“In my studies as an attorney and as a United States Senator, I have constantly been amazed by the indifference or even hostility shown the Second Amendment by courts, legislatures, and commentators. James Madison would be startled to hear that his recognition of a right to keep and bear arms, which passed the House by a voice vote without objection and hardly a debate, has since been construed in but a single, and most ambiguous Supreme Court decision, whereas his proposals for freedom of religion, which he made reluctantly out of fear that they would be rejected or narrowed beyond use, and those for freedom of assembly, which passed only after a lengthy and bitter debate, are the subject of scores of detailed and favorable decisions. Thomas Jefferson, who kept a veritable armory of pistols, rifles and shotguns at Monticello, and advised his nephew to forsake other sports in favor of hunting, would be astounded to hear supposed civil libertarians claim firearm ownership should be restricted. Samuel Adams, a handgun owner who pressed for an amendment stating that the “Constitution shall never be construed . . . to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms,” would be shocked to hear that his native state today imposes a year’s sentence, without probation or parole, for carrying a firearm without a police permit.” – Senator Orrin G. Hatch
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
Dear Senator Hatch,
It is refreshing change to hear a sitting U.S. Senator speak out in support of the Second Amendment, unlike the disgraceful and oath violating behavior of my two state senators from the Constitution State(Connecticut) Blumenthal and Murphy! Great article Senator Hatch. Please forward it to my senators. I’ve sent similar letters to them but they seem to have their own agenda of disarming every citizen.
Sincerely Yours,
Bruce Ejzak
Senator Hatch is planning to retire soon. Unfortunately, the people of Utah may find themselves saddled with “the flipper” Mitt Romney. Who knows what Mitt would support regarding 2A? His wobbly track record of changing his stand depending on which way the wind blows is notorious. There are many good, solid conservative and libertarian candidates but the mention of Mitt send many UT voters into paroxysms of ecstacy because of his religious affiliation.
Wow, I am impressed, (not). Mr. Hatch starts by letting us know that his studies have left him amazed at the indifference and hostility to the Second Amendment by courts, legislatures and commentators. Then he proceeds to show his indifference and hostility to the Amendment by completely ignoring it’s true meaning. I doubt that further study will help this establishment so called Senator.
Hatch is a great example of why we need term limits. One four year stint and you’re gone.
We already have term limits – It’s called voting. 🙂
Hugh I agree 100%. I still wonder why all the people that call for term limits run down on Primary Election day and vote for the incumbent of their party. If this weren’t true most incumbents wouldn’t be reelected, because most people I talk to think that term limits is what we need. If they represent my thoughts I want them to stay in office, if not I’ll vote them out! Trekker Out
That’s one-in-a-row for bipartisan Orrin.
HURRY UP AND RETIRE, D*** IT!
PS, the “bipartisan” was not meant as a compliment.
The problem is that “Civil Libertarians” are communists and/or their unknowing “useful idiots” masquerading as “Civil Libertarians”. Many (maybe most!) high profile elected officials, educators, judges and attorneys are slowly pushing their agenda and are not specifically called out as such by the conservative media or politicians. Banning private ownership of firearms is their biggest hurdle. When they succeed our freedom will be a memory.