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Health & Fitness

Gun Control and the Bill of Rights

Gun control and the Bill of Rights

This is my take on this knee-jerk, political rush to gun control and the outlandish comments by those on the left.

We have a problem in this country and it isn't the guns. We have a mental health issue and ironically enough, the left was instrumental in creating it. In the old days, we institutionalized those deemed insane and/or a danger to themselves and/or society. As the ACLU and other "do gooder" groups filed suit against such institutionalization, those people have been turned loose on the streets. Since those people have the same rights as we do, they have the ability to legally buy guns. New York enacted a law yesterday that requires doctors to notify the State if they are treating someone they think could be a threat. What happened to patient confidentiality? It starts there and who knows where it goes? What is the next thing they are going to require doctors to report? (I smell Obamacare battles in the making.)

The second amendment to the constitution (see Bill of Rights) guarantees the right of all citizens to keep and bare arms. It does not say what types of arms. The amendment does not list hunting and target shooting as the purpose. "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." The POTUS does not have the authority, even though he seems to think he does, to pick and choose which of the Rights are valid. He cannot change our constitution with the stroke of his (auto) pen.

We have seen this president and those on the left side of the aisle in congress attempt to infringe on our Rights of religious freedom (1st Amendment) and now our right to bare arms (2nd Amendment). What is next? Little bit by little bit they are whittling away at our freedoms. Whether you like guns or not should not be the point. The point should be, are you willing to let them take OUR rights away? It won't be long before they attack something YOU care about. Which of the Rights are you willing to give up? Read these and tell us which rights you want to give up. Make sure to read the Preamble!

Here are the Bill of Rights. 
The Bill of Rights: A Transcription

The Preamble to The Bill of Rights

Congress of the United States
begun and held at the City of New-York, on
Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.

Note: The following text is a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form. These amendments were ratified December 15, 1791, and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

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 III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

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