Letters to the editor Aug. 15

Most important amendments

The first two amendments to our Constitution are by far the most important. Here is why.

The First Amendment guarantees our freedom of speech, our freedom to worship as we chose, and also guarantees our right to peaceably assemble. Let’s not forget our right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, the founders got all that into one sentence.

We the People gave our government certain rules to follow, what they can do, and what they cannot do. How can the people monitor our government to keep it within the Constitution? We can vote for good individuals. We can recall undesirable individuals. And, all officers must take the oath of office before they can enter on the execution of their Office. (PRESERVE, PROTECT, DEFEND) Three words in the oath of office that many of our elected officers ignore.

Now here comes the real power of the people. The Second Amendment. Again only one sentence, clear and concise. “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.”

Now let me explain the meaning of “militia and well regulated” (In 1775, militia meant all males ages 14 and up and now, all ages 18 to 55. Well regulated still means trained and proficient in the use of arms of the day.) Again, many of our elected officials do not understand the full meaning of infringe “to takeaway piece by piece or to trespass upon the rights of others.”

So, there it is, the Second Amendment, the true deterrent and protection of our God-given rights for We the People.

A final word. Our Supreme Court hasn’t got it right yet. What are arms? — Bob Bates, Plains