The Text of the 2nd Amendment …

05 Tuesday Jul 2022

Posted by michelinewalker in Gun Control, United States

Tags

Fourth of July, Highland Park, Second Amendment, Security

—ooo—

How dreadful! On 4 July 2022, innocent Americans were the victims of a gunman whose weapon was purchased legally. I suspect that the gunman was going through a crisis, but he had a gun, and he lives in what could be described as a “gun culture.”

Groups such as the National Rifle Association lobby the government to secure the “right” to buy and carry firearms. Under particular administrations, they succeed. The 2^nd Amendment does not justify using a gun because the United States has “[a] well-regulated militia “that ensures the “security of a free state.” Security is the operative word. One may protect oneself, but how and to what extent? Given constant deadly shootings, guns do not save anyone.

“A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Should guns be banned in bars and hospitals? Supreme Court decision could spur new 2nd Amendment fight (msn.com)

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Highland Park shooting.

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Claude Debussy‘s Clair de lune par Philippe Cassard

Uvalde: Analysis Paralysis

28 Saturday May 2022

Posted by michelinewalker in Gun Control, The United States

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

an American Tragedy, Analysis Paralysis, Gun Control, Uvalde Texas

© CECILE CLOCHERET/afp via getty images
Devant le bâtiment de la convention, des partisans *[proponents]* du port d’arme et des opposants *[opponents]* se livrent à une bataille médiatique *[engage in a media battle]*. This is the front of the building where the NRA is holding its convention. One can read “Acres of Guns & Gear”.

I sent this post to thrash after hearing that Uvalde police officers stood in the hallway outside the murder scene, as children dialled 9-1-1 begging for help. My story had changed. The officers now say that they made the “wrong decision.” Not quite! They were facing a gunman and could not make a decision. It was a case of analysis paralysis. Uvalde tells, in horrid terms, the story of police officers shooting unnecessarily or not shooting because they suspect or know the person they are attacking is armed.

Outside the building where the NRA (National Rifle Association) convention is taking place, one can read in large letters “acres of guns & gear.” Given that a teacher and 18 young students were killed by gunshot, that sign is offensive. Moreover, the gunman was eighteen years old and may have been mentally unfit when he shot his victims. Why are eighteen-year-olds sold a weapon?

Former President Donald Trump told members of the National Rifle Association to “arm law-abiding citizens” in response to “evil.” Given that the gunman took the life of 18 children and their teacher, and coming from the mouth of a former president of the United States, that statement is inappropriate.

There are many conclusions to be drawn from this latest American tragedy, but two will suffice. Ban the wearing of firearms and enable police officers (the “militia”) to act when they must. In Uvalde, 19 children and 2 adults died who might have been saved.

RELATED ARTICLE

The Second Amendment to the American Constitution: a Misundertansding (27 May 2022)

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Brahms‘s Lullaby

The Second Amendment to the American Constitution: a Misunderstanding

27 Friday May 2022

Posted by michelinewalker in Firearms, Gun Control, Sharing, Terrorism, War

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Guernica, Pablo Picasso, the National Rifle Association, the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the U.S., the Security of the State, Uvalde Texas

*Guernica* by Pablo Picasso *(Image credit: RMN-Grand Palais, Musée national Picasso-Paris/Mathieu Rabeau)* and the BBC

—ooo—

The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads as follows:

“A well regulated [sic] militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

The United States has a well-regulated militia, so “the security of a free state” is not endangered, except by those who misread the Second Amendment. If the goal of the Second Amendment is to promote the “security of a free state,” it forbids the wearing of deadly weapons.

In short, the insufficiently-controlled use of firearms has just led to the death of nineteen (19) innocent children and two (2) teachers. So, the American National Rifle Association could be described as a parallel government. The bearing of arms currently threatens the security a “free state” should promote. Proponents of the bearing of arms have become advocates of social disorder and great sorrow.

My love and sincere condolences to all who have lost a child or a dear one at Uvalde, Texas.

—ooo—

Love to everyone 💕

Guernica: What inspired Pablo Picasso’s masterpiece? BBC News

Picasso in 1905 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Listen, Mr. President

24 Wednesday Jul 2019

Posted by michelinewalker in Climate Change, Global Warming, Gun Control, Planned Parenthood, United States

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

Global Warming, Gun Control, Planned Parenthood, Universal health care

U. S. President Donald Trump (the grio.com)

Dear Donald,

We’ve had it, and I hope sincerely that you are not reëlected. Millions of Americans and millions of human beings on Planet Earth have to suffer paralyzing and deadly heat waves, while you dismiss “climate change” as “fake news.”

I would also like to speak to you about the fate of women in your country. Do not think for one minute that a woman should always be exposed to unwanted, not to mention yearly, pregnancies. Open planned-parenthood facilities, so women never have to undergo a life-threatening and unwanted abortion. The life of a woman is dear to her, dear to her husband/partner, and dear to her family. Let women be.

As well, tackle doctors. They deserve an excellent salary, but in no way do they need to be very wealthy. They may well be more compassionate than you thought. As well, tackle pharmaceutical companies. This discussion includes everyone. Everyone is part of the equation.

You are lucky to have a fine wife. She’s an immigrant! Will you deport her? In fact, will you deport yourself? Except for Amerindians, North-Americans are immigrants.

By the way, ordinary people do not need guns. If some Americans enjoy target practice, safe facilities are available.

I will not cover other issues, but I am asking you to

deal with the very real problem of climate change,
to open planned-parenthood clinics,
to make health care affordable, preferably free,
to stop deporting innocent immigrants,
to take guns away from ordinary citizens, and
to drive out poverty.

Dear Donald,

The current year is 2019. When will humanity be protected?

If you do not deal with the above-mentioned issues as quickly as possible, Americans, the World and the climate will deal with you.

I should say I rather liked you when you visited the United Kingdom. Melania looked gorgeous. As for the Queen, she is a professional.

Would that I could watch you a little more, but I’m trying to write a book on Molière and providing information to the excellent people who read my posts as a I write the book. I require funding, but I doubt that my university will provide it.

Donald, I had to get this off my chest.

Donald Trump holding a dove (Duck, duck, gray duck)

Photo credit: Google

Orlando: the Many Issues

21 Tuesday Jun 2016

Posted by michelinewalker in Fundamentalism, Gun Control, Middle East, Terrorism, The United States

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

discrimination, Donald Trump, Gun Control, LGBT, Orlando Massacre, terrorism, The Middle East, the United States

Donald Trump (Generated by IJG JPEG Library)

I have read several articles about Mr Trump and my opinion remains unchanged. In fact, I believe he may jeopardize the safety of I do not understand that the Republicans chose him as their nominee to the office of President of the United States.

However, Republicans have started to distance themselves from Mr Trump because of his avowed intention to prevent not only Muslims, but Mexicans and people originating from Latin-American countries, from entering the United States.

Although Mr Trump has lost the support of some key members of the Republican party, he remains defiant. He will finance his way to the Presidency. But will the citizens of the United States vote for a man who does not represent a party?

The Atlantic Monthly

The Atlantic Monthly published a series of articles on Mr Trump, one of which is about his mind. I am a little wary of such articles, but do believe that Mr Trump’s manners and language preclude his being considered an appropriate candidate to the office of President of the United States. As we say in Quebec, Donald Trump n’est pas sortable (he’s not fit to be seen). It may therefore be difficult for those Republicans who have turned their back on him to adopt a new stance.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/06/the-mind-of-donald-trump/480771/

http://www.theatlantic.com/notes/all/2016/03/trump-nation/473955/#note-487724

Discrimination

The tragic Orlando Massacre invites serious reflection on the issue of discrimination, a sturdy perennial. The President of the United States cannot discriminate against people on the basis of ethnicity and faith. Nor can he discriminate against people on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. But Mr Trump does discriminate against Muslims, all Muslims, and Mexicans as well as other Americans of Latin-American origin. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that:

“Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”
See Discrimination, Wikipedia.)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2016/jun/19/donald-trump-paul-ryan-republicans-congress-loretta-lynch-nra

Gun Control

The good news is that Mr Trump now agrees with President Obama “for watch list gun ban.” Wayne LaPierre of the National Rifle Association disagrees, but the fact remains that one cannot shoot without a gun and that arming people will not address the problem of terrorism. Omar Mateen had access to a powerful weapon and several guns.

https://www.rawstory.com/2016/06/theyre-coming-nras-wayne-lapierre-responds-to-orlando-shooting-with-unhinged-fearmongering/

The Second Amendment lost its validity the moment the United States had a militia. However, if one enjoys marksmanship, there are facilities where such individuals may engage in their sport. Marksmen and women will not hurt anyone if their weapon is kept in a secure area. Sadly, some gun owners do not put their weapon(s) away from the reach of children which has caused siblings to shoot a sister or a brother. Children may think the gun is a toy.

Walking down the street carrying a gun can also lead to tragedies. For instance, the police may at times pull the trigger too quickly because of fear of being shot. It would be my opinion that endangering the life of innocent people is a breach of the social contract and that it negates the Second Amendment.

The Pulse

The Pulse was a club where L.G.B.T. (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans) socialized as is their right. Discriminating against people on the basis of sexual orientation seems extremely narrow-minded. As a WordPress colleague pointed out to me, people of different sexual orientation have a right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

I agree fully. Gays deserve the same respect as other law-abiding members of society, which includes gathering on a Saturday evening to socialize and relax. No one was creating a disturbance at the Pulse. I encourage you to read Half-man of Orlando (colltales.com). Virginia Woolf wrote Orlando (1928).

Islamic Fundamentalism

As stated in an earlier post, although Mr Mateen claimed allegiance to the Islamic State, it does not appear he was directed to kill for Isil. However, as he was in the process of murdering people, he did tell the police that the United States should “stop bombing” Syria and Iraq. The Obama administration considers the Orlando massacre a crime of terror and hate, and it will welcome more Muslim refugees. The refugees are the victims of Islamic fundamentalism and rigid autocracies.

Americans are divided with respect to the role they should play in the Middle East, but in the end, it will be, and should be, for the Middle East to determine its fate.

Conclusion

In short, the Orlando Massacre has so many facets and it raises so many issues that it may well be one of the most significant events in recent history.

Love to everyone. ♥

RELATED ARTICLES

Half-man of Orlando (colltales.com) (16 June 2016)
Donald Trump as President? No! (16 June 2016)
Orlando (13 June 2016)

Donald Trump, The Atlantic Monthly

Gun Registration in Canada: a Crucial Issue

26 Sunday Oct 2014

Posted by michelinewalker in Canada, Gun Control, The Middle East

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Canada's Politic Leaders, Canada's Political Parties, Canada's Role in Coalition, Gun Control, Islamic Art, Maher Zain

: Horse and Groom by Haydar Ali, early 16th century (Photo credit: mesosyn.com)

I converted a few pale lines in the post I published on 24 October 2014, into bold letters. I wanted to re-examine the logic of the text. I was able to see that the key to determining the cause of this week’s events in Ottawa was the source of the weapon. Once the police had determined the provenance of the weapon, they would have been able to establish, with complete certainty, whether or not the killer acted on behalf of Isil and to what extent Isis had penetrated Canada. It appears Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau acted alone.

Gun Control in Canada

Canada still has strict gun-control legislation, but under Prime Minister Steven Harper, the leader of the Conservative Party, changes were made to gun-control legislation. Canadians do not carry firearms, but persons who wish to do so no longer need to register their firearms. Martin Rouleau-Couture did not kill by gun, but Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau did.

Martin Rouleau-Couture

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/martin-couture-rouleau-hit-and-run-driver-arrested-by-rcmp-in-july-1.2807078

Therefore, if gun control was not a crucial issue in the forthcoming political campaign, it is now on the agenda. Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau killed by gun and, ironically, members of the Conservative Party, the Party that introduced less stringent gun-control legislation, were targeted. They barricaded the doors of the room in which they were working as gun shots could be heard. It seems they did not have a key or that they knew a key would not suffice.

I realize that this week’s events cannot be linked entirely to weapons. Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau wanted his passport. However, if the acquisition of firearms is untraceable and this matter impedes a thorough investigation, gun control may be a factor in the next political campaign. It has been ascertained that Mr. Zehaf-Bibeau wanted to fly to Syria and nothing suggests that he acted on behalf of Isis, yet knowing how and where he acquired his weapon would be useful.

At any rate, Tom Mulcair, the leader of the New Democratic Party, and Justin Trudeau, the leader of the Liberal Party, may have gained better chances of being elected into office. The fourth party, the Bloc québécois, lost its seats in the House of Commons in the Federal Election of 2011. However, Quebec has already opposed Ottawa’s decision.

http://www.vox.com/2014/10/24/7047547/canada-gun-law-us-comparison

Canada’s Role in the Coalition

The role the United States has given itself as leader of the coalition fighting Isis will not be discussed. I am not in possession of all the facts concerning this issue. I believe, however, that although its contribution is minimal: “six CF18 fighter jets, two surveillance aircrafts, a refuelling plane and 600 personnel – but no ground troops[,]” for six months (The Montreal Gazette), it may be in Canada’s best interest to revisit its decision to provide anything more than humanitarian aid to the above-mentioned coalition. We put ourselves at risk and we may have paid the price. Moreover, the crisis in the Middle East may last for decades, or longer.

This has to be a very short post. A guest will be visiting, so I must make sure the apartment looks tidy.

The link below was inserted in my last post. I believe this post concludes the discussion on the killings that occurred this past week in our humble Canada.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Radio-Canada)

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/should-the-west-stop-intervening-in-the-middle-east-1.2811177