Second Amendment

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."

The second amendment tells us that "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State…"  

Some people will try to tell you that in this day and age we do not need a militia. They will say, "We have a national guard and the world's finest military," which is true. Those same folks will argue that you don't need a semiautomatic weapon to hunt ducks, and this is also true.

Heck, all you really need is a stick and a stone to hunt ducks. My Indian ancestors made a fine living with bows and arrows.

I submit that in this day and age the second amendment is more necessary than ever.  When an Al Qaeda sleeper cell decides it is time to rise up, I for one want more than a stick or a stone to defend my family, my state and my Country while the National Guard and the world's finest military figure out how to respond.

What would happen if our country were to become a dictatorship?  Not so far fetched.  On 9/11 our Government was attacked and if the plane had not crashed in Pennsylvania we could have lost most of our elected officials.

Martial law would have been declared.  This would have set up the perfect conditions for someone to step forward and, in the name of protecting America, take control.  In the chaos, what would stop this person from suspending future elections and declaring himself Dictator?  The American citizens with their sticks and stones or "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State…"

Thank God for our brave citizens on flight 93 that fought back over Pennsylvania so we did not have to face this nightmare scenario.

Before anyone has a stroke, I am only pointing out how dangerous our world is.  (In 2001 our Government was attacked with Anthrax and in August 2005 Al Qaeda was going to launch a chemical attack against the English Government.  What will happen tomorrow? 

The second amendment continues "…the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."  It is clear that telling law abiding citizens they cannot have this kind of rifle or that kind of pistol is indeed an infringement on our right to keep and bear arms. Those who are eroding our second amendment are really eroding our ability to defend our families, our States and our Country.

We have much to defend ourselves from in the 21st century.  Putting Al Qaeda aside, American families face eco-terrorists, rioters, gang bangers, kidnappers, sexual predators, not to mention the garden verity criminal.  These fill the headlines on a daily basis.  Again, I want more than a stick or a stone to defend my family.

With the right to "keep and bear arms" comes a huge responsibility to society.  Anyone that uses a gun in the commission of a crime should be removed from society.  I think 5 years minimum is to soft.  These criminals not only offend society they give ammunition to the anti-second amendment folks. 

Wayland Smalley

UP DATE:  The aftermath of hurricane Katrina brought into sharp focus the fact that in a natural disaster, the local, state and national Government agencies will be overwhelmed and you will be on your own for a period of time.  As with any opportunity, the criminal element will take advantage.  Being on your own and the criminal element unchecked the only thing standing between you and the criminals is the 2nd amendment.

Wayland Smalley

National Rifle Association, "A" rating.

Oklahoma Rifle Association, "A" rating.

Paul Harvey on Guns

WHY THE GUN IS CIVILIZATION

NRA-BACKED "CASTLE DOCTRINE" BILL INTO LAW

Today 5-12-06, HB 2615, the NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" self-defense bill, became law.

"When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time.  This bill states that if victims choose to stand their ground and fight, their decision will not be second-guessed by the State of Oklahoma.  The ability to protect yourself, your children, or your spouse from harm is important, whether you're in your home or outside."

HB 2615 simply states that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and you may use any force necessary against him.  It also removes the "duty to retreat" if you are attacked in any place you have a legal right to be. 

Further, HB 2615 provides protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.  The "Castle Doctrine" bill met with overwhelming, bipartisan support, passing 96-2 in the state House and 83-4 in the Senate.  Oklahoma joins eight other states that have signed similar legislation into law this legislative cycle.

"On behalf of all NRA members in Oklahoma, I want to thank the bill's chief sponsors, Representative Kevin Calvey (R-94) and Senator Harry Coates (R-28), for their leadership in passing this vital measure," concluded Cox. "The 'Castle Doctrine' bill is about putting the law back on the side of the victim, the way it's supposed to be."