Second Amendment V. Gun Control

In The Beginning…December  "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”  As part of the Bill of Rights  Civic Duty to Act in Concert in Defense of the State  Resistance to Oppression  District of Columbia et al. v. Heller  Individuals right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.

Right to Carry a Concealed Handgun  The right to carry concealed handguns is guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the Constitution.  Most adults who carry concealed handguns are law-abiding and do not misuse their firearms.  Concealed handguns prevent crime  Responsible citizens should have the right to arm themselves against criminals with guns.  Concealed handguns protect people who cannot always rely on police forces for protection.  The majority of Americans support allowing the concealed carry of handguns.

Examples of Exercise of Self Defense

Why Americans Own Guns  Protection  Target Shooting  Hunting

Regulation of Firearms  Where does the power of congress to regulate firearms come from? Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, of the U.S. Constitution. Commerce Clause - Congress may regulate commercial activity between the states and commerce with foreign countries.  Australia – stricter gun ownership laws – 50% reduction in risk of dying by gunshot.  1979 to ,000 people assaulted by criminals with firearms. High profile shootings led to enactment of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention act. National background check required.  54 percent of Americans support very strict gun laws while 91 percent support background checks. Poll CBS sample size 620 +/- 4% margin error  mass shootings – 49 legal owned firearms – ½ used assault weapons or high capacity magazines – a shooter with a handgun or shotgun would not be able to take as many lives  Armed civilian intervention of a mass shooting – once in thirty years

CategoryPercentage Owning a Firearm Households42% Individuals30% Male47% Female13% White33% Nonwhite18% Republican41% Independent27% Democrat23%

The Swiss Difference: A Gun Culture That Works

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Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto "You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass."