To the Editor:

A gun rights rally was held on the historic courthouse lawn in Waynesville on May 19. Jeremy Davis is quoted as saying, “I’m 44 years old and never in my life have I seen somebody march to take rights away. We’re seeing that now, where you’ve got a bunch of misguided youth out marching, begging the government to limit their rights.” 

I hope the entire Second Amendment to which Mr. Davis refers was read and displayed: “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.” 

Few people attempt to support the entire Second Amendment. Many merely want the right to bear arms. Some insist the right has no limits. Some choose to ignore the need for “A well regulated Militia.” Both clauses of the amendment make it the complete law.

Being one of five military veterans in my immediate family, I am grateful for the right to own firearms. However, I do not believe the constitutional writers meant for civilians to sport modern-day assault weapons. We must do all we can to protect innocent civilians while at the same time defending people’s right to own and use conventional firearms.

Dave Waldrop

Webster