Columnist Williams Wrong On Guns
Posted: January 11, 2013
Walter Williams, uses some selective quotes from James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and others to support the often stated view that the Second Amendment was intended to protect the right of armed citizens to rise up and oppose a tyrannical government (“One More Safeguard Against Tyranny,” Jan. 5) The intent was just the opposite.
Professor Robert J. Spitzer, a distinguished professor of government, points out that Article I in the Constitution authorizes armed citizens (militias) to “suppress insurrections,” not cause them. Article III defines treason as “levying war” against the United States government. Article IV guarantees states the right to ask for federal assistance “against domestic violence.”
Citizens have the right of a free ballot, peaceful assembly, and free speech to address grievances. We also have a government of checks and balances. Threats of possible armed domestic violence to oppose our government does not serve the public interest.
Professor Robert J. Spitzer, a distinguished professor of government, points out that Article I in the Constitution authorizes armed citizens (militias) to “suppress insurrections,” not cause them. Article III defines treason as “levying war” against the United States government. Article IV guarantees states the right to ask for federal assistance “against domestic violence.”
Citizens have the right of a free ballot, peaceful assembly, and free speech to address grievances. We also have a government of checks and balances. Threats of possible armed domestic violence to oppose our government does not serve the public interest.
Ben F. Fordney
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg