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So you think owning C4 plastic explosives is a right?

I have a two part answer.

First, we were talking about firearms, not explosives. You are doing what so many anti-gunners do, which is to change the debate in mid-stream. I should be happy, I guess, that you didn't jump to the question of the private ownership of nuclear weapons right away, since this is what usually happens. Even a moron knows that discussing the ownership of firearms and nuclear weapons are two different things.

Now if you you want to discuss whether I think the private ownership of high explosives is a protected right, my answer is yes. And in fact, the federal government agrees with me for the most part, as does society. Most private individuals can own and utilize high explosives. What the hell concern is it of yours if I want to go out on my farm and blow up a car, just for the hell of it?

I believe that all citizens (until they screw up and are convicted of most felonies) have an unquestioned right to own unregistered firearms...whether single shot or semiautomatic, small or large. Frankly in my world that would include machine guns. Private arms in the hand of citizens are the vaccine against tyranny by the state.

But I recognize the reality here. So I favor the continued ability of citizens to own machine guns and would repeal the 1986 ban on new machine gun transfers to individuals. I would merely request that all citizens be able to own machine guns after paying a nominal (less than 200 dollar) tax.

I also believe that ownership of larger weapons should be allowed, but registration would be required. This would include howitzers, pack guns, grenades, mortars, etc. In fact, current law permits this but a 200 dollar tax must be paid on each explosive device.

At some point I do draw the line, because the line is drawn on use even in government. No, I do not think private individuals should be allowed the ownership of nuclear weapons, but I do not think that states should own nukes. Even on a military level, the use of nuclear weapons is not an individual decision, unlike that of machine guns, mortars, explosives, etc. Much as Bush might want to, say, nuke the headquarters of the DNC, he cannot, even though he is commander in chief.