Your personal page indicates that you will “support and defend”- just what is it that you will suport and defend?
The constitution? That includes the 2nd Amendment, an enumerated right of the people. The teeth of this republic are contained therein; the only power to resist tyranny of government is for the people to be able to prevent it, just as our forefathers stated in so many words.
The 2A, therefore, does not apply merely to any sporting use, but certainly the military use of arms in keeping our government in check-any government, and for common defense and security (read anti-crime).
Okay, the 50 cal BMG is a powerful round, one that was developed for use in a heavy machine gun back in 1928 by John M Browning.
Indeed this caliber is effective out past 1000 yards, as are most high powered rifles of lessor caliber.
The idea that a 50 can “shoot down” an aircraft with a few shots is ridicuclous-thousands of archived accounts of WW2 with the M2 50 cal prove that it is indeed a rarity to knock down even a light aircraft with a few hundred rounds-shot to hit ratios exceed 2000 rounds-this during wartime with experienced gunners....
Also, “penetrate 1 inch of steel at 1000 yards”? Not likely. Mil spec standarads for 50 AP indicate the ability to penetrate .5 inch armor plate at a mere 200 yards, not anywhere close to 1” at a grand.
Your son uses or is involved in the use of M107 50 cal sniper rifles in the 10th Mtn, what does he think? Is the big 50 a wonder gun? Not in my rather extensive experiences. It just provides additional stand-off range to protect our ground forces while they do they heavy lifting.
Just what would constitute an appropriate level of power/range suitable for civilian use? A 22, a 30 cal, a 45 cal????? Is not the militia “the whole of the people, except for a few public officials” (Militia Act of 1792)?
Who cares about suitability for civilian uses, just what is a civilian use??
Barret Firearms, one of the largest makers of 50 cal rifles (over 3000 made for the US Army alone) now refuses to sell or service his rifles to any agency in the state of CA et al simply because he knows the deal-guns for the government, but not the people is a formula for oppression.
As to the good Gen from the HI National Guard; since when does the military engage in politics? Not done-poor form, shame on the him!! He should stick to just the facts, not his opinions. If this bill passes, then he will have to find other sources for his arsenal of 50s, as Ronnie Barrett should follow through and cancel his dealing with the state guard or LEAs. I hear Russia is making a knock-off 12.5 mm heavy rifle, the people of Murfreesboro, TN would appreciate it if they still can make the rifles for the state of HI....
Disarming the America people is the only step required to completely abbrogate the US Constitution-which is just what many in government(s) desire.
Admiral Yamamoto (sp-sorry if I butchered it) said about the Attack on the US at Pearl- “I think all we have done is awaken a sleeping giant”, and when asked about invasion of the US, he is quoted as stating “ It would fail, there is a rifle behind every blade of grass”.
Civilian ownership and the bearing of arms IS the deterrent to most hazards our country faces.
God Bless
I have posted that I errored in my original comment. I do not advocate the banning of firearm ownership. I reacted to the article without fully thinking, and I offer my apology for that.