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you sound so certain...LMAO!
Yep.
Anyway, I have posted my opening statement. Good luck.
you sound so certain...LMAO!
Iriemon, I've read your opinions and you make good points. but what do most people believe? that's what I'm saying. If most Republicans and most Democrats say that the second protects an individual's right to own guns, then there's a consensus. It's a fact. Polls back up my statements.
If you truly dispute the contention that there is a general consensus that the second amendment guarantees the right of individuals to own guns, then demonstrate how there is not a majority opinion on the issue. show me the public opinion polls. arguing against the meaning of the words doesn't do that.
just FYI, here are links of interest.
GunCite-Second Amendment-Original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment
Literary Analysis
I've reviewed the thread and found it interesting.I don't know what the polls are, Nifty, and I don't particularly care, really. You may be right in that most folks believe there is such a right. I do believe, however (correct me if you think I am wrong) that a majority of people favor restrictions on gun ownership -- a position which is inconsistent with the concept that the constitution guarantees the right to own guns.
If there was a constitutional right to own guns then the many gun restriction and regulation laws around the country would have been struck down. The vast majority of court decisions have held there is no constitutional right for individuals to own guns. However, the Supreme Court had never decided the issue.
Whether it is liberal or conservative, however, there is definitely a line of thought (representing the vast majority of legal decisions) that the second amendment was not made to guarantee blacks and crazy folks could own guns, but that the right to keep and bear them was necessary for a well regulated militia. A "well-regulated" militia would ensure that the possession of the guns was limited to those who were responsible and desirable (ie no blacks) used in a responsible manner.
As for the merits of my contention as to this argument, please review the thread I cited for the arguments made, and after reading that, if you have any additional or new points or arguments, I'll gladly consider them. I don't have the time or inclination to regurgitate that entire thread.
I've reviewed the thread and found it interesting.
If you familiarized yourself with all the public opinion polls regarding the second amendment, you'd find that most people, Conservatives and Liberals alike, have contradictory opinions on the issue, which are not reconcilable.
Part of my whole deal here is simply to point out (to M14 Shooter) that it is impossible to characterize the debate as pro-gun-right and anti-gun-left. This is impossible to do in light of the facts. I tried to warn him but he wouldn't accept it.
Some people just go thru life with their hands over their eyes and ears, I guess.