Why the Second Amendment Exists

[Bobtail1911]

Some folks never want to get their hands dirty, but here goes.

Why do you think the 2nd amendment exists?

This is not just a right granted at number two, right after free speech, but an obligation of the free to defend their freedom from enemies from outside the republic and from within.

Check the motives of all those who want to remove this right from the people and you will find a willing idiot of a usurper of our freedoms or the actual usurper themselves.

When all of the talking stops and it is time to force the issue, the States and the People are supposed to be able to stop Tyranny.

Now all we have left to do is to define Tyranny.

[zephyp]

Mark - the real reason our Founders granted us the Second Amendment was to ensure we could protect ourselves from a tyrannous government. Plain and simple. The other reasons you mentioned were secondary. Read Thomas Jefferson. Did you clean your pistol yet?

[CCFan]

Self preservation. This includes oppressive governments, religious persecution, external and internal threats, civil unrest, etc. - it is our duty to help preserve and protect our liberties this country affords us. The "shot hear 'round the world" was in direct response to British sent out to seize weapons - our Founding Fathers knew that the right to bear arms was necessary for a free society. A citizen who no longer has rights to bear arms is known as a subject.

[Bobtail1911]

zephyp

We are saying the same thing.

Here is where we, as a country have an issue. The States have no power to influence Federal actions, like they did when the Senators were appointed by the States. You have no true national debates, like you had before 1913 on issues like the building of a fleet of dreadnaughts to protect our nation. This was one reason given for an income tax at the time and resulted in the 16th amendment.

"A well regulated militia,..." Now the Feds nationalize the Guard and the Governors have no power over them.
"...Being necessary to the security of a free state,..." Does this mean Virginia or the US? The Answer is both.
"the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." We, the people are the last line of defense. Personal defense is a given, but what is our responsibility as citizens when the state or nation is threatened?

There is no debate on this issue, in my opinion , but the lower courts and many State or local elected authorities seem to think otherwise. VA, while better than most states requires a CHP just so you can freely buy more than one handgun a month or conceal a pistol in your vehicle or on your person. What is misunderstood about "keep and bear arms?"

It is a fun debate. Where no debate should be required.

[zephyp]

Yes, but you should read between the lines. The primary reason our Founders put in the 2nd Amendment was so we can protect ourselves from a tyrannous government. Here's my letter to several elected officials posted in the other thread in case you missed it. I'm anxiously waiting to see what their response will be. Most likely canned. And I do intend to ask specific follow up questions subsequent to their responses. As for the states having no power I refer you to the 10th Amendment. The rub is which of our elected officials will stand up and assert Constitutional power.
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I sent a copy of the letter to my rep, both senators, governor, and several others. Here's my letter if you want to copy and modify - please feel free to do so. I appended the letter from Janet Contreras.

I’d like to share a letter with you that Janet Contreras of Arizona recently sent her representatives. You may have read it by now. If not, I urge you to read it and understand that it also reflects my current sentiments. Please understand that I am not accusing you of anything. What I am asking is that you stand up now and speak out loudly in support or our Constitution and rights (all of them) and ensure that they are upheld. The issues of the day no longer matter to me. In my opinion they are created to canvass votes and evolve from election to election. What matters to me most right now is that our Constitution and rights therein are honored and maintained. If you fail to do that job I and many others will work vigorously to see that you do not serve another term. A promise from you means nothing. I expect to see action now to protect and defend our Constitution and ensure legislative actions adhere accordingly. I urge you to speak out today and begin fighting to restore America to the course set by our Founders within the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

[Moccasin]

Short and simple- 2A exists so that if need be the citizens of the U.S. can do exactly what the founding fathers did, throw of the bands of a tyrannical government. I think to a lesser extent it was meant to serve as a means of defense since the military was somewhat limited at that time.

[zephyp]

Short and simple- 2A exists so that if need be the citizens of the U.S. can do exactly what the founding fathers did, throw of the bands of a tyrannical government. I think to a lesser extent it was meant to serve as a means of defense since the military was somewhat limited at that time.

Xactly what I said. Agree totally. Protect ourselves from tyranny. All other considerations are secondary.