The Gun....

The gun, in and of itself, can cause no harm unless it is handled foolishly or haphazardly.
It is a tool, an instrument meant for honing ones marksmanship skills or to be used in defense of life and property. The demonization of the gun by many is bewildering to me. In an ideal world, where there is no evil present, I would have to say the gun would be just a toy. However, we do not live in an 'ideal' world. And evil is prevalent everywhere we turn. If you take away guns, for fear that they will be used to cause harm. Then what is the next step? Ban knives because they can be used to harm someone? Or, bats because they can cause harm? How about rocks? Cain rose up and slew his brother with a rock. Should those be banned as well? Where does it all end?

One thing is for sure, it BEGINS with personal responsibility.

In the United States of America our founding fathers wanted to try a new 'novel' idea. They called it 'freedom'. This gave the opportunity for each individual to live life as they saw fit, provided their personal liberties didn't infringe upon another's. This was the reason government was created, to insure domestic tranquility as well as promote the common welfare. It is evident that right from the start the ideal wasn't followed to the letter. Any American Indian or African American can readily testify to that. However slowly the wheels have turned, freedom has become a reality for almost all in this country. That isn't to suggest we are at the 'ideal' place where we should be. But, a lot closer to it than in the past.

What is most disturbing, is that we have advanced so far, and yet there is a push to rescind some of the freedoms that were fought so hard for! How many thousands have spilled their very blood to get us where we are today? It seems to me that it would be a very cold heart indeed to discard what they laid down their lives for! Yet we have people in the government and citizens that are more than willing to throw away the freedoms that were purchased at such high cost!

If they don't value the freedom, that is totally their choice. However, to infringe on another's freedom is a different story. That was one of the reasons that our government was created in the first place - to PROTECT peoples liberties. Not to take them away!

There was a time in this country when it was a citizens duty to carry a gun! This is evidenced by a statement from Thomas Jefferson; We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles. The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; - Thomas Jefferson, 1824

One has to wonder what is going through the mind of those that are trying to alter our Bill of Rights and our Constitution. Can understand amending it to keep up with circumstances as they arise. But, to try and alter the very bedrock of the foundation is something else entirely! Is it any wonder there are so many conspiracy theories floating around? What else can one think except that there IS some type of conspiracy going on! Why would a judge argue that guns were not meant for private individuals when it is so clearly written on historic documents that is exactly what our fore-fathers intended? These politicians and officials that are perverting our laws are acting more like Nazi's than representatives or public servants!

If you were watching a friend rebuild his house and he started tearing it down from the bottom up. Wouldn't you warn that friend that it could all come tumbling down on his head? That type of thinking is what our fore-fathers used. They knew that tyranny was a common trait associated with power. And that if the public servant knew what was good for him, he had better toe the line! Because he faced an armed populace that was able to put down tyranny in an instant. It is the bedrock of the checks and balances system devised by our founders. Remember the phrase "Absolute power corrupts absolutely"? The founders assured that the 'power' was always to be in the hands of the people!

So I guess the point I'm trying to make is "Friend, perhaps you shouldn't be trying to tear down that foundation, or it can all come crashing down upon your head!"