Gun Control…

The tragedy at Virginia Tech is horrible, and I wish it hadn’t happened. Thousands of people personally touched by what a cruel, malicious and unstable child decided to do. I have no tolerance for evil and I’m sure God doesn’t either. The person who committed the act will be punished one way or the other.

But now the larger issue has come out. Jeff J. pointed it out first. Guns are apparently the problem, or so the assumption goes. Sorry, kids. Guns really aren’t the issue you may think they are.

I’m an avid believer in the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. Regardless of your personal interpretation, the Second Amendment is in the Constitution for a reason.

The First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

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.

Let’s unpack this a little deeper. The First Amendment is the right to religion, the freedom of speech, the press, assemble and petition the government.

The Second Amendment is the right to keep and bear arms. It’s a right to the people. Most people get hung up on “militia” which is an older, archaic term that many parallel with “military.” While the functions of each are similar, they aren’t the same thing.
“A well regulated Militia…” A militia is normally a civilian force that’s non-governmental that provides security over something, such as property or home. Joe Bob at the local Target with his can of Mace is technically militia, or even a mercenary, if you want to be technical.

Let’s break down the second half of the amendment. “…the right of the People to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.” I think the founding fathers were making a statement here. Not only is the formulation of a local militia, army, or military force important, so it is that the People have the right to defend themselves by bearing Arms.

A firearm is a tool, like any other. A tool, appropriately used, serves a purpose. Policeman use a weapon, a carpenter uses a hammer. Anyone without a criminal record can own a handgun, just like they can own a hammer. If you improperly use a handgun, someone could get killed or injured. If you hit someone on the head with a hammer, you get the same effect. The only difference is the ability of a firearm to cause more damage at a faster rate. The rule still applies. A gun is just as dangerous as anything else when used improperly. Are you going to outlaw box cutters because they were used on the 9/11 hijackings?

Historically, restricting firearms has been used for political reasons, not for the protection of individuals. England outlawed cannons and gunpowder prior to the American Revolution. King Charles II of England used the Militia Act to disarm his political opponents. King James II did the same thing.

Force is the ultimate authority from which all other authorities derive. When you’re denied your basic right to self-defense you become voluntarily helpless and rely on the government. Now, if you feel you can completely and totally trust the government, that’s great.

I’m not making light of the situation at VA Tech. It’s sad and tragic, but let’s not jump to conclusions and half-baked ideas that gun control is the issue.