THE SECOND AMENDMENT

The entire subject of gun possession is a continuing hot topic, and one that is full of emotion and, unfortunately, frequently thin on facts. For the record, I am in favor of the 2nd Amendment, and I support our Constitutional right to gun ownership. BUT!

First, I believe it is essential for everyone to read exactly what the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution actually says, and you can easily do that by reading the attached link on Wikipedia;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widi/Second_Admendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution

This is a very long article, actually 42 pages, but you really only need to read a few of the initial pages to secure the full understanding of the Amendment.

Just consider the fact that our very existence is closely tied to the possession of guns by the individuals who participated in the revolution and our separation from British rule. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.” John Adams said, “Those who trade liberty for security have neither.”

Here are some additional pro-gun sentiments. It has been said that free men do not ask permission to bear arms. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them. Gun control is not about guns; it’s about control. You only have the rights you are willing to fight for. Know guns, know peace, know safety. You don’t shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive. Assault is a behavior, not a device. 64,999,987 firearm owners killed no one yesterday. The 2nd Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others. What part of ‘shall not be infringed’ do you NOT understand?

On the other hand there is an obvious problem with guns in the hands of individuals who cause great harm to their fellow citizens of this country, especially in the large urban areas of our country. Conditions in the inner-city, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, have led individuals to call for strict gun controls, because hundreds of innocent individuals are being indiscriminately killed every day. Clearly there must be a compromise that would bring gun ownership under some 21st Century guidelines, but they will be meaningless without strong judicial support in the courts. Our society must get control of gangs and drug activity, which thrive on the illegal use of firearms.

Statistics clearly indicate that countries where open gun ownership exists, such as Switzerland, there is little or no criminal activity. Why is that a fact? I suggest that it is the judiciary. Criminals should know that should they use a gun illegally they will be dealt with harshly.

Your Commander has no problem with strict pre-registration requirements and gun permits, but that information should be strictly confidential. I feel this is a strong incentive to keep gun ownership a personal issue. Should a criminal enter my home illegally I do not want them to know if I own a gun or not. That is my right and it provides me with some degree of personal protection. Enter my home illegally and cause my family harm, you will stand a good chance to quickly find out if I own a gun.

Should I utilize a gun for any illegal purpose, I expect to be brought before the courts and receive an appropriate, harsh punishment. Criminals deserve to receive unsympathetic punishment for their evil activities, and citizens deserve the ability to protect their private property and family members under our Constitution.

When it comes to gun control, it is your Commander’s opinion that the wrong questions are being asked on this issue. Why are politicians not attacking gangs, drugs, and criminal activity, which are the foundation of illegal gun utilization. Stop the gangs, drugs and give harsh penalties to guilty parties and the killings will drop dramatically and immediately. Do you suspect for one minute that someone beyond the gangs and organized criminal elements are profiting from criminal activity? I sure do.

COMMANDER GRANGER