(click on title which is linked to the article on KABA).
Hello Rob,
Understand your concern about the resemblance of the toy to the 'real thing'. And, I can see where it can present a possible danger to kids that have one. For there could arise a circumstance where an officer of the law could mistakenly identify the 'toy' as the 'real thing' and possibly shoot a youngster. It has happened before.
The manufacturer of the 'toy' should have exercised more caution in their design of the 'toy'. And made its appearance to be easily recognizable as such. It was very irresponsible on their part and shows an incredible lack of judgment.
There are a couple of inaccuracies that I would like to point out in your article, if I may. First, the AR-15 rifle was not illegal, (except within a very few states, which don't recognize the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution - which is illegal in and of itself). There were certain 'features' of the gun which were banned, such as removable muzzle-brakes, magazine capacity of over 10 rounds and collapsible butt-stocks, - on guns made after Sept. 1994.
Second, your statement of; "In fact, to be honest, I've always been somewhat bewildered by the American male's obsession with guns." While I understand that it is a personal opinion, it somehow reeks of an 'Anti-Gun' attitude prevalent in the media these days.
The Founders of our country had experienced TYRANNY in Europe and by the actions of the British in the colonies. They knew that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Which is the reasoning used in the Framing of the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution. Many of the Founders perceived having an armed populace as a duty to the Republic and a Right granted by God. That should the 1st Amendment prove itself ineffective against perceived tyranny, then the people had the RIGHT to put it down with the 2nd Amendment. It was and still is, (however illegally perverted it has become - by many on the state and federal level of our government), part of the 'checks and balances' system devised by the Founders.
The intent of the Founders is made crystal clear in a number of statements they made in their writings;
"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.”
- George Washington
"What, sir, is the use of militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty. . . Whenever Government means to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise a standing army upon its ruins."
- Elbridge Gerry, Debate, U.S. House of Representatives, August 17, 1789
"As the military forces which must occasionally be raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow citizens, the people are confirmed by the next article (of amendment) in their right to keep and bear their private arms."
- Tench Coxe, Federal Gazette, June 18, 1789
The militia, who are in fact the effective part of the people at large, will render many troops quite unnecessary. They will form a powerful check upon the regular troops, and will generally be sufficient to over-awe them."
- Tench Coxe, Delegate to Continental Congress, Oct. 21, 1787
I could go on if needed. But, I think you get the idea. There is a battle being waged in our country, taking place just under the surface. There have been and are continuing to be assaults upon our God given and Constitutionally protected Rights. There are people whom have made it their DUTY, and Rightfully so, to keep watch on the media and their reporting of the facts relating to guns. I would expect that you probably won't read this due to the massive bombardment of E-Mail that you, undoubtedly, will receive. However, because of your statement of support for our 2nd Amendment, I thought you should have the opportunity to perhaps reexamine some of your other statements. And spot where there may have been a misconception or misunderstanding of the facts.
Am merely making an observation and offering a difference of opinion - the intent is not to 'bash' you or your opinion. Am trying to fulfill my patriotic duty and inform my fellow citizens of just what the original intent of our Founders was. As well as to help ensure the protection of our LIBERTIES and RIGHTS.
Regards,
E. David Quammen
Am of the believe that it is our DUTY, as advocates for our RKBA, to inform and correct if necessary. Especially so when it comes to the media. Who frequently paint the picture that guns are an abhorrent 'evil'. The media is one of the main tools used in shaping public opinion. And, as such we should jump at the chance to wisely use it as often as we can.
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