I loved what you said about YOU deciding what is sufficient for your "arsenal". I choose mine also....
I'll bet this clown from Cleveland doesn't own a gun so I'm sure he speaks by experience. He got the militia thing wrong as most gun control freaks do. I think there are 3 reasons to own a gun - Hunting, Protection, and pure joy of shooting! Some of the best times I have had with my son and friends are out in the west desert plinking around with the "arsenal". Oh, and I'll be the one to decide if a rubber-band, BB gun, handgun, shotgun, rifle, assault rifle, howitzer, cruise missile, or intercontinental ballistic nuclear weapon is adequate.The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states: "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." Obviously the need for a state militia has been replaced by the National Guard and Coast Guard, whereby trained military personnel are entrusted with the defense of this country against domestic enemies. Their weapons are tightly controlled and safeguarded.
The only two reasons for a citizen to own a firearm is for hunting or defense of the household from intruders. In either case, ownership of a handgun, shotgun or rifle is more than adequate to satisfy these purposes. There is absolutely no need for any United States civilian to own any weapon more powerful or sophisticated than these.
Joe Bialek
Cleveland
I'm a huge fan of the 2A and carry regularly, but I have to think you are not serious about the cruise or nuclear missiles. I agree the guy in the article is a wacked anti.Oh, and I'll be the one to decide if a rubber-band, BB gun, handgun, shotgun, rifle, assault rifle, howitzer, cruise missile, or intercontinental ballistic nuclear weapon is adequate.
I think one guiding factor was alluded to by knayrb in the previous post to yours. For me it all has to do with personal defense vs. societal defense. Cruise missiles are not a personal defense weapon. They are a defense for the entire society. A handgun *is* a personal defense weapon.bane said:Where is the line in such issues (and how are we finding that line), or if there is no line then why.
I agree with you there, but even that is subject to somebody's interpretation. I've heard the .50 BMG refered to as a WMD by those in favor of banning it. I've read where many things have been refered to as WMDs that certainly don't fit my definition.Jeff Johnson said:Where do you draw the line? I don't know. But I certainly do not believe that weapons of mass destruction are good in any hands, private or government.
With regards to restrictions on standard arms, I completely agree with you. I *DO* think individuals should be allowed to own large, powerful firearms... even modern-day "cannons" like we used on the ship to defend us against small-craft attacks.Jeff Johnson said:Where do you draw the line? I don't know. But I certainly do not believe that weapons of mass destruction are good in any hands, private or government.
I few other quotes that I found that seemed relevant to this thread (if not necessarily relevant to the issue of WOMD):The best defense is a strong offense.
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the
American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence. From the hour
the Pilgrims landed, to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies
prove that to ensure peace, security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are
equally indispensable. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere
restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's
good.
- George Washington
No man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. 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, June 1776
The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be
properly armed.
- Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 184-188
Certainly one of the chief guarantees of freedom under any government, no
matter how popular and respected, is the right of citizens to keep and bear
arms. ... The right of citizens to bear arms is just one guarantee against
arbitrary government, one more safegaurd against the tyranny which now appears
remote in America but which historically has proven to be possible.
- Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (1960)