Why Do We Need Guns?
Gun Control is a popular political debate and the right to keep and bear arms has become such a polarizing issue as of late. It seems like after every shooting or a new politician is trying to score some social justice points, adding new limitations to who or how the sale of a firearm is conducted is brought up for another round of debate.
I'm not here to discuss what the laws should be or that I have all the perfect answers about how to stop violence in the country.. but I am going to offer my perception on history and current events.
WHY DO WE HAVE A SECOND AMENDMENT?
Have you ever actually read the second amendment? Have you ever considered it's position within the Bill of Rights?
"THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution." ..."Article the fourth... 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."
Fresh from the grasp of the British Monarch rule, the young government thought it prudent to ensure that the newly formed United States were given the right out of "necessity".
But let's go back even further...
MORE HISTORY
If you look throughout history, if a politician or government body is given a form of power and they can secure that through the means of taking away freedom for the overall "safety" of others, they eventual will find more reasons why they shouldn't have to give up that power.
In an extreme case example, look at the holocaust. Adolf Hitler who rose to power had convinced so many through fear and propoganda that an entire race of people were inferior and a "threat" to the German "racial purity" and community. So much fear that resulted in over 6 million Jewish people to lose their lives in the concentration camps. How does this relate to gun control? Germany already had strict gun regulations after WWI and during Hitler's time he actually loosened those gun restrictions. But not for the Jewish people. The ones who suffered the most still had strict gun control measures imposed.
In a less extreme case, Australia is currently facing another government issued lockdown. Threat of arrest and confined to their homes in the name of "safety". The Australian government is creating a new system requiring vaccine passports for residents to be able to continue life as normal. If harsh gun control wasn't imposed in Australia, would the events be playing out differently? Honestly, I believe that it would.
WHY ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT COVID WITH GUNS?
I'm not saying government overreach is going to be simply solved by the protection of the 2nd Amendment, but I do believe it will be an essential component. The Government is for the people, by the people, but history shows us that those in power have a difficult time relinquishing that power. The 2nd Amendment should always serve be a means to keep the government in check. I'm not as absurd to say that there should be some legislation passed, although inconvenient may be the best solution to prevent gun related crime. I will also propose the idea that we don't know enough about mental health studies to find a definitive answer on how extensive background checks should be. But, the idea that government should be the only means to protect yourself is absurd.
Individually, why would you want to give up that right? The current leaders in government will not be there forever. So let's say the current administration bans guns and limits citizen access to them and a certain political party is thrilled... The next administration may not have the same views. They may be adamantly opposed to the administrations moral compass just as POTUS 45 and you want that administration to be in charge of your ultimate safety?
Why not be responsible for your own safety?