To Whom It May Concern,
Lauren Grote (Letters 7-29-00) believes, as many people do, that licensing and registration
will save lives. She couldn't be more wrong. Criminals won't get licenses and won't register
their firearms either. According to the Supreme Court, they won't have to; the court has ruled
that it would violate their 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Assuming that every gun owner complied with such requirements one can only imagine a decline
in accidental gun injuries, due to the increase in firearm education. Such a decline would be
welcome, but could be achieved through greater education efforts, without the implementation of
licensing and registration. The corresponding increase in the murder rate, of unarmed citizens
by armed criminals, would more than make up for the decrease in accidents. Besides, the majority
of gun owners won't comply with any licensing or registration plan. I won't, and neither will
anyone I know. Not because it would be a hassle. Not because we don't want to lose a nifty hobby,
or a time honored tradition.
We won't register or license our rights away because we cherish our Liberty, our Constitution
and our Republic. History has shown that licensing and registration always lead to confiscation --
which is followed by tyranny, repression and genocide. Remember Hitler, Stalin, etc.? It's because
we know licensing/registration/confiscation will cost lives because they invite abuse and tyranny,
leave us defenseless against violent criminals, and will very likely ignite a Civil War. Think it
can't happen? Think again. Remember Lexington and Concord? Independence had been growing in
popularity for years, but it was the attempted confiscation of firearms that led to the shot
heard 'round the world. The parallels with our current situation are staggering. So, if you oppose
the 2nd Amendment (It escapes me how anyone with the slightest knowledge of history could.) ask
yourself this question: Am I willing to die for this? Your opponents have already pledged their
lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Anderson Jr.