[Vision2020] A 2nd amendment argument against the NRA plan

[Gary Crabtree]

An interesting and informative article on the topic de jour from a different perspective:

http://kontradictions.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/why-not-renew-the-assault-weapons-ban-well-ill-tell-you/

Many thanks to the off-list participant who sent this to me. It sums up the problem (or lack there of) far better then I ever could.

g


From: Joe Campbell 
Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 12:56 PM
To: Moscow Vision 2020 
Subject: [Vision2020] A 2nd amendment argument against the NRA plan


We've noted some specific criticisms of the NRA plan, raised by Saundra, Sunil, and others. Here is a general argument against the NRA plan which rests on some but not all of the specific criticisms. By the "NRA plan," I mean the plan to deal with our gun violence problem by putting armed forces in our schools (and presumably other public venues).

Since it is the NRA plan, if it is a good plan, it should preserve and be consistent with our 2nd amendment rights. Those rights are based on the need for protection of either of two forms: (a) protection against tyrannical governments as well as (b) the protection of your life, your interests, and the lives and interests of your family and friends. Thus, the NRA plan is justified by appeal to the 2nd amendment to the extent that it is based on and secures these type-a and type-b protections. Will the NRA better protect us from the threat of tyrannical governments or the threats of mass murderers, spree shooters, and other lunatics?

It is far from clear that the NRA plan will protect us from mass murderers and spree shooters and there is good reason to think that it will cause more harm. The fact is that these folks are SUICIDAL as well as homicidal. Until it can be shown that the NRA plan will protect us from harm rather than lead us to more harm it should not be taken seriously.

What about the need for semi-automatic weapons in order to form militias against a tyrannical government? Given this, we need a plan that won't put restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. Yet I don't see how putting armed government forces in every school in the country is going to increase the possibility of forming a militia to overtake a tyrannical government. It strikes me that forming a police state within the school system is exactly the wrong thing to do if your concern is that your government is taking away your freedom and is on the verge of becoming a tyranny.

Best, Joe



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