A NEW LOOK AT THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

http://steven.newton1.home.att.net/ ^ | 2003 | Steven J. Newton

[Steve Newton]

Being an old police chief, I have had the opportunity to meet many politicians and almost invariably they will question me regarding my opinion on the right of citizens to carry concealed weapons. When I state my position that I think it’s a good idea, we usually wind up in a heated discussion about the evils of guns and all the harm they do. I remember a Governor telling me that he could not believe any police chief would be for carrying weapons when so many police officers die every year from being shot.

[sgtbono2002]

There are a few in every Post LOL

[Kadric]

Come on down to Alabama. After being in just about every State this is where I've decided to call home.

[Waco]

The victin(s) MUST have MINIMUM success, the perp MUST have MAXIMUM success. It's a modern American tradition, ask any politician.

[Steve Newton]

Thank you all for your comments and kind words.

God bless

Chief Steve Newton

[Steve Newton]

Thanks Larry and thank you for your service.

God bless brothers

Chief Steve Newton (ret)

[Steve Newton]

Good Question:

First and formost, stay out of the way, identify yourself, asked it they need assistance and obey all laws.

Steve

[Steve Newton]

Thanks Buddy

Chief Steve

[RikaStrom]

Wonderful.

The statistics are amazing.

[Smokin' Joe]

I mean no offense to Englishmen, but when the Second Amendment was being considered, former Colonials had won a nation using skills and arms which they posessed.

The battle of Lexington and Concord started when the British troops were mobilizing with the objective of siezeing powder and shot.

The second amendment was written with the thought in mind that if government ever became tyrannical again (an armed citizenry is a deterrent), it could be overthrown again by an armed populace.

An alternative interpretation to the common one, one supported by dictionary definitions ca 1814, is that the Army (the Militia, as defined) would be well regulated (controlled) by an armed populace (the people) exercising that individual right. That control is necessary to keep secure a Free State (free nation), otherwise, the army might sieze control.

The debate over maintaining a standing army in the Federalist Papers seems to support this conclusion as well. Despite the absence of formal martial training, the overwhelming majority of individuals, armed, in defiance of a renegade army, would be capable of overcoming the military force, if need be, and thus a standing army might be maintained so long as the people were armed. The main purpose was the prevention of the reestablishment of tyranny.

Hunting and self/family protection against predators, raiders, and thieves of all ilk were understood.

[Nov3]

I've been carrying for a while, and often wondered how I should/could ever offer assistance to a law enforcement officer in bad situations.

Don't do it regardless of what anyone says here. This is not the sixties when citizen's help was gladly accepted. Most officers would consider YOU a threat to their safety and react accordingly. At the very least it could cause confusion and you could end up sued or shot. Officers have a different mindset than 35+ years ago when members of my family were in LE.

Whatever happens you will not be the hero.

Note this may not apply in rural communities where everyone knows each other and the police are members of the local community. Even with that in today's climate I would just keep it holstered and let the officer deal with it. That is the way they want it.

[Steve Newton]

You know, I have thought about your question and I dont know if I responded adequatly. The best thing to do is contact your local P.D, county or highway patrol and ASK them what to do.

Good luck buddy

Steve

[Steve Newton]

Wow.

Great Site

Steve

[Steve Newton]

Probably the best advice. All should check with their local police.
Steve

[ConservativeWarrior]

I guess it's really going to come down to the particular situation and using good judgement.

I'm not anxious to be a hero, but I'd hate to see an officer or other bystanders die because I didn't act.

I was curious to hear the LEO opinions.

[DMZFrank]

Your point on local militias is well taken. Recall the ad hoc Korean local merchant militias that formed to defend themselves during the LA Rodney King riots when the LAPD was besieged in their district stations and the California National Guard was trying to round up their ammunition.

[Steve Newton]

Well,

It was a good question. Just so many legal and maybe deadly consequences to think about. I have contacted the President of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. Maybe he can throw some light on the subject.

Steve

[ConservativeWarrior]

Thanks for the feedback, Steve.

Thank you also for posting such an intersting article.

[Steve Newton]

Buddy:

Just got a response from the President of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. Still leaves an "if" but here is his response:

Steve,

I think you had some pretty good sugestions and my reply would be a bit stonger. Without police training, the citizen, even though armed, would prbably be in a hazardous situation. He or she would be wide open to civil liability. Even the bad guys sue these days keeping in mind the "deep pockets" theory. Unless its a life threatening situation, as a private citizen, even though legally armed, I'd be looking to call 911. As you say, the police officer involved, would not know the individual and unless he or she is getting the s.... kicked out of him or her, would probably opt to take care of the situiation without some unknown citizen with a weapon, even though posessed legally.

That's just my humble opinion.