Editor:
I’d like to comment on Adam Benson’ views on the Second Amendment in his Oct. 12 column, “It’s Time to Put Gun Legislation in the Crosshairs.”
Benson wrote, “I don’t own a gun, and I never will. I don’t condone hunting, and I loathe automatic rifles.
“However, being a journalist and a reporter, I understand the importance of free speech and the sanctity of liberty.”
Since Benson needs the First Amendment to continue with his job, he must realize it is important. But since he doesn’t hunt, does he think the Second Amendment is unnecessary?
The founding fathers had great reason to distrust their government. That’s why they implemented the Bill of Rights. To maintain these freedoms, they added the right to bear arms.
Benson goes on to say, “If people were willing to budge just a little bit in sacrificing their rights to privacy, lives could clearly be saved.”
This may very well be true, but we could extend the argument to the rest of the Bill of Rights and live in a totalitarian state.
I realize Adam wasn’t saying that all guns should be taken away, but gun registration makes it that much easier for guns to be taken away eventually. Imagine that everyone who published articles in newspapers condemning the Bush’s war on Iraq had to first go down to the police station and have the article checked out and give their name, address, phone number, fingerprint and DNA sample. You could still publish your article, but would you consider yourself “free” to do so?
Joshua Black
Senior, Mathematics