I've been going back and forth with my oldest daughter (The Army Major) regarding the 2nd Amendment and it's forced me to sharpen my Pro 2nd Amendment arguments.
#1 The 2nd Amendment is NOT and NEVER was about hunting. Political leaders who say things like deer aren't wearing bullet proof vests etc. are uninformed or just lying. The right to keep and bear arms is about ensuring that our government thinks twice about tyranny. Absolute power leads to tyranny and history is ripe with examples of unarmed citizens being massacred.
#2 The Left is absolutely misinformed when they consistently go after long guns aka the AR-15 rather than everyday handguns. You are exceedingly more likely to be beaten to death with a hammer than you are being killed with someone's AR-15.
#3 The gun show loophole? It's not a thing and the people saying this have never attended a gun show or are just lying. Gun purchases at gun shows require background checks. Basically, if you sell a gun for profit anywhere in the U.S. (including out of your trunk at a gun show) you're a dealer and must comply with FBI background checks.
#4 Universal Background Checks? It's already the freaking law. Yes there are cracks in the system which are typically government employees not complying with the law or just not willing to do their job.
#5 Small arms versus the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines? I honestly don't think our military would turn it's awesome firepower upon the population. The FBI, ATF, IRS, DHS, etc... that is a whole other matter. Luckily, so far these agencies don't have tanks, assault helicopters or artillery.
#6 DC banned guns and armed home invasions became common. SCOTUS stepped up with the Heller decision affirming the right to keep and bear arms. Although guns and magazines (limited to 10 rounds) have to be registered with the local police department and physically reviewed every two years the subsequent reduction in home invasions was notable.
#7 For decades semi automatic rifles have proven very effective against modern militaries. Before the American Revolution armed militias proved effective against French Canadian and Indian attacks. It's important to understand "the most effective way to destroy a citizens militia was to disarm the citizens." - Anthony Scalia.
#8 Maybe the most important take away is the vast majority, I'm talking 95% plus of all gun related deaths, including suicides are with handguns. The leadership on the Left knows this so why do they continue to go after long guns?
If handguns are to blame then why is the media, the Left and the Democrats all going after long guns specifically AR-15 style weapons? Could it be as simple as feelings over facts? I find it hard to believe the motivation is more nefarious but I've been wrong before.
Bottom line... Guns don't kill people, people with guns kill themselves and others. The weapon of choice, hands down, is the handgun and yet the laws are aimed at the long gun, specifically AR-15 style weapons. True weapons of war like the M1 carbine below that I trained with are not even mentioned.
I hope these arguments ring true for you and as this debate continues those on the Left will take time to educate themselves on the details and nuances of guns and gun control. I find that arguing with people who do not possess the basic understanding of fire arms to be a complete waste of time.
