In the wake of the tragic shooting that took place in Tucson, AZ on January 8, 2011 which injured Representative Gabrielle Giffords, killed 6, and injured 13 others, centuries old political discourse exploded. Making sense of the rhetoric can be daunting, but knowing the facts and history of the debate will help untangle the web created by political rants.
The Debate
At the center of the argument is the Second Amendment of The Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the US Constitution). Colonists fought for many freedoms in the Revolutionary War including the Second Amendment right to “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.” The amendment is interpreted many different ways which leads to passionate dialogue.
Where to Find Trusted Information
The importance of using trusted information to form opinions is imperative. Sources which provide information on the Second Amendment, historical and legal events, and the events surrounding the shooting in Arizona include:
- The Bill of Rights of the US Constitution is located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, but traveling to the capital city is not necessary. The National Archives website includes a transcript of the Bill of Rights.
- In 1982 a subcommittee of the US Senate studied the right to keep and bear arms which resulted in a 160 page report on the history and multiple prospectives of the debate. This report is now available from Paladin Press and can be found on Amazon.com.
- Many organizations exist that either for or against gun control, and they offer information to support their argument. The most recognizable national advocate for protecting the Second Amendment is the National Rifle Association of America. In contrast, the Brady Campaign advocates regulation to prevent gun violence.
- More information about the Second Amendment and the Arizona shooting can be found through reliable news organizations such as the New York Times and publications by various universities or colleges, such as The Harvard Gazette, provide various views of the topic.
Be careful when choosing sources online. Websites such as Wikipedia and various blogs are maintained by multiple parties and may not be completely accurate.
The debate over the Second Amendment is one will remain, but whatever interpretation is made and position taken on gun control in the US, it is important to examine the facts, listen to the dialogue and make your own decision.
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