What really brought on the 2nd Amendment

I got an email today about another possible gun regulation move our new government is contemplating, it's called HR 45. It calls for finger printing, social security numbers, mental exams all kinds of beautiful red tape. I'm not the usual suspect when it comes to being scared that they're going to take away our right to bear arms, (if they take it too far there will definitely be anarchy and I believe most of the military will be on the 2nd amendment side). BUT, I'm getting a little tired of the fact that some politicians in Washington are making it their life's work to do just that. What the (hell word), is so important to them about taking our guns away? I know that a lot of guns these days are for uses other than hunting, uh hello the 2nd amendment was originally discussed in the context as keep and bear them for protection, so most of the guns manufactured today are for protection, I don't see the problem. If the sorry politicians would do the right things (their jobs) pass some laws like our enemies have, and whack off some hands and heads, we wouldn't need to own an arsenal to protect ourselves. I guess the other part of the 2nd is what really bugs them, the part that suggests that the right to bear arms is also for our own protection from Congress! What follows is a little of what our fore fathers were debating at the time the 2nd was put into words. Pretty interesting to ponder under our current circumstances.

 This is from Wikipedia,

 A widespread fear during the debates on the ratification of the Constitution, was the possibility of a military takeover of the states by the federal government, which could happen if the Congress passed laws prohibiting states from arming citizens.[48] Anti-Federalist Patrick Henry during the opening debates of the Virginia Ratification Convention stated his strong belief that arms are required to secure rights and freedoms from those that would take them away.[49] George Mason during that debate also showed his distrust of Congress and the possibility that it would not fund the arming for the militia as an excuse for the creation of a standing army, which could later to be used as an instrument of tyranny by Congress.[50]

Also from Wikipedia

The origin of the second amendment occurred in context of an ongoing debate about "the people" fighting government tyranny, (as described by anti federalists); or the risk of mob rule of "the people" in relation to the ongoing at that time, revolution in France.

I'm aware of the amount of homicides taking place in this country, believe me I don't like it when a gun is used, BUT, if you have any common sense, think about all the guns that are already out there. There were over 1.5 million sold legitimately last year alone. If they ban guns today they would never retrieve them all in a million years. All that would happen is honest citizens would buy and sell on the new black market that would form and of course some would get caught and go to jail etc. BUT, the common criminal would have it easier in obtaining a gun on the same black market. As far as criminals having guns, nothing would change. As far as I'm concerned the more responsible citizens that buy a gun and learn the proper usage the better. That just means eventually there will be more of us than them. AP

"Kurtz and Marlow" .....Shoving Off

Today, if I have constructed everything correctly, my new site featuring, online shopping for everything AP, will be LIVE.
I am proud to feature this compilation at Sons of Savages and hope that you find something that you would want to proudly own. I thank you and my Banker thanks you in advance. AP

www.kurtzandmarlow.com

Garden Time

I miss a garden. Back when I was young my family always had a garden, and I miss the simple beauty of the process. I remember way back an old white-headed black man would show up in the spring driving a wagon pulled by his mule, the old "Florence Wagon Works" type but with old slick car tires and wheels in place of the old spoke wheels. The thing was silent except for the sound of the mules' hoofs. He'd hook the plow harness on the mule after he detached him from the wagon harness. He carried the one row braking plow and tools in the back of the wagon and they, the mule and man would brake our garden for not much money. When he was finished he'd load the wagon and move on to the next garden further down. "Brake," in this case, means to turn the soil over with a braking plow. This would happen a month or more from planting time so the soil could lay out and the grass that is turned under could die from lack of sunshine. It was the beginning of the process that cycled through our lives every year. After about 40 years of gardening hiatus, were going to go for it and raise a garden. I think it a part of my simplification process, another one of those "long time coming things," hopefully another step toward making peace with my conscious. I wish I could remember the old man's name, and his mule's name for that matter, he was one of the last holdouts of that era and I'm glad I have the memory. I'll keep you updated. AP

My friends Keith and Colleen Begg, a rare breed!

I met these two a few years ago in Mozambique while I was working for a Safari Company. Later I got to spend time with them in the Niassa Reserve of Mozambique. They live in the bush almost year round where they research different animals like the African Honey Badger, Lion and Leopard. Did I mention they are also raising their two young children along side them in the Bush?  for more info on the Beggs, go to National Geographic and type in Kieth and Colleen Begg.

Tarpon on the Brain

An ulterior motive, yes I'm guilty. Another reason for this Blog is to promote whatever I deem worthy, and I guess I should promote myself a little. At least I deem my work worthy to squander a few choice sentences over. I seem to catch the eye of the off-to-the-side-type of admirer, or client, for whatever reason I seem to attract the out of the box thinker at least. You can make your own mind up as to where you fall by viewing my website. www.apmcgee.com