Many proponents of unrestricted gun rights also claim to be strict constitutional constructionists. “The right of the people to keep and bear arms” was written in the context of 18th century arms.
The drafters and ratifiers of the Second Amendment to our U.S. Constitution were familiar with flintlock, muzzle-loading personal firearms that could fire one or two shots before requiring the arduous task of reloading. Those writers could not have imagined the array of weaponry now available. High-velocity semi-automatic guns that are easily converted to fully automatic and are fitted with multiround clips or magazines, assault rifles, long-range sniper rifles, laser-sighted arms, and many others are clearly well beyond the intent of the 18th century drafters of the Second Amendment to our Constitution.
Perhaps we ought to return to the intent of the Second Amendment with limited exceptions for those with a proven need and the fitness to handle modern arms.
Laurie Sturgeon
Vancouver
