The Right To Keep and Bear Arms

The Right To Keep and Bear Arms.
What does that mean to you?



Does it mean that you can own a firearm?
Does it mean that you can carry a firearm in public?
Does it mean that you can show off your new pistol to your friends down at the bar?
Does it mean that you have a right to protect yourself and your loved ones and your property?

What the heck does it mean anyway?
If you don't know and are interested in doing any research, you might start HERE.

But, just get a copy of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Federalist Papers, The Anti-Federalist Papers, and read them.

That's right... actually sit down and READ them!

There have been several court battles over the true meaning of the 2nd Amendment. The latest being the Heller Case in 2008.

But, frankly, The Founders were of the opinion that the 'right of self protection' was a God given right, and that the Second Amendment to The U.S. Constitution was only a formalization of an accepted principle.

Luckily for us, they DID write it down!
Many politicians have tried, and are still trying, to take firearms away from law abiding citizens of these United States!

Some states, like Illinois and New York and California are very ANTI-gun. They won't allow even the possession of a firearm unless you jump through many silly and protracted 'hoops', fill out endless paperwork, and wait the prescribed amount of time for final approval to purchase a firearm!

How stupid it that?

Oh, I know... I've heard it all before. Guns are dangerous!
Where there are guns there is crime!
Guns need to be regulated and registered and controlled!

Well, yes, guns are lethal weapons.
But guns don't kill people... People kill people.
It's the criminal behavior that is the cause of the violence... not the gun!

But Liberals would have you believe otherwise, and would insist that you turn in your guns for lollipops or some such nonsense - just so they can CONTROL the society, without the threat of any possible rebellious uprising by 'the people' with their guns!

Back when our Nation was very young, feelings were very strong about self defense and self protection. And, the young Nation was very concerned of the possibility that another tyrant like King George would rise to power and repress the citizens.

Liberty was the most important ideal of the time... and still is.

Thomas Jefferson even said, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure."

So the right to keep and bear arms has been a very long standing tradition in America.

Recently, I had a discussion with an uninformed citizen in an online forum about 'refreshing the tree of liberty' and was informed that I was being 'fast and loose' with the phrase and was accused of inciting rebellion or murder... The actual spilling of blood!

I tried several attempts to convince the individual that the phrase was much broader than he realized. 'Refreshing the tree of liberty' not only means the taking of human life, but also the sacrifice of human life... most likely MINE!

Murder will be decided by a court of law.
It's the commitment to carry out the act; the act of self defense, the actual firing of the gun to protect yourself, that is so important, and must be fully understood!

That is precisely the responsibility one must consider when one decides to carry a weapon in public!

When you put a pistol in your pocket or in a holster on your belt, you had better have a license to do so, and a firm understanding of the possible consequences if you use that pistol!

If you decide to use the gun during the commission of a crime, you will go to jail for a very long time! DO NOT DO IT!

If you use the gun to defend yourself our your loved ones, YOU MAY STILL GO TO JAIL!

You must understand that the use of deadly force is to be considered ONLY as a last resort! If you are prepared to take a life, you must be prepared to give your own life.

This is the responsibility of carrying a weapon in public or defending your home with a firearm.

These are GRAVE circumstances NOT to be taken lightly!

The Founders understood this concept and made it clear that Americans have the God given right of self protection.

If you stop and think about it, it's not much different than driving a car. You don't wear the seatbelt because you plan to be in an accident. You wear it 'in case' you're in an accident.

One doesn't carry a gun planning to shoot someone... One carries a gun for protection, just like a seat belt.

A car is a moving vehicle and a lethal weapon if carelessly operated. The gun doesn't do anything unless the 'operator' causes it to function!

The Right To Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental principle of American Law and a big part of the way Americans have lived for hundreds of years.

If you wish to exercise your 2nd Amendment Rights and own or carry a firearm, first, respect the law.

Contact your local police department and fill out the necessary paperwork to obtain a license to carry your gun. Be advised that they will conduct a thorough background check, so if there is anything untoward in your personal history, you might be denied the license.

Get professional training on how to operate the gun safely and accurately and inform your family of the necessity of personal protection. DO NOT BE A VICTIM!

AT ALL TIMES, cooperate with law enforcement officials. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation, roll down the window, place your hands on the steering wheel and inform the officer that you are licensed to carry a firearm and you DO have a firearm on your person and tell him/her where it is. DO NOT BE STUPID!

Learn weapon safety.
Learn The 4 rules!

1. All guns are always loaded. No exceptions.
Don’t " pretend" that this is true; be deadly serious about it.

2. Never let the muzzle cover(point at), anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
a. You cannot line up any faster than you can position your trigger finger, and there is no need to fire an unaligned weapon.
b. Most accidental discharges occur as a result of a violation of this rule.

4. Be sure of your target.
Know what it is, what it is in line with, and what is behind it.
Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.
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Owning a weapon is a great responsibility. Honor it.

Honor the other law abiding gun owners in America with your good and honorable behavior.

Stay Safe!