“They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
For decades there has been a national argument between advocates for and against the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution. The argument flares most heatedly in the aftermath of mentally disturbed people murdering multiple victims in public places. We would do well to remember the above words of Benjamin Franklin whenever such a tragedy occurs.
The Historical Record of Government Banning of Firearms
What happens when governments outlaw the possession of firearms? There are dramatic examples in modern history.
Hitler’s Germany was responsible for 11 to 12 million noncombatant deaths. Stalin’s Soviet Union was even worse with upwards of 20 million deaths from execution, famine and disease. The grim champion of death by tyranny was Mao Tse Tung’s China with a death toll in the range of 70 million souls.
The citizens of Germany, Russia and China were at the mercy of their respective governments because they were unable to resist the will of evil men. The result was approximately 100 million innocent deaths by government dictates.
How Does the USA Compare?
As noted earlier, we often hear about America as a violent nation that needs national gun restrictions. Just how violent is our country when viewed in modern context? According to FBI records the number of homicides by firearm from 2006 through 2021 totaled 159,489. Over the span of 15 years the US had a murder rate of 0.16% compared to 20th century Germany, Russia and China. Obviously it is far riskier to surrender our 2nd Amendment rights than trust government control.
The Latest Challenge to the 2nd Amendment
The anti-gun lobby is proposing a new amendment to restrict gun ownership using left over PAC election funds. “The…proposal would raise the federal minimum age to buy a firearm to 21 from 18; mandate universal background checks; institute a “reasonable” waiting period for all gun purchases and ban assault rifles nationally.” Obviously several questions spring to mind:
1. Old enough to serve in combat and vote but not own a firearm?
2. Universal background checks are the first step to a national firearms database (useful for seizure purposes).
3. What is a “reasonable” waiting period for gun purchases? This is ripe for abuse.
4. What is an “assault rifle”? It can be comical listening to the anti-gun proponents try to answer this.
The Freudian Slip
In a delicious taste of irony, the PAC pushing the new gun control amendment claims the path to success will follow the roadmap for passage of the 17th Amendment (popular election of US senators). This roadmap depended heavily on Article V since many states were pressing for change. Congress yielded in the face of states calling for an Article V convention. Many opponents of COS are now considering the very same Article V procedures in order to achieve gun restriction goals.
What Did the Founders Say?
“A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined…” George Washington 1790
“What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms.” -Thomas Jefferson 1787
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined…. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun." -Patrick Henry 1778
Why is the 2nd Amendment Vital?
"We know that peace is the condition under which mankind was meant to flourish. Yet peace does not exist of its own will. It depends on us, on our courage to build it and guard it and pass it on to future generations."
These words from Ronald Reagan were directed at our national defense capability. They are equally applicable to our personal lives. Rising crime, mentally ill roaming the streets and Marxist rioters infringe on our peace and place the average citizen in increasingly dangerous situations. The right to defend hearth and home is an inalienable right given to us by the Almighty. It is up to us to strenuously insist on our 2nd Amendment right to self defense.
COSA encourages ALL US citizens to recognize that the 2nd Amendment grants “We the People” the right to defend our homes and families despite government whims. Regardless of political or cultural alignments, please forge relationships with your town, city, county, and state representatives. Let your local officials know in a respectful manner that you expect them to support our right to self defense under the 2nd Amendment.
