LETTERS: RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS FOR ALL CITIZENS

To the editor:

A Dec. 10 Speak Out caller was hoping to enlighten us of the unwashed masses by suggesting that we look up the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It was this person's premise that the amendment only provides armament for members of the National Guard. This is a curious interpretation. Judge for yourself. Here is the amendment as it appears in the 10 original amendments of 1791:

"Article II -- 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."

Nowhere does it mention National Guard, nor does it restrict possession of arms to a select group. The term people refers to all citizens.

The statement regarding the Supreme Court opinion is puzzling. Courts do not make laws. Congress and the states enact laws. Law enforcement agencies or individuals may bring charges for alleged crimes against a person who is brought into court and tried on the merits of those charges. The court decides is a law has been broken and adjudicates thusly. This is a major simplification, but the essence is there.

There may be laws on the books that seek to circumvent the Second Amendment, and there are many opinions as to what "is" or "shall" mean, but until the Second Amendment is repealed or superseded, every law-abiding citizen has the right to possess a legal firearm or similar weapon for defense of self and individual freedom.

MELVIN N. GILHAUS

Cape Girardeau