That letter in the 3-5-14 issue offered a cure for the “gun problem” that is false. Is he asking for a military dictatorship? That shooting in Fort Hood Texas a few years ago shows that an undefined “military way” is no guarantee.

The statement that “no one can own or drive a motor vehicle unless one is duly licensed” is also false. Corporations, like dealers or rental companies, own motor vehicles but have never gained an operator’s license. Riding mowers do not require a license. I once saw a motorized wheelchair on a street, did they have a wheelchair license? You can drive a motor vehicle without a license, registration, or insurance as long as it is on private land. Teenagers in rural areas have done this on a family farm. Motor vehicles are only classified as deadly weapons when used to assault another person. Could a horse and buggy also assault a person?

If motorized vehicles were around in the 18th century there could have been an Amendment in the Bill of Rights that banned the Federal government from restricting the rights of the people to own and drive motor vehicles. Without such an amendment the Federal government does not restrict the right of people to own and drive motor vehicles. Or even a horse and buggy. Who would want it any different?

The Second Amendment bans the Federal government from restricting the rights of the people to keep and bear arms (using the widest possible definition). Its purpose was to keep political power in the hands of the people, not a Royalist Army (as in King George’s time). Elbridge Gerry and Patrick Henry were quoted as saying they would never fear for democracy in America as long as there was a militia where the people elected their officers. This was done in the First Republic (as per Charles A. Beard) from 1776 to 1876. Davy Crockett was first elected Colonel in the militia and later served three terms as a Congressman from Tennessee.

Those who want or need to learn more about American history should read a good history book from their Public Library. You can learn about the Bill of Rights by reading Leonard Levy’s book. After 1991 Congress sent a copy of “The Bill of Rights and Beyond” to every Public Library in America.

Don’t get unreliable information from an editorial in a newspaper or a voice on talk radio.

Ronald A. Sobieraj