Editorial: The other problem with Trump's Second Amendment comments

[billh58]

Did GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump really sound a dog-whistle message this week that gun owners — or, as he called them, "Second Amendment people" — could take matters into their own hands if Hillary Clinton becomes president?

Whether or not he meant it as a veiled threat to his Democratic rival's well-being or a call for political lobbying action to back conservative judicial appointments, the comments were more than just vague. They were intrinsically dishonest, too.

-Snip-

Trump's comments are misleading in another way. Support of reasonable gun laws is not the same as abolishing the Second Amendment; politicians need to stop pandering to Second Amendment absolutists. All of our constitutional rights have limits. Screaming fire in a crowded theater is considered a reasonable limitation on the First Amendment protection of free speech. Likewise, the Second Amendment leaves room for reasonable gun-control legislation.

-Snip-

"Nothing in our opinion should be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms."

— Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, in the landmark District of Columbia vs. Heller case that affirmed the individual right to have a gun while noting that right has limits

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20160811-editorial-the-other-problem-with-trump-s-second-amendment-comments.ece

A common theme among NRA/ILA/GOA apologists and Second Amendment absolutists is the "slippery slope" argument that ANY gun control legislation will invariably lead to confiscation and the repeal of the Second Amendment. The right-wing gun lobby has used this hollow talking point for decades, and their sheep obediently repeat the false claim at every opportunity.

Vote for an honest Democrat who will not flinch from criticism by the gun extremists, and will do the job of the People by enacting meaningful gun control legislation.

[Jerry442]

1. Gun rights activists statements re: Trump's Second Amendment comments.

[billh58]

2. Exactly. And the

same holds true for statements by Ted Nugent, Wayne LaPierre, and Larry Pratt. The odd thing is though, they repeat these asinine talking points over and over when arguing for guns everywhere for everyone.

[Saviolo]

7. I was a little surprised

To see -nothing at all- down in the RKBA wrt Trump's 2A comment. They are strangely silent about Trump co-opting the 2nd amendment falsely to collect political points for a far-right ideology.

Not a peep. As you said, crickets.

[billh58]

4. We get an occasional sock puppet

but they're manageable...

[billh58]

5. Awwww... n/t

[SunSeeker]

6. K & R