Checks and Balances

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government" - Thomas Jefferson

Our government set up the three separate branches of government as a means to limit the power of any one branch. A brilliant maneuver that has undoubtedly saved us from a more intrusive government. Well, there is another clause in the Constitution that was created in order to limit power of the federal government, and that is the right to bear arms. Although we would like to believe we can trust those we place into power, there is no better way to prevent tyranny than knowing that our citizens are armed and dangerous!

There are many on the left that want to strip you of your right to bear arms. These are the same people that do not seem to comprehend the true meaning of liberty. No, you cannot maintain liberty while at the same time, limiting political speech on the radio, forcing you to work 3-6 months to supply revenue to the government, and stripping away your only true defense against a potentially tyrannous Federal government.

I understand that guns are considered a plague when they fall into the wrong hands. Yes, many innocent people have died as a result of firearms. Unfortunately, this is the negative fallout that occurs when living in a free society. Yes, in a free society, people are evicted from homes they can’t afford, people fall ill due to poor diets, and there is always going to be unnecessary death from irresponsible use of firearms.

I have always been confused by the left’s aggressive stance against the peoples’ right to defend ourselves. Never knowing what a person keeps under his or her car seat or in their nightstand prevents many crimes from ever occurring. And let’s explore this frightening scenario…..although I respect what police officers do, I realize they are human beings and susceptible to devious behavior. Can you imagine a world where only police officers may carry firearms? Can you imagine how easy it would be for a rogue police officer to take advantage of his position of power even further? Very Orwellian.

Rather than limiting the ability to own firearms, let’s focus on enforcing laws against illegal firearms or irresponsible use of firearms. Create laws that would cause someone to second guess ever carrying an illegal firearm or letting their weapons fall into the wrong hands. This is no different than making alcohol illegal. It is our right to drink it, but once we act irresponsibly or put others’ lives at risk, it is the government’s right to intervene. Let’s adopt and maintain this philosophy when dealing with firearms.

Where does the “right to bear arms” end?? Should we allow ourselves to possess machine guns, grenades, rocket launchers, or nuclear weapons? This is a difficult question and one I haven’t figured out an answer for. But, one thing is certain….we will no longer be living in a free society when we no longer have the right to bear arms. We will be completely powerless against governmental tyranny….I don’t know about you, but I kind of like knowing those crazy bastards up in Idaho are strapping themselves to the teeth!

Now, enjoy the following video that completely contradicts everything I just said!