Posted on 04/09/2002 7:36:31 AM PDT by Sir Gawain
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Scotty's Soap Box
Damn It, I've Earned The Right! By: Scotty Phillips Published 04. 8. 02 at 1:31 Sierra Time |
| Robert Waters, author of "The Best Defense" gave me a warning several months ago. He suggested that I be very careful how I handle the media when it came to answering questions about rights as gun owners in America. I took his advice and stored it in the "to recall later" section of my brain. Recently I had an interview with a female newspaper editor. During the interview, she focused on one chapter in my book concerning domestic violence. Briefly, this chapter titled "Enough is Enough" involved a woman who endured 18 years of abuse by her spouse. The story, and her living-hell, ending after her brother used his constitutional right as a gun owner to defend his little sister. I started having concerns about the direction that this reporter appeared to be heading early on. With each question I could tell she did not believe that Americans have the right to defend themselves. "Do you believe that the victim’s ex-husband in your one story really deserved to die by a bullet?" she asked. With this question, my brain went into "recall" and Mr. Waters’ warning now came to life. I took several moments before answering with another question; "Did this woman deserve the years of abuse? Did she deserve the countless broken bones and bruises? Did she, and her children, deserve to live in fear every second of their lives? Did she deserve a legal system that either couldn't, or refused to protect her?" As most of the antigun liberals do, she avoided answering me and went straight to another question of her own. "Why do you believe that everyone should have the right to carry a weapon for self-defense?" Keep in mind that she and I had previously discussed the Constitutional rights of Americans, including the Second Amendment. My blood pressure had already hit the boiling point, but I kept my calm and, though sorely tempted, didn't attempt to choke some common sense into her. Trust me, I was very glad for that session to end and she never published our "interview". I thought about her questions concerning my rights for several days after that and, as many others do, came up with much better responses in the process. Here is what I wish I had said. I spent most of my adult life in the military. On eight different occasions, I raised my right hand and gave the oath to protect the Constitution of the United States, "So help me God." I've looked into eyes of the widows and children of my fallen comrades, who gave their lives to protect America's way of life as outlined by the Constitution. I've endured the cold, harsh winters of Korea, suffered the heat and swatted bugs in South America. Now, at 43, I've lost 60 percent of my hearing. My knees are shot-to-hell and excess fluid must be drained off repeatedly. I've had to visit my Doctor on a weekly basis to receive shots for the pain in my worn-out back. Eventually I must undergo surgery. One might suggest, "Seen the Veterans Administration for help?" Been there - done that. I don’t like being treated like a criminal! I attribute my declining health to protecting the Constitution of the United States, including the Second Amendment, as a U.S. Serviceman. As veterans, we know that we chose to protect the God given rights of Americans, and all the other human beings who want to be free on this planet. We totally understand that owning the title of "The most powerful country in the World," comes with a price. Do I have any regrets? None! Would I do it all over again? Damn right I would! In the future, I plan to carry this article with me on all interviews. If I'm ever again asked the question about why I insist on my Second Amendment rights as an American and gun owner, I'll reply, "Damn it, I've earned the right!"
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I will never understand the view that a person who is attacked has no absolute right to self defense.
I know the author doen't believe that, but his final paragraphs give that impression.
We are asking this and other more important questions on another thread. Serious Discussions found here
...Why not the direct, "Yes, indeed", answer?
In the future, I plan to carry this article with me on all interviews. If I'm ever again asked the question about why I insist on my Second Amendment rights as an American and gun owner, I'll reply, "Damn it, I've earned the right!"
As the son of a career Air Force officer and someone who spent some time in uniform myself, I say thank you to this individual. Millions have served and they all deserve our gratitude, even if they never saw combat or were in real danger - they made the offer (and I include Algore - his politics are horrible, but he made the offer).
That said, I disagree that he has "earned the right." If rights must be earned, they are not rights. If rights can be earned, then someone can take them away. The rights spelled out in the Constitution come from God and the Constitution merely forbids the Federal Government from infringing on those rights (like it really cares).
Does that question strike anyone else as self-answering?
This post makes me think of this.
He deserved to be stopped. The bullet was just the means used to stop him.
A similar result could have been obtained with human hands, a knife, a ball peen hammer or dropping an anvil on his head.
By focusing on the fact that a bullet was used the report is trying to demonize gun ownership. She should be demonizing the abuse this woman was subjected to but that probably wouldn't be front page news.
Bump.
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