To the Editor:

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.” Please note the first words: “A well regulated Militia ….”

My mother used to ask me if I meant to do something she had forbade me to do. Then she would ask if I meant not to. I am reminded of this when I see more and more people being killed by military style guns. Do we mean for them to be killed? No! Of course not. But, do we mean for them not to be killed? 

As a gun owner and Second Amendment supporter, I mean not to allow more people to be murdered with an assault weapon. That is why I choose not to own one. I would be afraid it would wind up in the hands of someone who killed people. I would then have some sense of guilt over a needless death. By not owning an assault weapon in spite of the fact that I currently have the right to, I hope I am part of preserving “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that our system of government is meant to secure for all people.

Do you own an assault weapon? If so, why? Are you part of a “well regulated Militia”? Do you mean not to see more people murdered? Does America? 

Dave Waldrop

Webster