[finnbow]

Originally Posted by JonL

Frankly, I'm tired of reading all the BS about what the wonderful founders thought and wrote as if they were themselves each gods. The most important ideal the founders built into our government and constitution was that things CHANGE and the constitution must be a living document that can also change. The 2nd amendment is an AMENDMENT. It could be repealed. It could be modified. That, IMO, is no accident. Certainly the founders couldn't imagine automatic weapons, much less Blackhawk helicopters, nerve gas, or nuclear bombs. But they DID imagine that the world would be a different place in 50, 100, 200 years and built the idea that every generation has to interpret and mold the basic principles in the constitution to fit the times. Quotes about how flintlocks and muskets fit into 18th century politics when the enemy had to get across the Atlantic ocean in square-rigged SAILBOATS are fucking meaningless in today's world. Get a grip. "Strict constructionists," and all you who quote chapter and verse about a time in which a guy with the best weapon available would be lucky to give you a flesh wound from 100 feet away should grow up and look around a little bit. Sheesh.

QFT. Spot on.