People in this country have a constitutional right to “keep and bear arms” and if you don’t like people owning guns, there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s time that people understand the simple concept that constitutional rights will always outweigh personal feelings.
When I attended the University of Delaware and ran Students for the Second Amendment, one of the most common complaints I heard from other students was that they felt “uncomfortable” knowing that other students owned and carried firearms. It wasn’t statistics or facts that backed their argument. It was simply the feeling of unrest.
First, the University of Delaware prohibits the possession of firearms on campus property for students and the public. This means that students 21 or older can only conceal carry off campus with a license from the state. Still, students were not put at ease.
Second, the process to obtain a concealed carry license in Delaware is extremely strenuous. There are many steps one must take in order to obtain their license. Some of these steps include publishing one’s private information in the newspaper and successfully completing a firearms training course. Concealed carry holders have practiced shooting at the range and have learned firearm laws. After completing the strenuous training, firearm owners are well educated on and have a strong respect for gun safety.
Despite all these precautions and restrictions to the Second Amendment, a constitutional right that is not to be infringed, students were still uncomfortable. To them I say, “too bad, that’s not my problem.”
This example can be used to address all of those who think that their feelings outweigh constitutional rights. If someone is offended by their fellow law-abiding citizens owning or carrying firearms, then that’s their problem. Now more than ever law-abiding citizens must come together and stand strong in the face of the emotionally irrational snowflakes who think that their feelings outweigh your constitutional rights.
After all, you would think that with criminals becoming bolder and killing more innocent people, everyone would want more law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional rights and carry firearms… but that would be logical.
Originally posted in Red Alert Politics, October, 2017. Written by SAI President Tyler Yzaguirre.