THE FALL OF THE UNITED STATES - Rush to Judgment

Opinion by Martin

As we leave 2012 behind us and start the New Year, we face the greatest threat to our Constitutional Rights since the Progressive (read Socialist/Communist) Movement began in the U.S. in the early part of the last Century.

Since that time, the Left has turned every disaster that comes along into a campaign against your Constitutional Freedoms.  From hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, demonstrations, and shootings by people who are mentally unbalanced or politically, the Democrats and big government Liberals have turned them into "your fault".  They propose to close "loopholes" in your Constitution that will protect you against yourself.  Among these "loopholes" is the Second Amendment - your Right to own and keep weapons.

By using incidents such as Newtown, CT, Aurora, CO, and Webster, NY in the past year, the Democrats and their allies have increased their strident tones against military "assault" weapons that are fired semi-automatically which means that it fires one round every time you pull the trigger as opposed to fully automatic meaning that you pull the trigger once and the weapon is emptied as rounds go down-range toward a target.  Even in the military, unless you are a member of a Special Operations Group, assigned to operate a squad automatic weapon or a .50 caliber machine gun (Ma Deuce), you are limited to a three shot burst which means that each time you pull the trigger, three shots leave the weapon toward the target.

The only way an "every day" citizen can own a fully automatic weapon is by purchasing a Federal Firearms License which is expensive and takes time to go through the process with your local, state, and federal levels including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE).  Because it's been illegal to import or domestically produce machine guns since 1986, the price for many Class Three firearms has skyrocketed.  A fully automatic weapon can sell for many thousands of dollars and collectors often hold on to the guns once they've bought them.

Before you fall into the "assault" weapon trap being bandied around by the Left, make certain that you understand the difference between the types of weapons being discussed as well as their capabilities.  Once you educate yourself in the abilities of the different types of weapons, who can own what type of firearm and laws pertaining to their use, you will become more at ease with your relatives, friends, and neighbors who own weapons.

Firearms are tools that were introduced to armies and civilians back in the 1300s Europe and have evolved into the efficient machines that you see today.  These tools are no better and no worse than the person who uses them.  In order to become familiar with a particular firearm, check with your local gun shop or friend who owns a weapon of the type your are interested in and ask him/her about its capabilities, costs and maintenance.  Some shops are tied to a particular range and you may get a chance to try out a revolver, pistol, shotgun, or rifle prior to buying or deciding that a firearm is not for you.

In order to buy a weapon at a store or gun show in Colorado, you must fill out BATFE Form 4473, submit the information to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for a background check to make certain that you are legally able to own a firearm and then, you may take the weapon home.  There is no restriction on how many firearms you may purchase at one time.

Today we are in a war as dangerous as any of the jihadists that are assembling in the Middle East, biding their time to attack the West, destroying our way of life.  We are in a war against American citizens who actually believe that they know best how you should live your life and that government should be the answer to all your needs.  This battle is focusing on gun control, but make no mistake about it, the battle is about "people-control".  Your Constitutional Rights are on the line!