The Reality of Heller - From a liberal

[BlackPR]

Neat read:

A liberal's lament: The NRA might be right after all - Opinion - USATODAY.com

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Kerbouchard]

Wow, I mean WOW!!!
I just wish they hadn't of added

This does not mean that Charlton Heston is the new Rosa Parks or that no restrictions can be placed on gun ownership.

[kazzaerexys]

And there is still this problem:

More important, the mere reference to a purpose of the Second Amendment does not alter the fact that an individual right is created.

Once again, the Bill of Rights does not create anything. It acknowledges fundamental rights and limits the power of the federal government, and this seems to be the biggest oversight by the anti-2A crowd.

But overall, yes, I have seen a couple of pieces like this since Heller was accepted by SCOTUS, and it is, indeed, refreshing.

[stanislaskasava]

To quote the Preamble to the BOR:

Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.
THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution. ...

I do find it ironic that Congress was held "at the City of New-York" to amend the Constitution with the Bill of Rights.

This is 'the land of the free'. Free people do not depend on words to grant the right of self-defense. If the Second Amendment were deleted entirely, would I not have the right to bear arms?

As mentioned by kazzaerexys, the writer makes a critical error -- an error which reveals specifically that he is not a free man. I wish him the best; he is very close. I find a quote from The Matrix to be apropos:

Morpheus: The Matrix is everywhere, it is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work, or when you go to church or when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Morpheus: That you are a slave, Neo. Like everyone else, you were born into bondage, born inside a prison that you cannot smell, taste, or touch. A prison for your mind. (long pause, sighs) Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. This is your last chance. After this, there is no turning back.
(In his left hand, Morpheus shows a blue pill.)
Morpheus: You take the blue pill and the story ends. You wake in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. (a red pill is shown in his other hand) You take the red pill and you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. (Long pause; Neo begins to reach for the red pill) Remember -- all I am offering is the truth, nothing more.
(Neo takes the red pill and swallows it with a glass of water)

[kentuckycarry]

First, do we know this is a liberal writing this? I hope it really is. Like said before, It's refreshing to hear.

[CEW58]

First, do we know this is a liberal writing this? I hope it really is. Like said before, It's refreshing to hear.

Jonathan Turley is definitely a liberal. At least by my definition of a liberal!

[goldshellback]

Very intresting read

[BlackPR]

First, do we know this is a liberal writing this? I hope it really is. Like said before, It's refreshing to hear.

He's a frequent guest on Air America radio and Keith Olbermann's countdown. Here's his bio: Jonathan Turley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

He's not just a liberal, he's a big, big name in liberal circles.

[SammyIamToday]

I'm glad he's finally being honest about it.

[pgrass101]

Glad to read this, it is time that the 2nd admendment get the same treatment as the 1st.

[itschuck]

The delegates attending the Continental Congress based their defense of liberty as a natural right granted to all men on the ideas of John Locke. Locke believed that such rights were natural, reasonable rights. In a "state of nature," all men seek to protect their life, liberty, and property. But as the strong can use their power to deprive the weak of liberty, governments are instituted to protect the rights of all. But, if the government becomes too powerful and does not protect these rights, then the people have the obligation to remove that government (revolt) and replace it with a government that does respect and protect the rights of all.

Thats the short version as why the 2a exsists, and its refreshing to see that turley is understanding his liberal roots.

[falcon1]

The delegates attending the Continental Congress based their defense of liberty as a natural right granted to all men on the ideas of John Locke. Locke believed that such rights were natural, reasonable rights. In a "state of nature," all men seek to protect their life, liberty, and property. But as the strong can use their power to deprive the weak of liberty, governments are instituted to protect the rights of all. But, if the government becomes too powerful and does not protect these rights, then the people have the obligation to remove that government (revolt) and replace it with a government that does respect and protect the rights of all.

Thats the short version as why the 2a exsists, and its refreshing to see that turley is understanding his liberal roots.

Well said, indeed!

[atctimmy]

and here I thought that John Locke was just the bad guy on Lost.