Second Amendment, meaning of

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  • This grew out of the English Bill of Rights of 1689, which itself is often misquoted. Rather than the assumption of the "right" to bear arms, it's more about the rights of Protestants not to have their arms seized on the basis of their religion. Which I agree with. I don't believe people should be treated differently because of their religion.

    However, there is a vast difference between "we won't treat you differently" and "everyone should have guns".

    What is the purpose of a gun? To elevate a projectile to such a velocity that it can maim and kill. I think everyone would agree that's the only purpose of a gun. So the amendment becomes: Everyone should have the right to maim and kill.

    This is in no way a criticism of America. It is a criticism of people in every country (and my own, more than most) who believe that because it is written, it is true.

    What I write now is nuanced. What someone wrote three hundred years ago is so far beyond nuance as to require proper re-evaluation.

    In short, think about things before you accept them as fact.

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    • Valid point, but to define the objective of a firearm as 'to maim and kill' overlooks the sport of recreational shooting. By no means does the 2nd amendment permit recreational shooting, but you should know that some people prefer to shoot inanimate objects and targets. I personally prefer this objective of a firearm, and I feel one should be allowed to pursue this harmless hobby.

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      • Ironically, the second amendment doesn't say anything about shooting. It has to do with arms. It would be quite permissible under U.S. law to prohibit their use while guaranteeing the right of ownership.

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      • Yeah, it's a good point. I am perhaps biased because guns are illegal in my country and we have banned hunting. But recreational shooting seems like it could be harmless if it's practiced responsibly. I'd probably even enjoy it myself.

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    • Muslim bearing a machine gun versus an Atheist bearing a machine gun... You decide.

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