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To: ninenot
The right to own an AR-15 is inalienable,

No it's not.

The right to keep and bear arms is, "inalienable". There is a difference. The word "inalienable is not a synonym for "absolute". Some of you "Neo- pro-gunners have come late to the discussion with only half a brain (as well as half-grown-up). In your case, with your attitude, I don't think you should have an AR-15 (and before you puff up your, "My gun is bigger than yours!" muscle, I had to use an M-16, which by the way, I thought inferior to an M-14). I might allow you a revolver, which in the right hands, is plenty of gun.

As for being a Democrat, FYI, I was a young Republican for Goldwater and contributed as much money as I could and campaigned a great deal for Ronald Reagan. I don't think you have the experience or credentials to question my loyalty to the Republican Cause, the Constitution or the 2nd Amendment.

I stand by my "maturity" remark. There are a lot of persons at the range with AR's, Sk's and 14 rnd. Glock's that I would not go hunting with or share a foxhole.

The reason the press has coined the sobriquet, "Gun-nut", is because there are now quite a few "squirrels" in the firearm club.

Those of you who know your guns, know that these "squirrels" are around and doing both the hunter and RKBA'er a lot of harm. Those of you that are these squirrels, know who you are and protest when you're caught being squirrely (you're usually arrested too).

262 posted on 02/25/2003 11:12:17 AM PST by elbucko (Molon Labe! But you can have the "Squirrels".)
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To: elbucko
OK, credentials: I, too, had to use the M-16 and agree with you that the M-14 was superior--especially since the 16's we used really did not like sand, dirt, humidity, or jelly rolls.

As to inalienable: my use of the term was imprecise. The right to self-defense (part of the right to life) is inalienable. Following from this is the right to utilize whatever is necessary for such self-defense. ALSO following from this right is the right (also inalienable) to appropriate OFFENSIVE conduct, albeit much more circumscribed. This corollary, BTW, is the one GWB is using to justify our impending cleanup of Iraq's gummint.

In essence, your claim that there is no "right" to an AR15 is only correct ASSUMING that there is another, more appropriate, weapon available; and in the case of (much less likely) required OFFENSIVE actions, your logic denying the use of an AR is invalid, as the AR (or .30-06) is a far better offensive weapon than any 6-gun.

As to the 'lacking maturity' argument you posit: until there is some reliable methodology of determining 'maturity,' I am afraid that we will have to defer the question. Although I have also had reservations about some people's attitudes about usage of guns, I have NEVER encountered an individual who has recklessly abused the privilege. BY FAR, the most "reckless disregard" is encountered from criminals.

A good understanding of the moral imperatives in weapons usage is still promulgated by GOA, NRA, and Jeff Cooper, although rarely termed as "moral instruction."

While I grant that mistakes can and will be made, it is not within our ken to discern "maturity." As a result, regardless of the potential for regrettable accidents, such a concept cannot be applied as a limitation on the "right to keep and bear arms."

Your court.
264 posted on 02/26/2003 7:26:19 AM PST by ninenot
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