This is another issue of how do we interpret a document written more than 200 years ago when circumstances were totally different in today's world with today's problems?
When the second amendment was written and ratified there was no standing army. There was no national guard. Realizing that national defense could be necessary, the founding fathers decided to make sure people could have guns so they could form militias when necessary. Of course in those you had to put your cartridge in, then use powder and a ramrod. It would take awhile to do any major damage. Nowadays a whacko ( or at Columbine two whackos) with assualt weapons can take out massive numbers of people in a matter of minutes. We can't possibly know what the founders thought about assault weapons. Therefore, I think it prudent to take a moderate view. People do not need AK-47s and Uzis to protect their families, or hunt. People should, however, be able to have a pistol or rifle or other small firearm. I also oppose conceal and carry laws on the basis that if you want to carry a gun, carry it where everyone can see it.
acludem
When the second amendment was written and ratified there was no standing army. There was no national guard. Realizing that national defense could be necessary, the founding fathers decided to make sure people could have guns so they could form militias when necessary. Of course in those you had to put your cartridge in, then use powder and a ramrod. It would take awhile to do any major damage. Nowadays a whacko ( or at Columbine two whackos) with assualt weapons can take out massive numbers of people in a matter of minutes. We can't possibly know what the founders thought about assault weapons. Therefore, I think it prudent to take a moderate view. People do not need AK-47s and Uzis to protect their families, or hunt. People should, however, be able to have a pistol or rifle or other small firearm. I also oppose conceal and carry laws on the basis that if you want to carry a gun, carry it where everyone can see it.
acludem
