The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights...

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

How does this not reinforce the liberty of making one's own decisions regarding personal protection, hunting for sustenance, engaging in sport or leisure activities... with a firearm?


I wouldn't, but for those who would argue that the 2A protects only a special RKBA/militia relationship, how are personal RKBA not covered in the 9A?

[safeinOhio]

1. It was not

for over 200 years.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

2. I have a 2,000,000 year history...

...of not being born, yet here I am. I seems impossible to disprove the non-existence of that which you assert.

[safeinOhio]

4. 2 million years?

You win hands down.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

5. I've got a 10 minute history...

...of not winning, hands up or down.

[gejohnston]

3. Yes it was.

The SCOTUS only said that the BoR only limits the federal government (all of the 19th century 2A cases) and there is no evidence presented that an SBS is a military weapon useful to a militia.
The BoR is a set of negative rights. They don't grant the individual anything, it simply against State infringement on natural rights.
That is why the works of Enlightenment thinkers, like Locke, should be required study for civics classes nationwide and for citizenship classes and tests.

[ileus]

9. Individuals didn't own firearms for the first 200 years?

I think you mean it wasn't an argued topic for the first 200 years.

[NYC_SKP]

6. Self defense is a natural and a civil right.

To me, it's a right that should be assumed to have existed without specific need for an amendment, a specific inclusion a la RKBA.

I think the 9th, and later the 14th, only strengthen our position.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. exactly

[ileus]

8. The RKBA should be guaranteed under the idea of right to life.

That's what firearm ownership is supposed to be about...life safety.

Food, water, safety, shelter...Some would argue that safety could be #1 on the list.

Could firearms be the most essential element of life?

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. very true

[Eleanors38]

11. Liberals are at their best being liberal.

I can't think of anything more liberal than the licentiousness of the 9th Amendment; the fill-in-the-blank recognition of rights not known but Anticipated by the founders. That is in-your-face liberalism of the highest, most anti-authoritarian order.

To go against a right is anathema to the whole notion of recognized rights, and the raison d'etre of liberalism.

Though not immediately relevant to this discussion, the Articles give ample powers to the government to effect substantial economic and environmental protections through the powers granted the government. This is where true change takes place. Exercise those powers or be pushed aside by those with a darker vision for our country.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

12. political muscles like their physiologic analogs...

...atrophy without use. Use it or lose it.