Gun Violence: Where personal agenda and personal responsibility separate

Brookfield, WI – In the wake of police killings, mass shootings and almost daily reports of gun violence, Democrat Tom Palzewicz believes it is time to rethink America’s policy on guns

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution reads: “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.” 

“The language of the second amendment has created considerable debate regarding the Amendment’s intended scope,” said Palzewicz, who is running for Wisconsin’s Fifth Congressional District seat. “We have laws on the books, good laws, but we still see the headlines.”

The Second Amendment provides U.S. citizens the right to bear arms.  It was ratified on December  15, 1791, after the Revolution.  Americans,  coming from farms and rural areas across the colonies, had just defeated the English in the Revolutionary War.  The amendment was originally created to give citizens the opportunity to fight back against a tyrannical federal government.

As far back as 1846, Second Amendment issues were being fought in the courts, such as (1 Kel.) 243, that argued that a state law banning handguns was unconstitutional.  Today, there are laws concerning handguns and the legality of carrying them in public.

“In 1791 there was the real possibility of fighting another war against England, but in 2020 we have a well-trained, professional armed forces standing ready to defend against any invaders,” said Palzewicz. “In 1791 they were talking about owning single shot flintlock hunting rifles.  In 2020 we’re talking about the MR-15 and other assault weapons, capable of killing in great volumes. It’s time to rethink what is reasonable.”

“People have the right to own guns, but military-style weaponry is not sporting if you’re hunting deer.  Assault weapons are for killing people.  That’s a problem. In other developed countries, police killings are minimal, mainly because in those countries there are not ample supplies of guns for every man, woman and child.  Where does it stop?”

“We see gun violence on the TV news and we read about it in the newspapers. With the right to bear arms comes the need for personal responsibility.  Those who cannot or will not abide by the law must not be allowed to own firearms.  Manufacturers are in it for a profit and limiting gun safes is against their personal financial interest, but they are backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and both will scream if limiting gun distribution is even brought up for discussion.  America has an insane love affair with guns.”

Palzewicz looks forward to the opportunity to address this issue in the new congress.

Palzewicz for Wisconsin

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.