zubbie@ihlpl.UUCP (Jeanette Zobjeck) (07/25/85)
> I don't have a copy of the Constitution in front of me, but isn't that > "right" specifically granted for maintaining a militia? I think there > is some difference between that and an individual's right to bear arms. > At the time the constitution was composed and adopted it was merely recent history that the party in power (the english and other euopean governments) had used such tactics as disarming the general public and quatering military personnell in private homes as a means of controlling an unhappy and unsuportive government. In drafting our constitution certain rights are gauranteed to all citizens. 1) The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms. 2) The illegality of quartering troops in private residences. separately The rights of the STATES to maintain militia is also protected hence the state militia which today is the "National Gaurd" of which the Governor is the Commander in Chief. Many gun control arguements tend to overlook the specific separation and phrasing of these points in the consitution. This does not imply that governamnets may not register the ownership of firearms only that the rights may not be abridged with respect to ownership. Also persons convited of felonies (with or without the use of a gun) are specifically denied this right, also specified in the constitution. however these individuals are also denied other rights also gauranteed in the constitution such as the right to hold public office. Having been corrected on this matter myself here on the net I did do some reading and I was suprised to learn (relearn?) may things I had not known or had forgotten. I would strongly urge anyone to spend a quiet evening reading the Consitution of the United States and its Amemndments. There are some suprising things written there considering the age in which it was written. -- Jeanette Zobjeck ihnp4!ihlpl!zubbie ================================================================================ These are my opinions! I worked for them and I intend to enjoy them. Handle carefully or else someone might think they are yours also. ================================================================================