If the Constitution trumps plain common sense, freedom is lost.

[redneckgaijin]

I believe, and continue to believe, that all humans have the right of self-defense... and, therefore, the right to possess the means necessary for self-defense. This includes lethal firearms.

However, I do NOT believe people have the right to endanger other people, either through deliberate action, reckless negligence, or simple incompetence or incapacity.

And that's why I grind my teeth when I read about a state that thinks letting blind people carry guns in public is a good idea.

Blind people. With guns.

To paraphrase a certain comedian, how do you make a noise that ain't like a mugger?

Add to this the recent fatal shootout that a 107-year-old man had with the police, and the only question to be asked is: why is the right to own a gun held more important in this country than the right to not be shot?

Add to this the spreading use of "pre-emptive self defense" to justify shooting others without warning, and it becomes even more clear that the legendary "responsible gun owner" is a lot rarer creature than we previously thought.

I know quite a few gun-rights people whose brains just switch off whenever the subject comes up. On most other subjects they are persuadable, thoughtful individuals, but mention any object designed to propel a small projectile out of a metal cylinder for the purpose of punching holes in something a good ways away and they transform into NRA parrots. "ABSOLUTE RIGHT! TYRANNY! BALLOT BOX OR AMMO BOX! ARMED SOCIETY POLITE SOCIETY!" etc.

How much longer will these people continue to deny the bloody obvious- there are some people who just plain cannot be trusted with devices that make death simple, easy, and cheap?

I don't call for the repeal of the Second Amendment because I doubt that any form of self-defense would survive said repeal... but some limit on the right to keep and bear arms is necessary, unless we're willing to write off "the right to keep breathing" as a Constitutionally protected right.

EDIT: Another bad example of the "An Armed Society is a Polite Society" crowd. What kind of mentality is it, that makes one willing to kill to protect a goddamn DRIVEWAY?

Comments

[starcat-jewel.livejournal.com]

I agree with the content of your post, but I do have to take some issue with the title. There are things which used to be considered "plain common sense" that the Constitution is clearly intended to trump, such as discrimination and racism. The difference you're seeing is between a common-sense interpretation of the Constitution itself and an extremist-fanatic one.

[notthebuddha.livejournal.com]

Blind people can own and possess cars without a problem, and if they arrange for appropriate, adequate assistance to operate the car they can enjoy the benefits of its use.

The same should go for guns.


BTW, next time someone says "armed society polite society", ask if they mean like Syria? Iraq? Sierra Leone? Afganistan?

[redneckgaijin.livejournal.com]

Not the same thing. Iowa is issuing CARRY PERMITS to blind people- that is, not just permits to own, but permits to CARRY IN PUBLIC THEMSELVES, without assistance. Iowan law- and the federal Constitution- make no exceptions for physical incapability when it comes to the right to pack heat.