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Our beloved Second Amendment states:
“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.”
With the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, our country saw a massive increase in the number of gun sales. Long-time firearms experts and 2nd Amendment advocates noted that even those who have publicly stood against the right to bear arms in the country began reconsidering their stance. Many first-time gun buyers learned that the process is not as quick and easy as the media may have portrayed.
So, why are we complaining? Yes, WE… those of us who have been fighting to ensure this 2nd Amendment stands protected have also, in many cases, taken a different stance. In some arenas, many of which are documented via social media, long-time firearms advocates are expressing concern about so many “untrained people” purchasing firearms. Could it be that even the most conservative of gun lovers in the country also agree on some degree of “gun control”? Or is there an elitist attitude amongst those who have been on the front line of 2A support and protection?
In my humble opinion, this unfortunate pandemic has exposed the fact that most Americans want the same thing – the right to protect oneself and their family without the fears of another “bad” or irresponsible person with the gun. But, it’s not quite that simple.
The Second Amendment, arguably, provides an undeniable right to any lawful citizen to bear arms. That citizen is not required to be trained. That citizen is not required to be “responsible” or even reasonable in judgment. To implement such a requirement would result, inevitably, in the same thing many of us fear – government control of who does and does not qualify for what is deemed to be a God-given right. Certainly, there are some boundaries and guidelines in place, oftentimes dictated at the state level, in regard to concealed firearms. But for the most part, America is still the land of opportunity when it comes to the ability to own and operate a firearm.
So, what are we to do? As a community advocate, I see this as an opportunity for healthy discussion. It offers us a glimpse into humanity, outside of political stance. This is a time when we can see, as a country, that the majority of us have common desires. And for those who have always supported 2A, it’s an opportunity to open our arms, rather than taking an attitude of superiority. It’s a chance to revisit conversations that were once ignored or silenced. This is a golden opportunity to build community by encouraging education and ensuring it’s available for all Americans who choose, as we have, to exercise their rights to self-protect, hit the range, collect some toys, or just enjoy a recreational “boom”!
Right?