Wednesday, November 27, 2013

My Declaration of Independence








The United States Constitution is a truly spectacular piece; it's the linchpin to the success of this country's 237 years of freedom (July 4, 1776, for those of you young kids that might not have paid attention in grade school). The Constitution separates our country from other countries who are lacking such democracy, and it the one device that keeps persons in power from completely corrupting the system.

The escalating number of mass shootings in this country has undeniably sent the media (and the like) 
into an anti-gun frenzy, and certainly prompted me so start paying closer attention to how the media relays their information to the public. With this said, I noticed a pretty dramatic shift in how the media reported their information on the more recent shootings at Sandy Hook, and UC Santa Barbara.
 
Something changed. And while I DO sympathize for the victims of each and every one of these attacks, I also believe in our Constitution and in the Second Amendment of The Bill of Rights. 

...A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed...

I know what some of you are probably thinking right now. But before you jump the gun (pardon the pun, but I simply could NOT resist) and assume that I’m gun-toting member of the Republican persuasion, I would like to take this time to let you all know that I’m a GDI – a God Damn Independent. Politics have become either so far left or so far right, it’s really quite ridiculous. I don’t believe in extremes. I believe in certain aspects of both political parties, but to label myself as either Republican or Democrat, I simply cannot do.

Regardless of how things may have changed over the course of the past few hundred years, our founding fathers were most definitely on to something when they penned the Constitution. I do believe in the rights and freedoms as stated in the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. I also believe that the more the government gets involved, the more our rights and freedoms are diminished. If you wish to judge me based on that, then so be it.

A few years ago, I took a concealed carry class, and finally “officially” learned proper gun handling mechanics. I will have to say that the class was extremely informative. I am not uncomfortable around guns - I have been around guns my entire life. I come from a family of hunters, and my dad of course, taught us appropriate gun safety growing up. But for me, it had definitely been awhile, so I’m really glad I signed up and got my license to carry.

The criminals responsible for heinous acts of violence (such as these mass shootings), will continue to break whatever laws are in place, and this will not change if congress decides to enforce even stricter gun regulations, or ban them altogether. The only people who will actually suffer will be the law-abiding citizens of this country. Do you honestly think that criminals like Adam Lanza, James Holmes, or Elliot Rodger even so much as batted an eyelash in regards to the law, when they walked into these places to shoot up innocent people? Do you think it's really a coincidence that these mass shooting keeping occurring in places where abiding gun owners/carriers aren't permitted to carry their arms? Of course not. School and universities, shopping malls, and theatres are easy targets because these types of places generally do not permit the entry of those carrying a gun.

I feel that it is highly unacceptable to be forced to listen to such one-sided opinionated dribble from each and every one of the loud-mouths associated with our media. The days of journalists reporting hardcore facts are extinct! If I wanted to listen to egotistical political opinions, I would quickly log on to Facebook and read them there. I have zero interest in listening to opinionated nonsensical gibberish; just give me the facts and move on.


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Learn our Bill of Rights!


 Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.



Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.



Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.



Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.



Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.



Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.



Amendment VII
In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.



Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.



Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.



Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.