Billy G. Howard
Second Amendment; the debate continues
It has been reported that I spent many Saturdays as a child roaming the woods of rural Appling County hunting unsuspecting squirrels, rabbits, coon and deer. It’s considered something of a right of passage when a twelve year-old is presented his first rifle by dad or an uncle. However, an effort to keep weapons from those who harbor hatred for complete strangers (as the unfortunate result of some occurrence over which their victims had no control) could someday jeopardize that endearing ritual.
Since its adoption December 15, 1791, the Constitution’s second amendment has been the center of numerous controversial debates. The second of the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, grants each citizen of the United States the right to bear arms. It’s an issue that has plagued virtually every occupant of the oval office since. The topic of gun control has, again, emerged as a defining rostrum in the pending 2016 presidential election.
Last week, President Obama addressed the nation at a press conference in Washington, D.C. with an express focus on gun control. In the face of a bipartisan Congress that has refused to pass desperately needed legislation, the Commander-in-Chief took matters into his own hands invoking appropriated presidential authority. An effort to tighten the “loop holes” that allow small-volume gun dealers, on-line peddlers, and those who sell weapons at gun/trade shows; he exercised a rarely used tool available only to the oval office. The president enacted an executive order aimed at applying restrictions on those who market everything from handguns to semi-automatic rifles to anyone who is of age. President Obama has initiated the order mandating background checks on any individual who desires to purchase a weapon. He also wants tighter regulations governing guns “lost in transit” when being shipped to perspective buyers as well as better tracking of stolen guns.
This action has taken shape as the result of increased shootings over a period of several years that have claimed the lives of many innocent children and adults. President Obama listed the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut during 2012 when twenty first graders lost their lives at the hands of a gunman. The church shooting in Charleston, SC. was exampled along with recent mass shootings in San Bernardino, CA and others that have gripped the nation during recent months.
Difficult for me to understand is why our Congressmen have such a challenge agreeing with the fact these type behaviors are grossly detrimental. We have politicians who are supportive of gun control arguing with those, backed by organizations like the NRA, that seem to be adamantly against the idea of saving lives.
For the complete column pick up your copy of The Baxley News-Banner on newsstands today or CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.
Last week, President Obama addressed the nation at a press conference in Washington, D.C. with an express focus on gun control. In the face of a bipartisan Congress that has refused to pass desperately needed legislation, the Commander-in-Chief took matters into his own hands invoking appropriated presidential authority. An effort to tighten the “loop holes” that allow small-volume gun dealers, on-line peddlers, and those who sell weapons at gun/trade shows; he exercised a rarely used tool available only to the oval office. The president enacted an executive order aimed at applying restrictions on those who market everything from handguns to semi-automatic rifles to anyone who is of age. President Obama has initiated the order mandating background checks on any individual who desires to purchase a weapon. He also wants tighter regulations governing guns “lost in transit” when being shipped to perspective buyers as well as better tracking of stolen guns.
This action has taken shape as the result of increased shootings over a period of several years that have claimed the lives of many innocent children and adults. President Obama listed the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut during 2012 when twenty first graders lost their lives at the hands of a gunman. The church shooting in Charleston, SC. was exampled along with recent mass shootings in San Bernardino, CA and others that have gripped the nation during recent months.
Difficult for me to understand is why our Congressmen have such a challenge agreeing with the fact these type behaviors are grossly detrimental. We have politicians who are supportive of gun control arguing with those, backed by organizations like the NRA, that seem to be adamantly against the idea of saving lives.
For the complete column pick up your copy of The Baxley News-Banner on newsstands today or CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.
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