Following is a draft of a letter/editorial that I'm considering sending to the Colorado Springs Gazette. Opinions, suggestions, etc are welcome.
BTW, I'm not worried about getting on the BATF s-list over this... I'm already there.
<center>
WHAT PART OF
"SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED"
DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?
</center>
When the Framers of the Constitution were drafting that noble document, they realized the importance of keeping government out of the everyday lives of peacable people. Indeed, the separation of the American colonies from Great Britain came about as a direct result of King George III's constant intervention in our private affairs.
As a reminder to future citizens, the Framers composed the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments are known collectively as the Bill of Rights. This Bill does not enumerate what the government may do; rather, it very specifically states what the government may not do. It instructs all who would come after that they are to leave us alone, lest another tyrannical, oppressive government be forced upon us… just like the one they had left behind.
The Second Amendment was intended as a final safeguard against tyranny. When all else fails, as in the latter half of the 18th century, the people would have recourse to force of arms to rid themselves of a dictatorial power structure. If you doubt it, read the papers of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Tenche Cox, and Samuel Adams. You will see that all of them - every single one - advocated force as a last resort.
What's changed? Has the Constitution been repealed? Apparently so, according to the actions of our "elected" officials.
Try walking about the streets with a shotgun on a sling over your shoulder. Even 100 years ago, no one would have said a word. Now, you're likely to precipitate a riot… even if it's unloaded and not aimed at anyone.
Try sending a strongly-worded message on any topic to Congress, the Senate, the BATF, or the President, and see where it gets you. Jail, most likely, since you'll be considered a threat. So much for the First Amendment.
What happens if one of your neighbors tells the DEA that you're a drug dealer? You'll be lucky to survive their raid on your house. Whether you really are a drug dealer or not is irrelevant. Since the Fourth Amendment has been effectively repealed, you have no right to privacy or due process of law. Ask David Koresh. Ask Vicki Weaver. Ask Janet Reno. but don't expect a straight answer.
If we continue to allow the traitors in Washington DC to knowingly and willingly violate their oath of office - to uphold and defend the Constitution, not translate or ignore it - then what was once the greatest nation on Earth will be nothing but a memory suppressed by a dictator.
If we continue to allow the Constitution to be trashed, spit upon, and revised by the very ones whose job it is to defend it, then we'll be no better than the Good Germans of the 1930s… and there will be no one capable of fighting back on our behalf.
So what's it going to be, people? Are we going to be willingly enslaved, or are we going to take our country and our freedom back?
------------------
How does it become a man to behave toward this American government to-day?
I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.
--Thoreau, "Civil Disobedience"
BTW, I'm not worried about getting on the BATF s-list over this... I'm already there.
<center>
WHAT PART OF
"SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED"
DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?
</center>
When the Framers of the Constitution were drafting that noble document, they realized the importance of keeping government out of the everyday lives of peacable people. Indeed, the separation of the American colonies from Great Britain came about as a direct result of King George III's constant intervention in our private affairs.
As a reminder to future citizens, the Framers composed the first ten amendments to the Constitution. These amendments are known collectively as the Bill of Rights. This Bill does not enumerate what the government may do; rather, it very specifically states what the government may not do. It instructs all who would come after that they are to leave us alone, lest another tyrannical, oppressive government be forced upon us… just like the one they had left behind.
The Second Amendment was intended as a final safeguard against tyranny. When all else fails, as in the latter half of the 18th century, the people would have recourse to force of arms to rid themselves of a dictatorial power structure. If you doubt it, read the papers of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Tenche Cox, and Samuel Adams. You will see that all of them - every single one - advocated force as a last resort.
What's changed? Has the Constitution been repealed? Apparently so, according to the actions of our "elected" officials.
Try walking about the streets with a shotgun on a sling over your shoulder. Even 100 years ago, no one would have said a word. Now, you're likely to precipitate a riot… even if it's unloaded and not aimed at anyone.
Try sending a strongly-worded message on any topic to Congress, the Senate, the BATF, or the President, and see where it gets you. Jail, most likely, since you'll be considered a threat. So much for the First Amendment.
What happens if one of your neighbors tells the DEA that you're a drug dealer? You'll be lucky to survive their raid on your house. Whether you really are a drug dealer or not is irrelevant. Since the Fourth Amendment has been effectively repealed, you have no right to privacy or due process of law. Ask David Koresh. Ask Vicki Weaver. Ask Janet Reno. but don't expect a straight answer.
If we continue to allow the traitors in Washington DC to knowingly and willingly violate their oath of office - to uphold and defend the Constitution, not translate or ignore it - then what was once the greatest nation on Earth will be nothing but a memory suppressed by a dictator.
If we continue to allow the Constitution to be trashed, spit upon, and revised by the very ones whose job it is to defend it, then we'll be no better than the Good Germans of the 1930s… and there will be no one capable of fighting back on our behalf.
So what's it going to be, people? Are we going to be willingly enslaved, or are we going to take our country and our freedom back?
------------------
How does it become a man to behave toward this American government to-day?
I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it.
--Thoreau, "Civil Disobedience"