That's not what our Framers had in mind when they gave us the right to bear arms. Purpose of firearms ownership was to allow individuals to take up arms. Sorry, but that's the facts
An interesting article in the Economist a few weeks ago by a historian who looked at the Constitution and arms. In the eighteenth century, very few people could purchase firearms. The capacity for their production in the New World was very limited. Reviewing the probate records, in the days when everything was itemized down to every cup and spoon, the mention of firearms was rare or non-existant. In fact, to arm themselves to fight the Revolutionary war, the people in the New World faced great obstacles in procuring and utilizing arms. Many militia were disolved because of poor attendance. Those who possessed arms invariably did not also possess the ability to use them effectively. The American public became armed mainly because the manufacturers of firearms needed to recoup their investments made for additional production capacity during World War One. Combined with the eastern fascination with Wild West legends, the gun culture was born. The NRA, from beginning as a shooter safety organization, later becoming involved in gun politics, fanned the flames too.
I don't know if the article is available on line. Since I don't know early American history, I have nothing else to balance the view offered. If this summary contains factual errors, please point them out, as I have no wish to remain ignorant.
Cheers, PW. |
