This conversation is closed. Start a new conversation
or join one »
Has the time come for the U.S Second Amendment to be repealed or amended?
After yesterdays tragic shooting in Newtown CT and the worst year ever for firearm related deaths and mass killings , has the time for the US Government to tell the Gun Lobby it is over and repeal or amend "the right of the people to bear arms".
Should it be repealed on the grounds that when originally written it was for a smaller population to defend the "State" and meant for Muskets and flintlocks not semi automatics and military hardware, which makes it no longer viable on account of relevance to this day and age.
That Militia should be held to Law Enforcement agencies, Military and government controlled Para military agencies, with a show need, clause for people such as certain Primary producers etc.
Is it time to tell the NRA and the Gun Lobby there will be no more "collateral" damage no matter how much you donate to the "Party"
What would be the best way for the government to enforce such a law???
And please no Guns do not kill people, people kill people debates it was people who invented firearms in the first place.
The time has come to realise it is mainly our children who pay the ultimate price for lack of diligence in monitoring a problem that has been there for far too many years.
Closing Statement from Morgan Barnes
Firstly I would like to say I did not flag or delete anyone's comments I am perfectly capable of speaking for myelf however I did get frustrated and had some comments deleted myself.
As I write this President Obama has signed 23 executive orders inline with Colleen's post from yesterday from New York.
I have to admit I am a little disappointed that we could not of just discussed the issue in a more calm, critical and logical manner and be able to offer solutions as well as recognised the underling causes, as this is a forum for open ideas and thinking, Then again we are dealing with human nature.
To those of you from the International community thank you for your imput and allowing people to see the different views helds in different parts of the world on this subject.
I will not deny that the Constitution and The Bill Of Rights are the backbone of America, but remember it was written by man not given by god and man can take it away or amend it, if he really wants too.
I am a believer that in the 21st Century we should use it to advance humankind to address the problems of the world and improve it for all. It won't be easy but we have to start somewhere or we risk implementing our own destruction.
I hope that this be a positive start and and an even more positive step in which the US can show the way.
Once again I thank you all for your contributions
"In a progressive country change in constant : change is inevitable "Benjamen Disraeli
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
"As of Oct. 18, Chicago has suffered over 2,000 shooting incidents and 419 homicides this year alone, according to the Chicago Police Department." I believe it would be fair to say that most of the weapons used in these crimes are not registered.
Is that due in part to race?
Joe Gorman
In 2008, the U.S. had 12,000 gun-related murders. Japan had 11.
And, I just found out that due to that 2nd amendment, I CAN buy a Bazooka! However, there are hefty fines (up to $500,000) and jail time (10 to 25 years)if i don't follow the rules.
Is it due to culture?
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
American culture is very heterogeneous (many subcultures) while Japanese culture is largely homogeneous.
Japanese culture of family life is very much defined by tradition while the American one is not.
Japanese culture isn’t as much influenced by immigration as American culture is.
About 70% of Japanese profess no religious membership, but many are Buddihst. Americans are mostly Christian.
But this does not answer my question regarding why we ignore Afro American deaths in this discussions.
Next, I don't see that Americans will pushed to amend the constitution any time soon?
In the U.S. Congress, both the House of Representatives and the Senate approve by a two-thirds supermajority vote, a joint resolution amending the Constitution. Amendments so approved do not require the signature of the President of the United States and are sent directly to the states for ratification. Three-fourths (38 states) of the state legislatures would need to approve it.
(Something the Aussie that who posted the question might be unaware of)
Morgan Barnes
Marianne Delongi
Today, they openly posit that the massive black abortion numbers (20-30% annually) are the single factor largely affecting the the numbers of young, black men committing crimes.
Also is it difficult to make a distinction, for analytic purposes, between the black man and crime and the effects of poverty and despair on a population in relationship to criminal activity.
It's hard to imagine an advance towards respect for human lives, taking place side by side such a blatant disrespect for same.
Morgan Barnes
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+
I now see that this conversation is well intention and meant to promote a positive dialogue about a serious issue in America.
Morgan Barnes
Gun Laws, Health reform, Mental health, Drug trafficking, Human trafficking, gang violence, poverty, no quick fix now, and yes, would it have happened if the rules had been put in place at the beginning???. But then it was different time and different circumstances it is just a shame no-one had the insight to adjust the laws with the changing times.
Marianne Delongi
Theodore A. Hoppe 200+