balefire88

I simply don't understand how someone can use the argument, "This is what the original framers intended."

I understand that our laws are based on the Constitution, and that laws cannot contradict it. That's why we have amendments. There's a reason the framers were wrong about slavery, were wrong about women, and were probably wrong about atleast a few other things. It's because they lived over 200 years ago. We don't hold all the same values today, because society has progressed a lot since then, although some would say we've actually regressed. Now this does not mean owning a gun in today's society is wrong. The framers may have been right about that one, but then again, maybe not. They weren't gods, they were men; and men make mistakes.

In the revolutionary era, having just won Independance from Britain after a war, it would have seemed rather prudent to the framers that people have weapons ready so that they may be called upon to defend the fledgeling nation. Also, the first 10 amendments were added to the Constitution partly to placate the Anti-Federalists who objected to the new Constitution. The framers agreed to the Bill of Rights as a compromise to get them to ratify it. Now, the Anti-Federalists were worried that a powerful central government would become tyrannical as the British government had been. So, a right to bear arms was also a way for the people to fight the government if such fears came to pass. Why is this historical information important? It provides context. (Ref: The American Revolution -- Edward Countryman)


Personal feelings about the 2nd Amendment:
To me, the historical circumstances make the 2nd Amendment seem outdated in today's times. Protest tends to be mostly non-violent, which I believe in, so I don't feel I need a gun to protest against my government; especially in the United States. I think if there is a war against a foreign country, the government will provide enough weapons. Hopefully, there won't be any wars. I unfortunately don't have the necessary reading done to make an informed opinion on whether gun ownership increases or decreases crime rates.