Right to Keep and Bear Arms
Article Posted: March 16, 2012
Article II (2) of the United States Bill of Rights created December, 15th 1791 says the following. "A well regulated Militia being neccessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
What does that mean exactly? In order to properly ensure a free "state" the people must have the right to own weapons. While weapons is a broad term I'm certain they were not refering to Nunchucks :), but rather guns.
Some people could argue that the word Militia should now be replaced by Military. To them I quote small portions of Article III of the Bill of Rights. "No Soldier shall, in time of peace"..."be quartered in any house"...."nor in time of war" In Article II the word "people" is used. This shows that a distinction is being made between "the people" and "Soldiers" on purpose. A militia is not an army but a military force composed of ordinary citizens. [What is a Militia]
Do we still need this law?
Some may ask what a law written more than 200 years ago is needed. I'm sure most of you would say yes, but if you're "on the fence" or think that our gun rights should be removed then please take the time to read the article below.
3 Reason this Law Is Needed
Hunting is a Billion Dollar Industry
Every five years the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conduct a survey. According to the most recent results more than 12 million adults and youth are hunting annually. Those 12 million plus people hunted a total of 220 days, and took 185 million hunting trips. Hunting related sales including ammo, guns, and hunting guides is worth $22.9 billion a year. [Read Full Survey]
These are just the cut and dry financial statistics. What about the social and moral implications of this? The ability for a father to take his son on a hunting trip away from cell phones, computers, twitter, facebook, traffic, and enjoy some nice family bonding time. This sport teaches patience, a love for nature, respect for animals, gun safety, and self control. Father and Son photo by Carol Weston
Shooting is a Real Sport
Thousands of shooting organizations are present in the United States, and thousands of others are in other countries all over the world. Some of these groups hold competitions, and many of these events are even broadcasted on sports networks like ESPN and ESPN II.
Here are just a few..
- IPSC-IPSC shooters need to blend accuracy, power, and speed into a winning combination. Multiple targets, moving targets, targets that react when hit, penalty targets, or even partially covered targets, obstacles, movement, competitive strategies, and other techniques are all a part of IPSC to keep shooters challenged and spectators engaged.
- IDPA-The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 17,008, including members in 50 foreign countries.
- USA Shooting-USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995.
- NSCA-National Skeet Shooting Association is what it sounds like a Skeet Shooting Association.
- National Rifle Association-NRA's Competitive Shooting Division offers a wide range of activities in all types of shooting, for everyone from the novice to the world-class competitor. The NRA sanctions over 10,000 shooting tournaments and sponsors over 50 national championships each year.
The right to protect oneself and ones family is paramount in regards to a families ability to live safely and freely. The right to bear arms..the 2nd ammendment to the United States constitution is the protector of this god given right. Most Americans take this right for granted, and do not realize the peace that has been afforded by this law. While many persons associate guns with crimes, those who have been properly informed associate guns with safety. The best case in point may be the country of Sweden. The Swiss have one of the lowest crime rates in the entire world. They also have the right to bear..not just arms...but automatic weapons. Nearly every Swede between the ages of 20 and 30 must leagally keep his or her SIG SG 550 at home and in ready condition. I'm no criminal but if I were that would make me think twice about breaking into someones home.
Just for kicks read this article or watch the video. Teen mother shoots intruder to protect infant. Even those who are anti-gun can appreciate that bit of justice.
Just a little about the NRA
On November 17th, 1871, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded. After repeated attacks on the 2nd Amendment rights were reported in 1934, the NRA formed the Legislative Affairs Division in an effort to combat the issue. Then in 1975, NRA formed the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA). During World War II, the NRA offered its full support to the government. After the war, the NRA put it's main effort into educating and training the hunting community, as well as proper law enforcement training.
The annual National Matches, organized by the NRA, are the benchmark for excellence in marksmanship. Nowadays, near 6,000 people compete annually in various firearms.
The NRA has been the premier firearms education organization in the world and it is recognized as America's foremost defender of 2nd Amendment rights. If you want to ensure your childrens and grandchildrens right to bear arms please consider joining the NRA today.