Lew Rockwell
"Firearms
stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the
American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence
… from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events,
occurances and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and
happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the
very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference
– they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." ~ George Washington
I can’t think
of any reason I need to own my AR-15 assault rifle. I don’t pretend
to need it for self defense. I also own several handguns.
Any one of my handguns would be adequate to allow me an opportunity
to defend myself, or another person, from virtually any act of aggression
by another individual. Indeed, I could have easily halted any of
the recent gun based rampages, by any of those deranged lunatics,
with just one of my handguns. I wish I had been there.
I have needlessly
and peacefully owned my AR-15 for many years. I keep my AR-15 securely
locked in a gun safe in the very same home where my young children
live. My children are aware of my AR-15. Like many other things
in life, I have taught my children about guns.
Recently, some
of my kids attended a private gun safety class given by a highly
experienced gun expert. I enjoyed watching my kids learn about my
AR-15. I admit being a bit nostalgic about my AR-15. I spent lots
of time learning about every aspect of the AR-15 when I was in Marine
Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. I also carried
an AR-15 when I served my country in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi
Arabia. I had it with me when I lived in a dirt hole on the border
of Kuwait. It is the weapon I know better than any other.
I own lots
of dangerous things I don’t need. I don’t need my highly modified
600+ hp Z06 Corvette, or my Harley Davidson motorcycle, or that
crazy looking knife I sometimes jokingly say was imported directly
from the Klingon Empire. All of these things can be used, intentionally
or accidentally, to hurt others. Because I have always been careful,
peaceful and responsible, none of the things I own have ever been
used to hurt another person.
I am an American.
As such, none of my rights depend on a showing of need. I am a free
man who has the right to define and pursue my happiness in any peaceful
way I see fit. The government does not grant me rights. I was born
free. The legitimate role of government is to act as my agent to
protect my rights; which exist independent of government. Americans
do not beg the government for rights nor are they required to demonstrate
a "need" for rights.-[Full Article]
