title)
4) Require all former felons to register any firearms purchased since release
5) Additionally minimum 20 years to sentence of any gun-related crimes (robbery, rape, drugs, whatever)
6) Move rating of any “gun related” video games from “T” to “M”…
7) Teach gun safety in public schools
9) Allow mental health professionals to report to local authorities anyone they suspect as “unstable” that has mentioned owning a gun, murderous thoughts (they have to report anyone that claims to be a pedophile)
First of all, that is MY list. I don’t own a gun, but have no qualms with anyone owning whatever they want….just realize your RIGHT comes with RESPONSIBILITY….
Be happy to hear you thoughts, td, on what I missed? (and I will admit I have no idea if any of these things are already being done or what)
moonbat betty
January 17th, 2013
2:37 pm
“Rise up Cons”
Heck Yeah,! Go Falcons! Beat the gold diggers!
Kam ,
Do the Sons of Confederate Veterans carry muskets or Bushmasters?
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
January 17th, 2013
2:37 pm
How is it that you need a background check to own a gun but not to run a country?
There is one. Its called an election.
Romney didn’t pass his.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:37 pm
New Rule: People now making the case that the military would not turn on its own citizens must 1) admit they got this as a talking point at some point in the last 24 hours and tell me who said it first and 2) admit that this is further evidence that private arms are unnecessary to defend against tyranny.
Sincerely, Adam the Rule Enforcer as ordained by TBG and others.
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
2:37 pm
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:33 pm
SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS!
You can forget that crap Kam lol. Jay said earlier he was off to the Capitol. I’m assuming it’s to view first hand the lunacy going on THERE. He won’t be back until late this afternoon and after spending all day there he’ll probably have to stop off at Manuels first and have a couple off stiff drinks………
Bob
January 17th, 2013
2:38 pm
I am glad we can listen to Scalia now. Many of the regulars eat this up yet have already blown off Scalia as a right wing nut job. Now you want to listen to him ? You can’t deny the framers mentioned felt gov may become oppressive and citizens may need to take action. I never saw in any of their writings that they only felt that way if the citizens had the exact same weaponry as the government did. Now I will dismiss Scalia just as the reat of you already have. Does anyone here believe the insurgents have the arms our military in Afghanistan has ? Osama Bin Laden turned away the USSR with guns and stinger missiles.
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
2:38 pm
MOONBAT!!!!!!!!!!!!
You left yesterday before you saw my posts………i was crushed.
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:38 pm
tom,
The military is not all cons and you cons are too fat and lazy to even go protest.
Just give it a rest.
All talk,
Donnie
January 17th, 2013
2:38 pm
In Switzerland every male spends two years in the military then is given an AUTOMATIC rifle to keep till he turns 55. They have a much lower gun crimes than the USA.
If the bans were for the children the he should ban cigarettes and cars. More people die each day from smoking than are murdered in a year.
Just another feel good law out of Washington that will not stop a madman.
Get Real
January 17th, 2013
2:38 pm
Drama much Jay?? Feeling guilty that your savior is the most divisive president in US history…
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:39 pm
Doggone: Go shout “FIRE” in a crowded theater sometime and see how far you “freedom of speech” gets you.
Better yet, tell off your boss.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:39 pm
Feeling guilty that your savior is the most divisive president in US history…
Not Intended to Be a Factual Statement
moonbat betty
January 17th, 2013
2:40 pm
You go Fred.
independent thinker
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
Adam- It is because a right wing judge who already decided who will be president in 2000 also decided that the gun rights people should disregard the preamble to the second amendment so that he could rewrite the law and give them a fundamental right created by the judiciary and not the founders..All that stuff about the a regulated militia and a security of the state ? Claptrap by the founders.
That’s what Judges do (for their friends). Two hundred years of legal precedent and judicial restraint tossed out the window -That’s the rule of law if you are the NRA or a conservative.
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:25 pm
You remain simply incapable of any coherent dialogue….
If you remain one of the sheep, the view never changes
Atticus
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
Irrelevant.
Agreed, times have changed. Change the 2nd Amendment then. Until then, liberals just want to win irrelevant arguments. This is NOT about guns. It’s about political agenda. Just like abortion, climate change, debt limit…..
I am embarrassed that this country is using children’s tragic deaths for political agenda….both sides. But it started with the freaking liberals.
Get Real
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
Adam
Please disengage head from rectum, wake up and smell your butt coffee
Real Scootter
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
Where are the tea parties?
getalife, who cares?
Where are the beer parties?
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:41 pm
Fred
I think he’s back, check on the previous page 2:20 p.m.
I’ve heard report of up to 3″ of snow for me tonight, and the ATL has a chance of some too.
Got your eggs/milk/bread/beer?
John
January 17th, 2013
2:42 pm
Funny how this jackass manages to muster logic and data on the subject against gun ownership, but remains ignorant and illogical on all the overwhelming evidences surrounding everything else. Social programs….epic fail. Post office…fail, FDA fail, Medicare fail, Social Security Fail, in fact everything the government does it does poorly, yet this jackass manages to support government takeover.
If guns so bad why does the secret service protect the president with them, why do pilots have them, why do banks have armed guards. In fact the only places where guns are restricted are the places where attacks occur, schools and public places.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:42 pm
Donnie: If the bans were for the children the he should ban cigarettes and cars. More people die each day from smoking than are murdered in a year.
Then use a cigarette or a car as your primary method of hunting and self defense. Since, apparently, these things are more effective at killing.
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
2:42 pm
In Switzerland every male spends two years in the military then is given an AUTOMATIC rifle to keep till he turns 55. They have a much lower gun crimes than the USA.
Tell us about the ammo, Donny. You know about the ammo, right?
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:43 pm
Get Real: Please disengage head from rectum, wake up and smell your butt coffee
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection
Atticus
January 17th, 2013
2:43 pm
“In fact, the piling on by the political left, and their cohorts in the media, to use the massacre of little children to advance a pre-existing political agenda that would not have saved those children, disgusts me, personally. The second amendment to the Constitution is a basic right of free people and cannot be nor will it be abridged by the executive power of this or any other president.”–Rick Perry
Agreed Governor
moonbat betty
January 17th, 2013
2:43 pm
“You left yesterday before you saw my posts”
Sorry, Fred.
I’ll take a look.
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
2:43 pm
Does anyone here believe the insurgents have the arms our military in Afghanistan has ? Osama Bin Laden turned away the USSR with guns and stinger missiles.
Gosh Bob, aren’t YOU the bright one. I know that there isn’t a SINGLE Arab Country or arms dealer supplying sophisticated weaponry to the Afghan’s. I mean the German’s and French and Chinese sure as hell would help them. I mean they didn’t sell stuff to Iraq…….. or wait, they did.
Turn off talk radio and FOX and learn to think for yourself Bob. Repeating their stupidity makes YOU look stupid as well.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
In Switzerland every male spends two years in the military then is given an AUTOMATIC rifle to keep till he turns 55.
Got any idea where they keep the bullets?
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
John: If guns so bad why does the secret service protect the president with them,
Yeah! And why does the President get to command an army and sign bills into law?!?!?! HOW UNFAIR!!!
Here’s a quick question: How many foreign and domestic death threats do you and your family get per day?
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
Since Donnie doesn’t know jack about how those cuckoo clock folk manage their gun ownership issue, I’ll give Donnie a linkee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/14/mythbusting-israel-and-switzerland-are-not-gun-toting-utopias/
Aser706
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
Robert:
The Fourh Amendment Protects My Right to Privacy From You and The Information You Demand.
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
ADAM
He clearly isn’t the most devisive but he has no small share of moments….the trend in DC is polarization…he certainly has done nothing to change that..He would serve us and himself by actually spending time in Congress and building personal relationships…toward that end, he reminds me of Tiger Woods in that his rep amongst most other golfers is crap because he carries himself as too important to hang with the guys..
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
2:45 pm
moonbat, don’t bother, too much trash to wade through. It was a laugh at your playing the video backwards and talk about the ribs I was doing.
Steve
January 17th, 2013
2:45 pm
Rick Perry? The closeted homosexual unpopular governor from a traitorous state that takes in more Federal money then it pays out in taxes and wants to secede from the Union? Really? The guy is a complete buffoon.
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:45 pm
stevie,
Truth hurt much.
Real Scooter,
They protested ObamaCare but not guns.
Weak tea. Perhaps they are too drunk to protest.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:45 pm
Sumbitch
dB was quicker on the draw — again.
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:46 pm
Aser706
January 17th, 2013
2:44 pm
Unfortunately like BUSH before him, BO can and will tap your phone without warrant..
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
Stevie Ray: He clearly isn’t the most devisive but he has no small share of moments….the trend in DC is polarization…he certainly has done nothing to change that..
Yes, but not for lack of trying. The point is the polarization is not his FAULT and he isn’t as much of a star player of that game as people make him out to be.
Steve
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
Where does it say that any Amendment can’t be limited or subject to limitations, in the Constitution? Why do you think we have a SCOTUS??
Bubba
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
This explains it all:
http://men.webmd.com/news/20060728/guns-up-testosterone-male-aggression
Keep it up NRA!
Cosby
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
Give an inch and The elite in DC will take a mile. Jay, when you go after the nut job in the white house that supplied weapons to the Drug Cartells in Mexico, then come talk to me about my rights. Perhaps it is time for a framnk discussion of Responsibility, Accountability and putting “GOD” and “PRAYER” back into our lives in lieu of hate speech out of DC. Yes, the 2nd amendment is there for a reason, just ask the Jews in Hitler’s Germany or other countries that gave up their right to protect themselves. Once again you have it all wrong – it is America’s culture generated by the nut jobs in DC. not guns!!!
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:45 pm
What truth was that exactly? That your obligatory “cons suck” theme has any relevancy?
Baaaaa Baaaaa
Pizzaman
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
922 has to be the largest response I’ve seen to date. Way to go Jay! You obviously hit the nerve with the gun wackos. The one thing they can’t stand is reason. Keep up the good!
JamVet
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
…the most divisive president in US history…
Don’t blame BHO, get bent.
Millions of us Americans think you counterfeit conservatives and would be traitors stink on ice!
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
Bubba: http://men.webmd.com/news/20060728/guns-up-testosterone-male-aggression
Well sh*t, maybe I SHOULD get an AR-15… I would avoid later having to tak one of those Low T drugs….
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
Ta-Nehisi links to the wiki page on those gun-nutty Swiss with some comments of his own, just FYI:
http://www.theatlantic.com/ta-nehisi-coates/
Robert
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
@Fred -”As MY neighbor you don’t have a right to ANY info. If you SUSPECT I may have a weapon and attempt to ‘disarm me” I will whip your arrogant stupid ass, toss you unceremoniously OFF my property and have you prosecuted for criminal trespass, all for the safely of MY family and neighbors.”
Fred, thank you for taking off your sheet, hood and combat boots. Your family, friends and neighbors know who you are (coward hiding behind a gun). It takes tremendous courage to act like a Man and not like a child. Your comments prove you act like a child. If you own gun(s) I really hope the State of GA did a back ground check on you. Obviously you need a mental health screening and a anger management class.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:49 pm
…the nut job in the white house that supplied weapons to the Drug Cartells in Mexico…
2006 Operation Wide Receiver says, “What?”
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
2:49 pm
whoopsi. Here’s the specific link I meant to post @ 2.48, sorry.
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/01/more-guns-less-crime-the-switzerland-example/267165/
td
January 17th, 2013
2:49 pm
Robert
January 17th, 2013
2:30 pm
It is no longer acceptable to say – “My Gun is None of Your Business” and hide behind the 2nd amendment but have no respect for all the other amendments to the US Constitution.
This is the kind of attitiude that gun owners have and it is dis-respectful and counter-productive. I will not be intimidated by your child like behavior.
As your neighbor I have a right to know who is your gun registered to, what firearm training have you had, where do you store your gun(s) and who has the keys to your gun locker? if you are not a registered gun owner, never been through firearm training and your gun(s) are not in a secure locker I will dis-arm you with little or no difficulty for the safety of all our family, friends and neighbors.
I do not give a darn about your 2nd amendment rights. We can live in peace and harmony regardless of your child like behavior.
Fine, then I have the right to see if you are on welfare and come into your house and make sure you are being a good steward of my money. I have the right to come into your house and make sure you are not eating the wrong foods or smoking because I will have to pay for the consequences of your behavior. I have the right to read your emails to make sure you are not out having sex with other people because that risky behavior may result in you getting aids and my tax payer money would have to pay for it as well.
How long so you want to keep these BS arguments going on?
Oscar
January 17th, 2013
2:50 pm
Why are the last four words of the Second Amendment holy gospel, but the first four words are merely a suggestion? I have yet to have anyone answer this.
______
Because there is big money for Colt, S & W, and other small arms makers in selling guns to private individuals.
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:50 pm
lil stevie,
When are you going top protest?
Just talk?
Just blah, blah, blah.
You cons are weak.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:51 pm
white house that supplied weapons to the Drug Cartells in Mexico
Not factual. The DOJ didn’t CREATE straw buyers, or tell dealers to go ahead and sell to them. Instead, they watched and when they saw straw purchasing happening, attempted to prosecute but were told they had no grounds to prosecute because of a legal loophole known in some circles as “a person who buys a gun with intent to keep it and then changes his mind five seconds later” according to legal precedent.
Get your facts right.
Oscar
January 17th, 2013
2:52 pm
It is bs because no one is going to vote to amend or delete the second amendment.
Sensible gun restrictions can be passed, still letting those who are responsible and want guns to own them. As long as they are registered, locked up and kept out of the hands of people who should not have them.
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:52 pm
Cosby
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
god and prayer? You have to be kidding? I think most would agree that hope and prayer are not exactly meaningful tactics…
It would be great to be around for the second coming of JC..he could heal us all and no longer would national healthcare be needed.
Joe Hussein Mama
January 17th, 2013
2:52 pm
td — “Now can you please answer mine and lay out what you and other progressives would think is “meaningful” and “comprehensive” gun control?”
Well, I can’t speak for anyone but myself, so you’re going to have to accept that this isn’t what *everyone* on the left wants. Heck, it might even be what ten percent of us want — it’s just my personal opinion.
I’d like to see *classes* of firearm licenses that restrict the types of arms that a person can have, and written and practical tests required for license upgrades or adds. Perhaps the NRA could help develop the tests at each stage. There could be classifications for Home Defense, Skeet and Target, Small/Medium Game Hunting, Big Game Hunting, Subsistence Hunting, and Firearms Dealer. Each level would have some sort of restrictions regarding what sorts of weapons you could have, but you could have more than one type of license at a time. Military or law enforcement experience should give you some sort of leg up when obtaining or renewing your license.
I think you should have to renew your license periodically, but certainly not every year. Perhaps once every 10 years until you get old — then more frequently (as your vision gets worse).
I think we should start over from the ground up with gun licenses and CC permits. I’d give people five years from the date the legislation goes live to get their licenses and permits reissued with the new, stiffer standards — or you lose your license/permit, no questions asked. Part of the permitting process would include disclosure of all weapons you own, including registration numbers. You’d also sign a legal affidavit, meaning that you’d stand to suffer legal penalties if you didn’t disclose everything. When renewing, you’d re-verify all those weapons (to ensure nothing had been lost or stolen).
I think that private transfers of firearms — e.g. private sales — should be outlawed unless you use an authorized gun dealer to facilitate the purchase. The dealer would run the proper checks on both the buyer and seller, and would file the proper paperwork. Perhaps the dealer could receive a small commission for his trouble.
If you want to sell a banned weapon (but which has been grandfathered so you can keep it), you can only sell it to the Federal government.
I think there should be STRONG enforcement of all Federal and state gun laws, and a points system in place, like there is with drivers’ licenses. Maybe you haven’t committed any firearms felonies, but if you commit enough related misdemeanors in a short enough period of time, you could lose your license.
I don’t like this next provision, but I think it’s necessary. If you’re a self-loader (e.g. you reload your own ammo), or if you’re into black-powder/muzzle-loader weapons, then I think you should have a license for that and I think there should be some quantity restrictions on how much powder you can buy per month.
Private mail order or internet firearm or ammo sales — FELONY. If you need to order something through the mail, you have to have an authorized dealer act as your delivery agent (it gets delivered to him and you have to go pick it up from him (and register it on the spot if it is a weapon).
Any automatic weapons or weapons that can be *modified* to become automatic (that are in non-government hands) have to have their rifling/cartridge/ejector markings on file with the ATF so they can be traced if they’re used in a crime.
I’ve got other ideas, but I think these should give you an idea of where I’m coming from.
John B. of Lincolnton
January 17th, 2013
2:53 pm
I like the links to web sites that purport to tell the “real reason” for the 2nd amendment. If it’s on the internet it must be true….and I’m a French model. The 2nd amendment was intended to help deter and overzealous government from taking our rights away either by force or by edict.
As a retired member of our great military I gave my oath to preserve and protect the CONSTITUTION of the United States from ALL enemies both foreign AND domestic. That being said, I believe that the majority of those in the military wouldn’t look kindly on a president who shreds the Constitution and so the idea that those of us with limited weapons (I have a very sharp pocket knife) cannot address the situation is wrong because, I believe, those military members would stand with us (along with their very powerful weapons).
To the issue of gun control. I am a member of the NRA. I believe we need to do a better job of getting help to those who are nutty. I think we need to enforce the laws we have and, as requested by Obama, stiffen the penalties now in place. We also need parents who give a crap about their kids. Teach them about guns and make them an evil mystery. Guns are not evil, some people are evil. The NRA has a very good program for kids called Eddie Eagle. As a child I was taught how to use a rifle and what NOT to do by my father. We carried rifles to school in our pickups because we went hunting in the mornings.
I guess basically I am trying to say is that we need sensible gun laws but outlawing guns because of the way they look or reducing the number of bullets in a magazine isn’t going to do one thing to stop violent people. Look at the areas with most stringent gun laws (Chicago, DC). Those laws haven’t done anything but make innocent men, women and children more vulnerable to the criminals.
moonbat betty
January 17th, 2013
2:54 pm
Fred, that’s a good technique on the ribs.
Wood chunks vs. chips:
If you are smoking libs, you want to use chunks. They are great when you are doing a low and slow burn, but you can still add chips as you go if you need more smoke.
If you are smoking cons, use chips. They are great when you are doing a short cook – you don’t waste the chunks and you can add the chips as needed to increase the smoke.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:55 pm
The 2nd amendment was intended to help deter [an] overzealous government from taking our rights away either by force or by edict.
Yes, but not the government created by the founding fathers. A government that is invading or a tyrant that is attempting to rise up, yes. But arming yourself and attacking the U.S. government is still treason, which is in the Constitution as well. Before the amendments.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
January 17th, 2013
2:55 pm
Because there is big money for Colt, S & W, and other small arms makers in selling guns to private individuals.
And the NRA’s main purpose is to protect those profits at all costs.
Aser706
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
Phones were being tapped long before Bush… Kennedy and Johnson authorized Hoover listen to everyone.
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
That being said, I believe that the majority of those in the military wouldn’t look kindly on a president who shreds the Constitution
Nothing that Obama signed yesterday via EO or proposed as legislation “shreds the Constitution,” for crying out loud.
Reality
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
@Southpaw and Aser706,
Because you don’t like the definitions given by Websters International Dictionary you attack me?
Grow up!
smitty
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
It’s sad that Americans would allow their rights to be given away. Those rights were fought for with blood and they are so casually given away.
There is no evidence of the framers of the Constitution only granting the right to keep and bear arms to members of an organized militia.
getalife
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
The gop cut mental health facilities to the bone so you can protest that too cons but I know you are just hot air.
Our President can say he does not see any protests so he will not listen to just hot air on a blog.
Doggone/GA
January 17th, 2013
2:56 pm
“Better yet, tell off your boss”
That too! Or even break one Jay’s rules here
pete
January 17th, 2013
2:57 pm
Oh look, 7 more Americans either killed or or captured by some more bad guys, this time in Algeria. I wonder what this POS pres is going to do now. So far he has done nothing, which is normal and to be expected, but it has only been 2 days, have to give him time to come up with a response. It took him 4 months for Benghazi…oh yeah…he didn’t do anything about that either.
Jm
January 17th, 2013
2:57 pm
Man
It is NRA 24-7 here
Jay
The sons of confederate veterans are restless
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
2:57 pm
If you are smoking cons, use chips.
Smoked cons?
Get Real
January 17th, 2013
2:57 pm
“Yes, but not for lack of trying. The point is the polarization is not his FAULT and he isn’t as much of a star player of that game as people make him out to be”
Keep on rationalizing Adam; the most divisive president in US history by far
Real Scootter
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
Weak tea. Perhaps they are too drunk to protest
Or they finally figured out they are irrelevant.
Redcoat
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
“How is it that you need a background check to own a gun but not to run a country?”
For liberals, It’s when you are in control, you get to make the exceptions……….
curious
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
The Government of Switzerland knows where every single one of those weapons are and the person possessing that weapon has had military training. It’s probably a safe bet to say that criminals, mental misfits, and folks with moral issues are rejected from the military and therefore don’t have a weapon.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
Doggone: Or even break one Jay’s rules here
Good one!
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
Adam
January 17th, 2013
2:47 pm
Not his fault…most of the previous presidents spent a lot of time on the hill forging relationships on both sides. He has spent less time than any other president doing such.
Not his fault…so he is not capable of overcoming personal differences?
Not his fault? For 4 years that’s all we have heard…nothing is his fault…I guess he and all his supporters feel his legacy will be safe as long as his legacy always includes the comparison to Bush…why not compare him to clinton or other presidents who are generally thought to be effective?
barking frog
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
will the Feinstein bill pass ? I say yes but modified. 10 round magazines.
private sales background check. doctor info into database.
Paddy O
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
this is a good article IF you were a speech writer for Obama. as a journalist, dang this is lame.
Paddy O
January 17th, 2013
2:59 pm
frog – how do YOU propose you even know about private sales if you are the feds? last time YOU saw an FBI agent in the flesh?
Jm
January 17th, 2013
2:59 pm
“You cons are weak.”
You mean employed.
Seriously Folks
January 17th, 2013
2:59 pm
Hey JMH, I took on the “challenge” too and offered a list…think we have some of the same thoughts…who would have thought “progressives” would actually respect someone’s right to own a weapon, just ask that they have some sort of responsibility with that ownership!
Now to see how others will interpret…..or shoot down as “that will lead to……”
Paddy O
January 17th, 2013
2:59 pm
liberals can’t hold fellow liberals accountable.
Get Real
January 17th, 2013
2:59 pm
The same goes for you Jammie Poo
independent thinker
January 17th, 2013
3:00 pm
Judicial activism at work:
“”"”"”"”"”"”"”"The problem with originalism’s use of history in constitutional interpretation is when the materials are dense and often contradictory. It is precisely in this area that Wilkinson’s critique is most penetrating. In Heller, for example, the majority opinion of Justice Antonin Scalia meticulously and honestly reviewed the historical record regarding the Second Amendment and concluded that it contained an individual right to bear arms. The dissent by Justice John Paul Stevens meticulously and honestly reviewed the historical recorded and concluded that the right was not individual but a collective, militia-related protection. How does the Court, through its most conservative members, boldly declare a new right when the historical basis is too difficult to sort out—far too difficult for justices who have no formal training as historians?
The Heller majority then extended its novel reading of the Second Amendment to the states through the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment in McDonald v. City of Chicago. In the majority opinion by Justice Samuel Alito, the Court invoked the established law on incorporation and applied the right invented in Heller to all levels of government. The problem is that incorporation is nothing more than a judicially manufactured revolution with no historical justification. An originalist may, as a matter of broken-eggs-can-not-be-mended prudence, accept that various provisions of the Bill of Rights have been selectively incorporated as a legal reality that is not going away. But why would originalists extend this dubious doctrine? The Court is now the final word on trigger locks, concealed-carry laws, and a host of other knotty regulations for which it has no competence. McDonald resembles nothing so much as a product of the results-driven jurisprudence of the Warren Court.”"”"”"”"”"”"”"
http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2012/03/4706/
You can tell tell the activists are creating new law and legislating from the bench when practically all of the decision in Heller relies on state constitutions and state decisions.And Scalia calls himself a literalist!
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
January 17th, 2013
3:00 pm
this is a good article IF you were a speech writer for Obama. as a journalist, dang this is lame.
Peggy Noonan says, “What?”
getalife
January 17th, 2013
3:01 pm
Too much fat on con’s ribs moonbat.
Paddy O
January 17th, 2013
3:01 pm
adam – the attacking the federal gov’t argument a strawman proposed by liberals as a means of obfuscation.
stands for decibels
January 17th, 2013
3:01 pm
Man
It is NRA 24-7 here
Jay
The sons of confederate veterans are restless
Jay, I [gulp] agree with Jm.
And that in itself is, well, this.
Adam
January 17th, 2013
3:01 pm
Stevie Ray: None of your arguments really effectively lay fault of the nation’s polarization at the feet of one man.
In addition, as I said, he’s not exactly very good at stoking it, unless you consider that conservatives make contradicting predictions of him and whenever he does something within that broad brush, they declare polarization all his fault.
You may disagree with that last part, but tell me that you really think the polarization in our political environment is the fault of just Obama? By himself? Or that he leads the charge somehow? Not even close.
curious
January 17th, 2013
3:02 pm
pete
January 17th, 2013
Pete. I don’t deal in insults, but in this case I’ll say if there is a POS, it’s you.
Fred ™
January 17th, 2013
3:02 pm
Robert
January 17th, 2013
2:48 pm
@Fred -”As MY neighbor you don’t have a right to ANY info. If you SUSPECT I may have a weapon and attempt to ‘disarm me” I will whip your arrogant stupid ass, toss you unceremoniously OFF my property and have you prosecuted for criminal trespass, all for the safely of MY family and neighbors.”
Fred, thank you for taking off your sheet, hood and combat boots. Your family, friends and neighbors know who you are (coward hiding behind a gun). It takes tremendous courage to act like a Man and not like a child. Your comments prove you act like a child. If you own gun(s) I really hope the State of GA did a back ground check on you. Obviously you need a mental health screening and a anger management class.
+++++++++++++++++++++++
You need a brain. Anger management is NOT needed to stop a nosy neighbor from tryong to break into my house and steal property he THINKS is there. YOU are the reason why the idiot Republicans and the NRA are so stupid about any common sense gun control. It;’s because you and people LIKE you are just as stupid as they are.
Again, your arrogance is exceeded ONLY by your ignorance. You appear to be a mindless left wing fanatic. You will blend in well with the mindless right wing fanatics here on the board. You all post the same stupidity, only the names of the culprits and “enemy” change. Neither one of you fanatical sides would have enough sense to pour piss out of a boot even if the directions were on the heel.
Your sheet comment was particularly insipid. LOL folks like you just toss out little mindless phrases as unconsciously as you pick your nose in public.
But thanks, it’s been just a few hours since I was called a stinking liberal, nice change of pace to have a different moron call a neo nazi lol.
Get Real
January 17th, 2013
3:03 pm
Adam….put down the bong man before all your brain cells are dead
Stevie Ray
January 17th, 2013
3:03 pm
Redcoat
January 17th, 2013
2:58 pm
Why is it you need a license to drive but not the procreate?
Jm
January 17th, 2013
3:03 pm
Sfd
That is funny