The Controversy of the Second Amendment of the Constitution 997 words (2.8 double-spaced pages) Red (FREE)
I. INTRODUCTION:
The Second Amendment to the Constitution(Second Amendment) of the United States of America(USA) is one of the most controversial. The Second Amendment specifically grants that, "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed"
The way that an individual interprets the wording of the Second Amendment influences their point of view on who has the right to "keep and bear arms" (Amendment 2). The controversy brought on by the Second Amendment is because the Second Amendment does not clearly define whom "the people" are. This ambiguity has left room for action by legislative bodies and the courts to pass laws and make interpretations that influence the way this Amendment is applied and enforced. The Second Amendment says, "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." (Amendment 2).
A central argument put forth by gun-control advocates is that since there is no longer a "militia", that individuals should lose their rights to own a gun. They often assert that the term "militia" should now be defined as each state's National Guard or Reserves. On the other hand, anti gun control advocates argue that the Second Amendment clearly states that the people have the right to own and bear arms even if they are not part of an organized militia.
II. ANTI GUN CONTROL ACTIVISTS VIEWS AND BASIS
Anti-gun control activists interpret the Second Amendment as saying that any individual, weather he be in the military or not, should be allowed to own firearms.
Anti-gun control activists believe that the constitutional right granted by the Second Amendment should never be taken away because it would completely violate the purpose the bill of rights (LaPierre, 1 of 2). Thomas Jefferson said, "The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." An unknown author once said, "An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject."
Self-protection is one of the most common reasons for wanting to own firearms. Anti-gun control activists believe that they have the right to protect their family and their homes, two of the most important things in life (A man's home is his castle). An unknown author said, "A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone."
Anti-gun control activists believe that it unconstitutional to take away a right that the Second Amendment specifically states shall not be taken away["the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed"] (open secrets, 1 of 3).
III. GUN CONTROL ACTIVISTS VIEWS AND BASIS
Gun control activists believe that ordinary law abiding citizens owning guns makes the country unsafe for everyone, especially children. Gun control activists believe that guns kept in the home are unsafe, especially for children. They often say that having guns in the home makes children more susceptible to finding their parent's gun, and having a life-threatening accident or attack. (open secrets, 1 of 3).
Gun control activists cite the recent rise in shootings occurring in schools, such as the infamous Columbine incident as an example of why guns should not be kept in the home. An unknown author stated, "Gun control is not about guns; it's about control".
Gun control activists believe that making it harder for ordinary law abiding citizens to purchase guns(or even eliminating the right to own guns) would make the United States a safer country for everyone to live in.( Helmke, 1 of 3). An unknown author once stated, "Criminals love gun control--it makes their jobs safer".
The long-term goal of Gun control activists appears to be to stop all citizens from purchasing weapons, or at a minimum, make it more difficult to do so.
IV. PRO-SECOND AMENDMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NRA) AND WHY PEOPLE JOIN
Gun control is such an important right to many individuals that they will go to great lengths to preserve it. Some citizens join organization, such as the NRA to show their support for their right to keep and bear arms. Others show their support by donating to organizations such as the NRA. (2 Wayne).
Many small contributions made to anti gun control organizations can make a big difference in whether or not gun control laws are passed defeated or vetoed (Eugene 1 of 1).
Anti gun control organizations are successful at persuading both US and state senators and congressional representative to pass laws in favor of their positions(Eugene1 of 1.)
V. CONCLUSION
The right to keep and bear arms is relentlessly attacked by those who believe the Second Amendment provision that "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed" has no place in today's society. No matter how long it may take, those in favor of the Second Amendment will fight to keep what they believe to be their constitutional right to "keep and bear arms". On the other hand, gun control activists will do anything in their power to have laws passed to infringe on and limit the rights granted by the Second Amendment. The position of gun control activists is that harsh gun control laws, strictly limiting our Second Amendment rights, will the USA a safer place to live. Despite endless arguments and controversy, the struggle to liberally interpret, or strictly limit, the rights granted by the Second Amendment seem certain to continue. The passion that this controversy brings out in its advocates can best be described by a quote from Charlton Heston, former head of the NRA. While raising an antique Sharps Rifle over his head at the 2000 NRA convention, he said that presidential candidate Al Gore would take away his Second Amendment rights "from my cold, dead hands".