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Guns

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Understanding Guns in America: Res Publica, the Nature of a Republic

“The Hardscrabble boys came to school today, Royal tells me.” “Yes,” Mr. Corse said. “I hear they’re saying they’ll throw you out.” Mr. Corse said, “I guess they’ll be trying it.” [snip] “They have driven out two teachers,” he said. “Last year they hurt Jonas Lane so bad he died of it later.” “Bill Ritchie, come up here.” Big Bill jumped up and tore off his coat, yelling: “Come on, boys!” He rushed up the aisle. Almanzo felt sick Continue Reading…
January 24, 2013
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Understanding Guns in America: On Amendments and Ratification

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hy can’t you just change the Constitution?” she asked. I admit that my first thought was, Why don’t we change the Bible as well? It just isn’t done! But then I found I needed to think about this because, of course, it is done, it has been done. The Constitution itself outlines the appropriate process for approving an amendment. It has been badly done, as in the case of Prohibition. And it has been wisely done, as in the case of the outlawing Continue Reading…
January 23, 2013
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Understanding Guns in America: James Madison’s Angel Problem

I mentioned natural rights at the end of last week. Natural rights are universal and inherent. They are not granted by any government — they are either respected or disregarded. Government has no right to take them away, and when it does so, it is in violation of the moral order. This is a basic philosophical understanding of natural rights, albeit in capsule form. I think it is appropriate to raise the question of why the right to own and use Continue Reading…
January 22, 2013
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Understanding Guns in America: Natural Rights and Legal Rights

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Declaration of Independence came after the start of the war, when it became evident that our differences with England — or, more accurately, King George — were irreconcilable. The text of the Declaration, then, gives us many clues as to the cultural, philosophical, and historical context — a context which eventually informed the Constitution and Bill of Rights, including our beloved Second Amendment. In the Introduction, the Declaration says: When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for Continue Reading…
January 19, 2013