Man: I have a right to own a gun. Or more than one gun. And carry them in public. To demonstrate for gun rights, because the way things are going, soon we won't have any guns at all in this country... Scared yet?
Bear in mind that I am not opposed to reasonably regulated ownership of guns. But my point was that some reasons for owning guns have disappeared with changes in history. No one today (I hope) would argue that we should have a right to bear arms in order to control our slaves. History has moved on. I also believe owning guns to deter undemocratic government has become obsolete. The asymmetry of power is simply too great. And there are better ways to protect democracy. If you want to own a gun so you can hunt moose, I won’t go with you, but I won’t try to stop you. If you think you need a gun to protect your house, I think you’re making a mistake, but it’s your decision, and I would only ask that you should be properly trained and licensed. And no assault weapons, please.
Bear in mind that I am not opposed to reasonably regulated ownership of guns. But my point was that some reasons for owning guns have disappeared with changes in history. No one today (I hope) would argue that we should have a right to bear arms in order to control our slaves. History has moved on. I also believe owning guns to deter undemocratic government has become obsolete. The asymmetry of power is simply too great. And there are better ways to protect democracy. If you want to own a gun so you can hunt moose, I won’t go with you, but I won’t try to stop you. If you think you need a gun to protect your house, I think you’re making a mistake, but it’s your decision, and I would only ask that you should be properly trained and licensed. And no assault weapons, please.