Dear Sojourner’s Truth:
The 1776 declaration that people have unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness preceded the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution. The founding fathers had the foresight to make the US Constitution a contemporary, living document with an amendment mechanism. The malice of humanity combined with the advances of technology now demand a more restrictive interpretation of the Second Amendment to protect the fundamental right to life of innocent citizens before “the right to bear arms.” Consider that there were nine (9) homicides in Toledo in the month of July alone.
Let the discourse begin with something most people agree deserves merit for change: Citizens, similar to untrustworthy sovereign nations, should not have the right to bear nuclear arms. Tom Jefferson and Jim Madison could not foresee the present availability of weapons for mass destruction at a time when Ben Franklin was discovering electricity by flying kites. Nor should we be dependent on the Supreme Court to warp the literal words of the Second Amendment by deciding the level of mass destructive tools citizens should be allowed to have in their possession.
When mishandled, motor vehicles have a similar capacity to massively maim and kill. Yet, few begrudge passing a driver’s test to earn the privilege of owning a license. Shouldn’t firearm owners be required to pass a similar test? Forty-nine states require car passengers to wear seat belts, and prescription bottles come with child-proof caps to protect our loved ones. Shouldn’t safe, locked places for firearm storage be required for the same reason?
Sincerely,
Tom Names
Candidate, Toledo City Council Member, Moms Demand Action
419-450-0300
3248 Wendover Drive
Toledo, Ohio 43606-1862