LECTURE
Modern debates about the meaning of the Second Amendment have focused on whether it protects a right of individuals to keep and bear arms or, instead, a right of the states to maintain militia organizations like the National Guard (www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/amendment). The Second Amendment protects an individual right that existed before the creation of any government. The Declaration of Independence made clear that all human beings are endowed with certain unalienable rights, and that governments are created to protect those rights (Stevens 2015). Many Americans believed on the basis of English history and their colonial experience, that central governments are prone to use armies to oppress the people (www.heritage.org/constitution/#!/amendment).
Today the issue of the right to bear arms has returned due to all of the senseless shootings that have occurred at public schools and colleges, in movie theaters, and recently at a military recruitment center. The question has been raised should the Second Amendment be repealed on the grounds of the Amendment's original interpreted meaning? Does repealing the Second Amendment really solve the problem of individuals using guns for illegal purposes?
It seems today so much attention has been placed on individuals who obtain guns and use them for an illegal purpose. It does not seem that much emphasis is placed on individuals who obtain guns illegally. Further, it raises an interesting question if we allow people to carry weapons openly as it once was done in the history of this country will that solve the issue of gun violence in our society.
References - Stevens, Richard W. (2015) The Six Things Americans Should Know About the Second Amendment. http://jpfo.org/filegen-n-z/six-abouit-2nd.htm
http://www.heritage.org/
ASSIGNMENT
Analyze the following question and present an educated response that your fellow students will comment on. Then read and respond to two of your classmates' written analysis responses. Your original posting must be 150 - 250 words.