Claudia Young
In addition to all of the other issues in this current presidential race, the name-calling has become second nature in the Republican candidate’s repertoire. Most of us have sadly become accustomed to such rhetoric.
However, when Trump insinuates that a large group of Americans has the capability of acting violently simply because of their beliefs in the 2nd Amendment, it is time to speak up on my own behalf.
How dare Trump label any single group as 2nd Amendment Americans?” Aren’t we all 2nd Amendment Americans?
The 2nd Amendment is very short and to the point yet still open to much interpretation. Look at that. This particular amendment is only a few short words in length yet able to spark debate and hostility beyond the imagination.
“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.”
My personal belief in the 2nd Amendment (or any other amendment, actually) has little to do with what is going on with the presidential campaigns. Do I believe that a well regulated Militia is necessary to the security of a free State (our own country)? Yes, I do. Then it seems to stand to reason that the people need to have the right to keep and bear Arms in an “uninfringed” manner in order to secure our safety.
As I interpret those words on an individual level, I picture my great-great grandfather, rifle at his side, walking through his native Maryland mountains prepared to die for the country for which he had fought and to defend his family from attackers.
Now, that seems quite different from the assault-rifle toting shoppers in the local convenience store, but that is another subject for another time.
I don’t like Trump’s narrow-minded and thoughtless name calling of his opponent, who is totally capable of defending herself. However, I must draw the line at his indirect name-calling of me, so let me spell it out:
- I don’t feel the need to personally bear arms, but I will jealously stand up for those who do.
- I own guns but see no need to flaunt that or wave a gun or slogans in anyone else’s face.
- I believe our nation would be far safer and saner if there weren’t so many citizens who have jumped on a 2nd Amendment bandwagon just to be “cool.”
Mr. Trump, how dare you insinuate that anyone in this country is not a 2nd Amendment American? We are all governed by the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, whether we like it or not.
Furthermore, how dare you use the 2nd Amendment words that were intended to protect us as individuals and a nation to incite more of your hate mongering and fear? You are beneath my contempt. And I can back up my right to say so with that same Bill of Rights.