Editor,

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to address your readers regarding the abridging of my Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. Different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to you if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to yours, I speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.

Since we are a nation of laws, let us begin with determining where in the U.S. Constitution the Legislative Branch — the Senate and the House of Representatives — has been provided with the authority to pass a bill into law that will abridge my right to keep and bear arms. Also, the Second Amendment specifically states that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

If a determined populace decides they have the power to further abridge my Second Amendment rights what other rights can that same group decide are no longer relevant? Will I be able to maintain my right to worship? Will my speech be determined not acceptable and I should therefore be silenced? Will they determine that due process rights no longer apply to me? Will my right to vote be abridged or eliminated? If one can be done cannot the others also be done?

Remember, when they came for the Bolsheviks I did not care for I was not a Bolshevik and they said they would never come for me. When they came for the Jews I did not care for I was not a Jew and they said they would never come for me. When they came for the Catholics I did not care for I was not Catholic and besides they said they would never come for me. Now they come for me and who is to care?

Finally, an experiment for all who think that further abridgement of my right to keep and bear arms is an effective answer. Place a loaded weapon of your choice on the floor, allow no one to touch the weapon. How long before the weapon takes someone’s live?

Larry Larson

Oak Harbor