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 It is no exaggeration to report that the second amendment of the United States constitution is under threat in a number of states. Almost ironically the first showdown is in Virginia, one of the 44 states which included in it's state constitution the following words: "That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state, therefore, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; …" This text hearkens back to the original words of the Constitution of the USA: "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." Virginia is home to the National Rifle Association (NRA) of the USA. It is important to point out that only three countries in the world give their citizens the "right to bear arms"....Mexico, Guatemala and the USA. Both Guatemala and Mexico have strict restrictions on the types of firearms permitted, where purchase of firearms is permitted and who may buy firearms: no one with a history of mental illness, who deserted the army or the police and who has a police record. www.businessinsider.com/2nd-amendment-countries-constitutional-right-bear-arms-2017-10#united-states-4 However, illegal gun ownership in both countries is estimated to be high. Guatemala is reported to have the highest per capita gun ownership in Latin America. The perception of the US violent crime rate from media, popular films and folklore is that we are a violent society. However, when using the data from the last twenty years and using statistics on the violent crimes of homicide and rape committed with guns or the threat of violence per 100,000 people; out of 193 countries, the US is not even in the top 100. worldpopulationreview.com/countries/violent-crime-rates-by-country/ Here are the top ten: It seems every generation needs to be reminded of history. The steps toward disarmament in Europe began with disbanding hunting and gun clubs (in Hungary under Lazlo Rajik) and censoring specific groups of people from access and ownership of guns under Hitler (political opponents, Jews, Roma). mises.org/wire/brief-history-repressive-regimes-and-their-gun-laws
"Gun confiscation holds a special place in the halls of political repression. Gun rights might not guarantee victory against tyrants, but being deprived of them all but guarantees submission." The three bills passed by the newly elected "Democrat" legislature and fiercely supported by the current Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, would severely restrict gun ranges, gun clubs, deny reciprocity for conceal carry permits from other states and overturn existing rights including banning open carry in vehicles. How the public responds is a beta test for other states. Over 100 of Virginia's counties and cities have declared themselves "gun sanctuaries". Maryland declared they will try to pass similar laws while West Virginia has offered sanctuary to those Virginia counties who wish to retain all their second amendment rights. nationalfile.com/west-virginia-plans-to-accept-virginia-counties-that-secede-over-gun-control-concerns/ The massive rally to show support for the 2nd amendment and disapproval for Governor Northam and the Democrats in the legislature, was well attended even with freezing temperatures and completely peaceful. www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/01/20/virginia-gun-rally-updates/ The pro-gun rights rally and demonstration was an exercise of First Amendment rights which includes the right to assembly. I am including the actual words to remind you once more of this important cornerstone of our Republic which many countries do not include in their charter: “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.” There were a number of countries which did grant their citizens the right to own firearms and ammunition, until one or two "mass shootings" caused emotional reactions in the populace and knee jerk legislation to ban private ownership and strip citizens of "gun rights". Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom, Canada and recently, New Zealand are examples of nations with restricted gun "rights". "Many politicians and gun control advocates say if more guns mean fewer mass public shootings, the United States should be the safest place in the world. Indeed, the US has relatively few mass public shootings compared to the rest of the world, but we would have even fewer if we could get rid of gun-free zones. Ninety-eight percent of the mass public shootings in the US from 1950 to 2018 occurred in places that banned general citizens from having guns for protection." crimeresearch.org/2019/06/the-danger-of-gun-free-zones-what-are-you-supposed-to-do-when-you-cant-have-your-gun-with-you/ The saying "use it or lose it" applies to our rights and skills. Exercise your right to "free speech" and gun ownership as an individual by practicing both. These are "perishable skills". Along with ownership comes responsibility for gun safety and accountability for what you say, express and write. Vigilance is required to protect ourselves and our rights or we may be going down a path that countries such as China and Russia have taken. The USA is unique. Let's keep it that way. Vote and appoint politicians, legislators and law enforcement officials who will support and defend the Constitution and our rights. Closing tonight from a country which does not grant their citizen these rights....Iraq. Law abiding citizens here do not have the right to "bear arms" but the criminals and violent extremists totally disregard the laws. There are no "gun free" zones when there is no effective rule of law. Watch and listen to this short music video by Mr. Feshamon entitled: "Gun Control" www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJXwGWAGXmI See it as a cautionary tale using our first amendment rights. Until next week, Jo
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