“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.”
Militias were our military at the time because we, as a budding new nation, had a rather small army. We needed well regulated (trained) civilians to stand on the ready to fight in state-run militias. Not against the United States government, but FOR the United States government. The second amendment written shortly after the Revolutionary War which was won with George Washington’s Continental army, state militias, and the help of France. The “free state” is the United States of America that we fought for and won from England after declaring independence, waging war, and beginning a new nation. The right to bear arms has always been at the discretion of the government since the beginning.
The government wrote the 2nd Amendment. They wrote it in 1791 to keep slaves in check and provide back up for the army. Not to allow an uprising against itself, it was to protect itself. When you try to overthrow your government that is the exact definition of treason. We live in a free nation because it has been fought for and maintained by our government.
Yes, our armed services are indeed our government. You support the troops? You support our government.
Remember if you secede you are no longer granted the rights and privileges of being part of the United States, including but not limited to the 2nd Amendment. Remember that.
Nowhere in the Constitution does it say armed rebellion is okay. There’s a reason the Union fought against Confederate troops during the Civil War. Rebellion was frowned upon. It is very clear in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, that Congress may call forth “the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” The Second Amendment was written to further enforce this.
You do however have the right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Colbert Puts Right-Wing Politicians, Media & NRA in Their Place Over Background Checks (VIDEO)
Last night Stephen Colbert offered up a serving of “truthiness” during his “The Word” segment on his show ‘The Colbert Report‘.
Several right-wing politicians, media personalities, as well as the NRA have been pushing against universal background checks in order to purchase a firearm. They feel that their “freedom” to be able to own and purchase a firearm shouldn’t be restricted or made slightly more difficult (i.e. fill out some paperwork, show and ID) by anything or anyone.
Colbert mocked Rand Paul after Paul admitted seeing the Newtown parents made him sad saying, “Hey Newtown parents, stop making Rand Paul sad. He’s extremely sensitive to his own feelings.”
Then Colbert pushed the point that gun owners feel they are the real victims of gun violence. He quoted right-wing radio host Bob Davis who said, “I’m sorry that you suffered a tragedy, but you know what? Deal with it and don’t force me to lose my liberty which is a greater tragedy than your loss.” To which Colbert responded, “Yes, the parents of Newtown only lost their children, but Bob Davis might have to fill out some forms at a gun show. That’s a precious waste of time, time that could be spent yelling at people who lost their children.” Colbert even pointing out that he knows what Davis would yell at them: (below)
Colbert’s response? “Finally, someone with the courage to tell off these Newtown parents to their faces. (While hiding in a radio booth)” When a Newtown resident offered to fly Davis out to speak with them he hasn’t even had the courage to respond. He even went so far as to insinuate Davis is a sociopath.
Colbert went on to point out that quite a few senators who voted against background checks are suffering in the polls. He also pointed out that through these senators love for NRA lobbying money that they must be so unattached to anything (ie. human emotion and compassion) but keeping their jobs and keeping the NRA happy.
Kudos, Stephen! Well done.