Replies to post #285991 on Tornado Alley (PROG)

[shermann7]

What American Founding Fathers Really Thought About Guns

https://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/what-americans-founding-fathers-thought-about-guns

Thomas Jefferson wrote this into the 1776 draft of the Virginia Constitution, the first such document of a state declaring their independence:

“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

That seems pretty cut and dry until you consider that the second and third drafts of the same document added “within his own lands or tenements” to the sentence. It seems Jefferson seriously considered that there should be some limitations on the individual’s right to gun ownership. It makes sense to own a gun for self-defense on your own property, but a different set of issues comes up when this gun is taken into public space.

Shermann

[shermann7]

Congress can pass any law it wants to and it does quite often. It is the U.S. Supreme Court that is the final arbiter of whether the law holds constitutional muster.

When the constitution was written, Military technology was a lot different. At some point in time, a little common sense needs to be excercised in terms of what is necessary for one to be secure in their self and possesions.

A Predator Drone is not a gun and obviously would not be mentioned in the constitution as it did not exist back then. And certainly not necessaary for self defense. Or to kill coyotes attacking ones livestock. Etc.

Shermann

[shermann7]

BTW - The National Fireams act (most recently updated in 1968) covers what people can own ...

https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/national-firearms-act

Shermann

[shermann7]

Here is an intereseting example that actually happened.

I have a friend who inherited approx 150 guns and well over 100,000 rounds of ammunition on his fathers premises. He had to move them to his premises. It was a real problem to transport it.

The Sheriff contacted the ATF to find out what to do. The ATF sent four people in two vehicles to escort the shipment. All Guns and ammo were inventoried prior to transportation and reinventoried at the destination. The ATF did not have a problem with the owner having them on his own premises, but a real big problem with the transportation of them.

The basic rule of thumb - If there is a question about whether a certain weapon is legal to own - Ask the sheriff's department - They will call the ATF if they do not know the answer.

Amazingly enough, some private citizens can own automatic weapons and even things like a grenade launcher. They need a good reason, must be trained in their use, and be licensed by the ATF and the state. Not all states allow this. Private sales of these weapons are not allowed. The ATF will take them if one no longer wants to own the item(s).

Shesrmann