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The people are all part of the country’s citizen militia

Randy Jones, Park City

In reply to Glenn Wright (Jan. 16, 2013), I respond first to his misstatements regarding the meaning and purpose of the U.S. Constitution’s 2ndAmendment. I write as a member of no political party, nor the NRA. I do not claim to be a member of any particular classification other than "American."

In our Constitution, the term "militia" does not now nor has it ever meant "national guard." In the words of George Mason, who co-authored the actual amendment: "I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people." Mason also said, "To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them." Mason’s words are very clear, so stop trying to spin them into something else.

We, the people, are all part of the citizen militia, and as a result have a duty to preserve and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Sadly, many people choose to ignore this important responsibility. Many also choose to ignore their right to bear arms. But rest assured that many, many law-abiding Americans embrace both.

Mr. Obama and his proxies are missing a crucial distinction in our current national debate. Of course we all stand firmly united against madmen and criminals shooting innocent people. Unfortunately, the proposals and executive orders floated from the administration last week are almost entirely symbolic, and will be of little real value in making anybody safer. So, even after these recent tragedies, it’s politics as usual in Washington, and those who make violent movies and video games still get a free pass. I don’t support censorship there either, but why is it that the administration has gone suddenly silent on these possible links to people that might be more likely to commit violence? Why not spend more CDC resources studying that, and stop pushing out executive fiats that mean nothing to criminals and the mentally ill?

Of course the 2nd Amendment has limits. Do I need an RPG at home to defend myself and my family? Probably not. I can accept not carrying a gun on an airplane because I trust the marshals and other professionals to keep us safe there. But otherwise it’s about having choices. Do I get to choose when or how a burglar breaks into my home? No. Do I get to say where or why the next madman walks into a room and threatens people with a gun? No, I don’t. So instead I have made a simple choice to protect myself, my family, and others. Don’t stomp on my rights as a citizen, and I will do my level best to not stomp on yours.


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