"Right to bear arms" is derived from the fact that British subjects were not treated fairly by their rulers. Our founding fathers did not like the lack of freedom as British subjects. One offensive restriction forbade British subjects from hunting game without permission because it was considered that all game belonged to the Monarch. Well, our founding fathers had the wisdom to realize that leaders only lead with the consent of their fellow citizens.
Now, I do not intend to join a militia to possibly overthrow the government. I enjoy owning a gun because I enjoy
shooting a gun. There's nothing wrong with that. I should not have to make apologies. I am not reading into the Second Amendment to the constitution. I am correctly reading the Declaration of Independence which states that everyone has the rights to "... life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." One past-time which makes me happy is shooting my gun.
If the government wanted to treat us like children and take away all things with which we can intentionally do harm, they should take away our cars. As that woman in Texas demonstrated, a Mercedes is a deadly weapon. Also, they should definitely take away fertilizer and house-hold chemicals since they can be used to make bombs. The government should also take away knives and make us eat with our hands.
I have no intention of running over people with my car, even if I hate their guts, and I certainly don't intend on shooting anyone.
We all have the right as human beings to pursue happiness. When we're happy we work better and are nicer to people around us.
Shooting guns at inanimate objects and game makes many of us happy. So, the focus should not be solely on the Second Amendment. The focus should be on our inherent rights as human beings as indicated in the Declaration of Independence.
-trask