The 2nd Amendment is Not Going Away: Understanding the Persistent Reality

Gun control advocates often dismiss the 2nd Amendment, declaring that 'it is not going away.' This stance is rooted in a misunderstanding of the reality that certain fundamental rights, once established, are extraordinarily difficult to eradicate. The same mindset that once believed in the inevitability of certain non-existent phenomena can now be seen applying to the 2nd Amendment. Let us explore why the 2nd Amendment is not just 'not going away' but deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society.

Introducing the Historical Parallels and Ignorance of 'What is Not Going Away'

The world is full of instances where people were overconfident about what would not happen, only to be proven wrong by the march of reality. Think about these historical examples:

Slavery: Believers of slavery’s permanence could not fathom the idea of freed slaves, much less the civil rights movement and the eventual end of legalized racial oppression. British Rule in Ireland: Historical figures who viewed Ireland’s independence as a far-fetched dream were repaid by the actual occurrence of the Easter Rising and the eventual establishment of the Irish Free State. Self-Funding of the New World: Skeptics had no faith that the colonies could become self-sufficient, leading to the eventual triumph of economic independence. Women Suffrage: The idea of women voting was dismissed by many as a fantastical notion, only to be realized during the early 20th century. Moon Landings: While there were doubts about humanity’s ability to walk on the moon, the successful Apollo missions proved the naysayers wrong. Asian Athletes in Major League Baseball: The belief that no Asian athletes would ever make it to the Major League led to the contrary, with many achieving success in professional sports. Computers in Homes: The notion that computers would be ubiquitous in every home seemed outlandish, but today, almost every household owns at least one computer or device.

Each of these occurrences teaches us a crucial lesson: insisting that something 'is not going away' disregards the possibility that it can change, evolve, or even be removed.

The Supreme Court and Reasonable Gun Control

A return to the control of the Supreme Court by strict textualists could potentially pave the way for reasonable gun control laws. This shift would allow for a more precise interpretation of the 2nd Amendment, allowing Congress to enact measures that align with public safety and constitutional principles. Proponents of such a change believe that former interpretations of the amendment have led to an overemphasis on individual rights, sometimes at the expense of broader societal needs and safety.

Addressing the Impossibility of Forcing Gun Surrender

Gun control advocates frequently criticize the idea that owners would voluntarily surrender their firearms. One common argument against gun control is the impracticality of the phrase 'seize all guns immediately.' This idea is based on several unrealistic assumptions:

Physical Impossibility: It is nearly impossible to physically confiscate all privately owned firearms in a short time frame without causing widespread chaos and violence. Legal Hurdles: The constitutional rights protected by the 2nd Amendment make the process of seizing firearms legally complex and filled with significant obstacles. Public Receptivity: A large segment of the population views firearm ownership as a sacred right, making it extremely unlikely for many to willingly surrender their weapons. Weapon Hiding: Some enthusiasts would hide guns in inaccessible places, further complicating the task of reclaiming arms.

Instead of pursuing an unrealistic and potentially violent mandate, it is more constructive to focus on gradual, legal, and humane methods to address the issue of gun violence, such as enhanced background checks and regulations on certain types of firearms.

The Gradual Removal of Firearms

The process of removing firearms from society is not as dramatic and immediate as some might believe. Here are the practical steps that could lead to reducing gun violence:

Voluntary Surrender: Many firearm owners might choose to turn in their weapons if those weapons become illegal or are subject to increased regulation. For example, if a type of controversial gun or accessory is banned, many owners might willingly surrender their weapons to avoid legal issues or due to changing circumstances. Law Enforcement Collection: Police forces can seize weapons from criminals and suspected illegal gun owners during arrests, thereby reducing the number of dangerous firearms in circulation. Natural Demise: As older generations of gun enthusiasts age and pass away, their collections of firearms may become less accessible and more prone to corrosion, rendering them unusable. Conversion and Disposal: Some gun owners might choose to convert their firearms into scrap metal or use them in recycling programs, further decreasing the number of usable weapons.

In conclusion, while the 2nd Amendment is indeed a permanent feature of American law and society, the notion that it 'is not going away' and the dramatic 'seize all guns immediately!' mandate are based on unrealistic assumptions and historical ignorance. By adopting a more reasoned and practical approach, we can address the issue of gun violence without resorting to extreme measures.