Amendment II
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.
The United States has been hit with tragedy this year that is completely senseless. There have been so many heartbreaking events that have occurred, to people who did nothing to deserve it. There seems to be an uprising in mindless shootings in the United States, and therefore the issue of gun control is now the hottest subject within the United States.
There's an old saying that says "ignorance is bliss." I believe this statement to be absolutely true. I believe this saying is true in the issue of gun control. The obvious reaction of most people when these tragedies occurred in the United States is to change the Second amendment and take away the right of American citizens to bear arms. It seems like it would be the best solution to a problem. Without civilians being able to own guns, there will be less crime right? That will stop a 20 year old gunman from entering an elementary school full of children and mercilessly murdering them right? Clearly if that happened, people would be able to go see a movie in peace right? On the surface, this may seem the solution. But in reality, those solutions are the equivalent of putting a band-aid over a deep wound. It gives the illusion of healing the issue, but deep down it'll only get worse.
I know that everyone has an opinion on this issue. Everyone should. But for some reason, it seems like decisions on this issue are being made from an emotional standpoint, not a logical one.
I had a teacher today tell me that he thought the Second amendment is old-fashioned, and out of date. I was shocked and appalled that while I was sitting in a classroom, in America, an educator stated that one of the fundamental foundations of this Nation was outdated. I was even more shocked and appalled that the majority of students in my class agreed with him. I am a very passionate, opinionated, out-spoken person. When that statement stirred up a conversation, I was more than willing to insert my opinion. First of all, I believe that anyone who thinks the foundations of the United States are no longer relevant should find another country to live in. By being an American citizen, it is your responsibility to honor what our forefathers intended this great Nation to be. Change is a good thing, if it is change in the right direction. And in my opinion, there has been far to much negative change within the United States already. I think that the founders of this Country would be distraught over the state the United States is in today. I also believe that if we as a Nation continue to make decisions based on our emotions, we will continue to crumble. No one is more heartbroken than I am over the events that occurred over 2012. But instead of taking away the only way people have to defend themselves, why not educate and prepare people for tragedies like the ones that have happened? In Israel, teachers are all trained and armed with firearms in their classrooms. School shootings don't happen in Israel. When I made this point in class, I was told " I don't think it's wise to create an environment of fear within the school system. Educators jobs are to teach students, and give them a positive, fun experience." To which I replied, "I'm sure it's a positive and fun experience to get shot up. Better to be safe than sorry." While the likelihood of the school your child attends being attacked are very slim, I think it would incredibly beneficial to be prepared for a situation like that.
Benjamin Franklin said "Those who would give up essential liberties, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." To me this sums up everything to do with gun control. Sure, we can temporarily fix a problem. Maybe. But if we change the liberty and right to defend ourselves, than we don't deserve to be defended. If this essential liberty is altered, what will be next? America was built as a free Nation, with laws to ensure that freedom. Taking away guns takes away so many freedoms. And the worst part is that any criminal that wants to find weapons to do harm, will.
I know I will have a lot of people agree with this post. I know i'll have a lot that won't. If you agree with me, I am so glad that we can stand together in this. And if you disagree with me, I hope you change your mind. I'm not sorry if I offended you. I will never apologize for the truth, and I will never apologize for standing for something that is right.
"Banning gun shows to reduce violent crime will work about as well as banning auto shows to reduce drunken driving."
--- Bill McIntire, Spokesman for the National Rifle Association
If the price I must pay for my freedom is to acknowledge that the government was granted the power to infringe on them, then I am not free.
--- Pol Anderson
Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage then to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.
--- Thomas Jeffersonhttp://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/09/vice-president-to-meet-with-gun-safety-groups/?
Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback. I would love to hear what you have to say on this vital issue.
