Does The Constitution Grant The Right Of All Americans To Own And Carry firearms?

[Carlos Spicy Wiener]

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."

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best most natural defense of a free country.
James Madison

Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
James Madison

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty's teeth.
George Washington

The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.
George Washington

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state.
Thomas Jefferson

[Sean of the Dead]

In some states yes. My house is in Georgia and when I am home I have a gun permit. This permit allows me to carry a concealed weapon above the waist anywhere I desire with exception to schools, churches, publicly owned establishments (paid for by taxpayers IE courthouse) and resturants that serve alcohol for consumption on the premises. Now that being said I have never actually carried my glock anywhere. I just can if I want. I got the permit because they want to do away with the permit and if I go buy a gun then I do not require a background check. I have carried a loaded weapon in my car (concealed) you must have a permit to do this in Georgia. But, there are states where the weapon laws have gotten out of hand, California, New York, New Jersey, and Conn. if I remember right.

I have no criminal record, and I have security clearance with the government but just last week I bought an AK-47 and AR-15 because I like to shoot and they will be banned soon. To the general public, I must be a criminal since I own these. Thank you Obama, you really are stimulating our economy. Now every time the topic of weapons come up everyone always says that its the "assult rifles" that must go. When was the last time you seen some wanna-be gang banger toting an AK? I think they should just ban every hand gun under $300 that should solve the problem. The government will take away our arms soon or at least our ability to buy them. Then what do you do? Who do you call and ask to check on our constitutional rights? I know I sound very pro gun but thats only true in the hands of someone that should have one. I am not a member of NRA and I will not join because I dont think "everyone" should have one.

[effjay]

This is an interesting topic and I think that I'm a little bit different than most people here. Personally, I am anti-gun 100%. I do not understand the obsession with anything "gun" unless it involves NERF. However, I have no problem with people being responsible and owning them. I just have no desire myself to use them/carry one/ etc. I grew up in the South, my family all hunts and I did stuff like that as a youth but just never dug it as my thing. I would agree with Sean that the Assault Rifles aren't typically the problem and I would argue that handguns are far more dangerous than assault rifles just because of the availability, concealability and so on. Then again, I also had a friend who lost his life because he was stupid with his own gun a few years ago when he thought someone was breaking into his house so that colors my decision as well.

I think people should be able to have them, if they want them, but that there should be restrictions that prevent irresponsible people from getting them. Perhaps some state funded and instructed exam system that just shows you know which end the bullet comes out of would be a good start

[shadowr434]

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Actually,In Connecticut the background check is thorough however after that the rules regarding carrying are about the same as yours as long as its concealed.

[Striker]

The question is, "Does the Constitution grant the right," not, "do you think.." therefore I voted 'yes, without restrictions' because the constitution doesn't say anything about restrictions.

That being said, my personal belief is yes, but with restrictions.

[Badcat]

I voted yes with no restrictions. If the purpose of the right to bear arms is for the people to protect themselves from the government, then the people need to be able to bring the same guns to the fight if it ever comes to that point.

there is also a limit that can be reached of course. I don't think the people should own tanks, artillery or rockets/missles.

[scampr]

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But those two statements are in conflict. If as intended in the original construction of the constitution, to be able to defend ourselves from tyranny then we we need the resources to do that. You can have all the guns you want. A rocket down your chimney means endgame! If you support the constitution as written then you should allow any citizen to have the same weapons as those who would oppress the citizens.

[Kyle E. Coyote]

Yes. Fuck yes, absolutely. I did my term paper on this, interviewing and citing sources from law enforcement officers, scholars and shooters alike. All the evidence points to the Second Amendment being intended for individuals, and even togun control being a waste of time (even increasing crime rates, as seen in Britain and Australia). The CDC even recently released a report stating that NO gun control measure in the HISTORY OF THE WORLD has reduced crime rates ONE IOTA. But instead of sitting here for an hour typing feverishly myself, I'll let Penn & Teller drop the logic bomb on you instead.

Trust me, these vids are hilarious and more than worth ten minutes of your day:

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[Randal Graves]

I've argued this with too many people in my life, but whatever. I know a guy who owns about 10-15 guns. He believes it is his right to carry a gun anywhere he wants and if he sees a crime taking place, he has the right to shoot the person committing that crime. I find that to be complete shit. Call the cops, it's their job.


I have no problem with people owning guns. I have a couple myself. I personally have no interest in them and never shoot them. They just aren't my thing. People use the 2nd amendment as a crutch way too much. Come up with a better, more logical reason for gun ownership than a vague statement that was written 250 years ago. I would love to see someone argue a zero gun control policy without once mentioning the 2nd amendment.

[Badcat]

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Excellent point you make there. Rockets for all!