The Democratic candidates should be emphasizing this LOUDLY

[funkyflathead]

As taken from Jody's thread:

Argument # 1 "Americans have a right to own a gun to protect themselves and their families."

In this day and age of insecurity due to Bush and terrorism, we must let people know we support the right to self defense.

This may not mean we allow every person to buy a new M-16 but that we will allow them to buy a handgun or shotgun or stun gun or fight back WITHOUT THE FEAR of being prosecuted for lawfully defending themselves.

If we do this, we could really solidify the gun owner vote.

Most gun owners don't care about deer hunting. Few folks acutally go hunting anymore (I do).

We not only need the guy who owns a Ruger Gold Label but also the guy who owns a Glock 17.

Get my point??

Edited to add: Own gun for self defense, own guns for hunting.

[MrSoundAndVision]

1. Yes

people should be allowed to own guns as stated in the constitution, but the issue is larger. The media and the Bush administration do everything possible to keep the population in FEAR. Your position (nobody is going to take your guns) is one based on a fear of government. We need to expose the root of that fear: the media keeps the population afraid of black people, terrorists, robbers, etc. Watch 'Bowling for Columbine', please, please watch it. It's NOT antigun, it's antiFEAR, and it's a wonderful testament of our time. Keep your gun, and ready it if you need to, but know thy enemy.

[Wwagsthedog]

3. Well said MrSAV

n/t

[MrSoundAndVision]

2. And...

Dennis Kucinich for president (click http://www.kucinich.us) It's time to end the fear and take back our government!

[jhfenton]

4. Yes, end the fear! Form a Department of Peace!

Eliminate all space-based mind control weapons.

Then everything will be OK.

I live in Ohio. I've been enjoying Dennis's antics for years now.

[jody]

5. The cited article said

QUOTE
Argument # 1
"Americans have a right to own a gun to protect themselves and their families."

Most gun owners are not hunters, so all the talk of supporting the rights of hunters and sportsmen is just blather to 85 percent of the gun-owning population. Moreover, gun ownership rates are highest among those with higher incomes and education -- most of whom say they own a gun for self-protection.
UNQUOTE

The basic issue is exactly as stated by Pennsylvania in 1776,

"I. That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property,"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
]"XIII. That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state;" (Pa Constitution, 28 Sept. 1776)

Vermont followed in 1777 with the same statements and Mass says
QUOTE
Article I. All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights; among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties; that of acquiring, possessing, and protecting property; in fine, that of seeking and obtaining their safety and happiness.
UNQUOTE

California says
QUOTE
ARTICLE 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
SECTION 1. All people are by nature free and independent and have inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.
UNQUOTE

Even if the Second Amendment is about militia, each individual still has the inalienable right to defend self and property and the most effective and efficient tool for that purpose is a handgun or long gun.

[funkyflathead]

6. Right on!

Guns are easier to control than pitbulls.