I have been watching the hearings on gun control and listening to the stupidity of the National Rifle Association and others of like mind. They are all screaming about their Second Amendment rights.

When the Second Amendment was enacted in 1791, there was no such thing as an assault weapon.

The Gatling gun was not manufactured until 1861. No one, not the president or the “gang of six” is trying to take away anyone’s right to defend country, property, home and family. You may defend yourself with a handgun, hunting rifle, shotgun or musket, but why does any private citizen need an assault weapon or a large magazine? These weapons were created for war, for killing lots of people at one time. What’s next?

Is it your right to have a loaded cannon on your front lawn, or a Gatling gun sticking out the front window?

Get real, people. Protect our children and our society from all this violence. If you’ve got a burr under your saddle, go to the gym and work out, or split some wood. Anything that does not require a weapon.

SUSAN HAMILTON

Bella Vista

Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/05/2013