I appreciated Rev. Richard Olson’s letter wherein he spoke of the  “true purpose of the Second Amendment.” He said, “They (founding fathers) meant in no uncertain terms that all citizenry, all common people, should be fully armed and know how to use.” Who can argue with such plain truth? 

Have you ever wondered just how did our founding fathers come up with such a profound idea that “the right of the people to keep and  bear arms shall not be  infringed.” If we take a look back through history, before their time, we find that kings, philosophers, civic leaders and governing bodies held to very strong views of the right to bear arms for the purpose of self-defense. 

The cradle of philosophical thought regarding the right of a free people to bear arms is evident even back in the classical Mediterranean  civilizations of Rome and Greece.  One can read these rights stated by such ancient philosophers as Aristotle, Cicero and Machiavelli, as well as government rulers throughout the known world. Roman poet Ovid wrote these words, “The laws allow arms to be taken against an armed foe.” As far back as 500 AD ancient kings were demanding their subjects to be armed. 

Let’s take a look back even further in history. As recorded in the Bible, Luke 22:49-53. Jesus is arrested by the Jews to be crucified. Peter in verses 49-50 “… With his sword … he smote the servant and cut off his right ear.” I mention this to raise a question, “Why was Peter carrying a sword?” 

In answer to this question look back to verse 36. Jesus commanded His  disciples to carry their swords. 

This is just prior to His crucifixion. They were to be armed; not for threats, or offense, or war; but only for self defense. Our founding fathers were right. It has always  been the right and duty for free men to bear arms. Never shall any governing body, president, Congress, king, etc., rule otherwise. 

“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Floyd Seekins