A solution to the gun crisis in this country can be found in the U.S. Constitution. The Second Amendment 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.” This is a conditional statement, in that non-infringement of the people’s right “to keep and bear arms” depends on the need for “security of a free state (nation).” It also states that to satisfy that needed protection, a well organized militia is necessary.

When that amendment was incorporated into the Constitution of this country, the 13 colonies did not have a standing army, or any authorized military protection force. The Army of the Revolution had been disbanded by Gen. George Washington. The nation depended upon the voluntary participation of the citizenry in the form of a “well regulated militia.”

Today, that protection force is comprised of the Armed Forces, which can be augmented very quickly by conscription (draft). Every male citizen, upon reaching the age of 18, is required by law to register with the Selective Service board.

The solution lies in re-establishing a form of well organized militia that all gun owners must register for and adhere to the requirements of those organizations, such as annual registration and inspection of all firearms and periodic physical and mental examinations.

There are more stringent legal requirements for vehicle ownership and operation. Vehicles provide transportation. Guns are for killing.

J. Bruce McKinley, Auburn

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