The beauty of our constitution and representative democracy is that they are not static, never-changing entities but have a built in fluidity that allows for refinements in our laws as our society has grown and evolved. While I am often frustrated with the slowness we as a group have come to embrace certain liberties, this is usually a reflection of the societal mores of the time and history has shown that our great nation eventually champions the side of freedom.
Though it should be noted even constitutionally guaranteed rights are not completely unfettered and limitations or regulations are often prescribed to them by our government, not always, but usually in the name of safety.
Which brings us to the hot button issue of guns. Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008, concerning the 2nd Amendment making membership in “a well regulated militia” irrelevant and emphasizing an individuals right to own a gun, it has been a certainty that responsible citizens would be allowed to bear arms.
As the number of victims of gun violence grow and mass shootings such as the one at Sandy Hook Elementary outrage the nation, the question of how to prevent these tragedies has been raised with a new urgency. Some of the rhetoric from both sides has been predictable but the strident nature of those who are for gun ownership with few, if any, restriction has made the suggestions made by those on the gun control side seem measured and reasonable by contrast.
So far, I’ve learned two things that I did not understand before all this heated up. The first being that Wayne Lapierre and the leadership of the NRA have shown themselves to be more beholden to firearm and ammunition manufacturers than their own membership. Which stands to reason if, as always, you follow the money. This once fiercely independent organization earns more of their millions of dollars from corporate gun interests than the yearly dues they collect.
The other is the main argument of those who want the most powerful of weapon systems and ammunition. They seem to feel they need them as a defense against our own government. If our populace continues to elect lawmakers comfortable with these citizens owning armaments capable of engaging our own local, state, and federal police on an equal footing, then so be it.
However, a word of caution to those who are gun absolutists. Beware the moral outrage of the families harmed by these shootings. Mother’s Against Drunk Driving was given life in a grieving mother’s den in 1980. Behavior that was once met with a wink and a nod by our courts and legislators has today become a societal taboo with very strong legal consequences thanks to the outrage and political pressure brought by MADD. If you make this an all or nothing struggle, it might take decades but nothing is what you might end up with.
Ernest Bowman
Kokomo
Opinion
PUBLIC FORUM: Taking on the issue of gun control
- Opinion
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SOUTHERN: District boundaries show lack of respect
I can imagine no real reason why a county like Cass would be split up into three districts except to show it a lack of respect.
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OUR VIEW: Are you prepared for a disaster?
As you read today’s final installment on disaster preparedness, which focuses on earthquakes and their very real threat right here in Indiana, we hope you take the message to heart and make the decision to prepare yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.
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KNISELY: What are odds of that?
As you read this, I’ll be basking in the warm sun on a Florida beach. I’m not sure where you’ll be when reading this, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming out the winner. Seems only fair considering I was moving boxes in the rain just a few Sundays ago.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
A Logansport letter-writer calls a local proposal to generate energy from refuse-derived fuels a risky gamble.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making event a success
A Big Brothers, Big Sisters representative is grateful for the community's support in a recent fundraiser.
- THORNS & ROSES: Week of May 16
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WOLFSIE: Writing on the walls
Sometimes when I am trying to think of an idea for my column, I just stare at the wall. That’s not a bad thing, because on the wall in my home office is a collection of special pieces of memorabi-lia that inspire me to write, reminding me of the talented people I have had the privilege to meet.
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HAYDEN: From good to great in education not the way
On the campaign trail last year and early into his administration, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said repeatedly that his goal as governor would be to take Indiana from “good to great.”
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THEIR VIEW: Big Brother looms large in D.C.
The federal government, working under the cloak of secrecy, has been having a heyday at the expense of all Americans.
First we learn the IRS has been targeting conservatives — applications for tax-exempt status by tea party groups were wrongly singled out for extra scrutiny. -
KITCHELL: Waste-to-energy a big waste of time
Had all of Logansport attended the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists Awards ceremony last month in Indianapolis, we all would have learned that the No. 1 editorial written in the state in the past year was about a subject that sounds familiar to Logansport residents.
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