by Lauren Perella

Created on: April 15, 2009

The 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Gun rights are an intrinsic part of the formation of a free American society. Born and raised in a southern state, I learned very early on in life the necessity of gun ownership and the consequences of improper gun usage. While guns, like a kitchen knife, have the potential to be misused, an armed society is a free society. People can choose to own a gun for their own protection (self defense), or they can choose to rely on the policeman's gun to protect them. We live in a dangerous world where many people have access to guns and few people understand the necessity of free men and women in a society having the ability, the RIGHT to own a firearm. Guns are only as harmful as the human being standing behind it.

My sterling, bullet proof argument in support of gun ownership (after a background check and adequate screening, training, and licensing procedures have been completed) is this: guns will not be taken out of the hands of Americans without a deadly rebellion. This may seem like an overstatement of the problem, but it is not. Americans are not accustomed to complying with government sanctions meant to control their personal behavior. For example, the government attempted to ban alcohol - the 18th Amendment. The amendment was repealed shortly after an outcry of protests, riots, and infamous illegal behavior. Americans rioted when the govenment attempted to take alcohol away, let's honestly consider what will happen if the government implements a method to prevent Americans from owning their own firearms. Not only would the South probably attempt to secede from the current government, it would have major economic implications for gun manufacturers and gun store employees. This action would also lead to a State fully under the authority of its government. The 2nd Amendment was not only put in the Constitution to ensure that Americans have the right to protect their own families and property from invaders and criminals, but this Amendment was also put forth to ensure that the citizens always have more power over the government than the government has over the people.

The consensus on the gun debate I think is clear: the government will not be revoking the right to gun ownership. This is my projection for the future, perhaps it is an optimistic mindset, but my

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