Fred Gets It

Second Amendment: A Citizen’s Right

Excerpt:

The Second Amendment does more than guarantee to all Americans an unalienable right to defend one’s self. William Blackstone, the 18th century English legal commentator whose works were well-read and relied on by the Framers of our Constitution, observed that the right to keep and bear firearms arises from “the natural right of resistance and self-preservation.” This view, reflected in the Second Amendment, promotes both self-defense and liberty. It is not surprising then that the generation that had thrown off the yoke of British tyranny less than a decade earlier included the Second Amendment in the Constitution and meant for it to enable the people to protect themselves and their liberties.

Compare and contrast:

Rudy Giuliani’s version of the 2nd Amendment:

"A well-armed celebrity population being necessary for the well-being of a mayoral candidate’s campaign coffers (and for getting invited to all the cool parties), the right of the rich and famous to keep and bear arms in New York City shall not be infringed."

Mitt Romney’s version:

"The right of the people to own bolt-action hunting rifles and pump-action shotguns (provided they can afford to make it though the licensing procedure) shall not be infringed."

Hillary Clinton’s version:

[expunged by Presidential decree]