The Second Amendment

"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."

Many a debate has been had over this one. Does it pertain to a state militia (now the National Guard) or an individual citizen's right to own and carry firearms? If we were to ask many of our founding fathers, the answer would surely be . . . "Yes."

State militias were necessary for states to protect the borders. Today we have the National Guard which serves that function. In some states, there are still laws on the books requiring "men of age" (varies by state) to own a rifle. I don't personally know anyone who objects to this interpretation of the wording of this amendment.

The right for an individual citizen to own and carry a firearm is the heated part of the discussion. The founding fathers had been ordinary citizens who felt the need to rebel with the goal of creating a better system for their desires and needs. The representative republic (yes, not a democracy) which they had outlined seemed like a great idea. They also knew that the time may come again when the citizens of this new nation would have to rise against another tyrannical and oppressive government.

Most individual state constitutions address the issue directly. For example, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania states: "The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned." (Article 1, Section 21) Pretty clear. Yet, somehow, there are plenty of situations where my right is questioned. My place of employment does not permit me to carry my pistol, not even in my car into the parking lot. Depressing.

Many argue that gun control laws protect people. Do criminals follow the law? No. Otherwise, they would not be criminals. (Sure, none of us are PERFECT law-abiding citizens.) Those of us who are upstanding members of society are limited by these laws -- not the criminals. Yes, we with good morals, who would protect you from these criminals, are limited in our ability to do so by these ridiculous regulations. Think about it.

If a criminal wants a firearm will he acquire it legally, carry it legally, and use it legally? Or will the weapon more likely be obtained illegally, carried illegally, and used illegally?

Perhaps, one day, enough people will realize the importance of owning and carrying weapons to protect ourselves, our families, and even those we do not know to return to common sense on this issue. I fear that someday we may all be forced to use those plastic safety scissors (instead of metal bladed ones) to protect everyone from cuts.

I carry with pride. I hope to never have to use it. But don't think I won't if the situation warrants the use of deadly force.