Why Do So Many American's Have Guns?

This hub is an answer to a question posted in the answers section, from a querent who wanted to know why so many U.S. Citizens own guns, when there are so many horrible things that happen involving gun violence.

I have decided to post my response in this hub, raw and unedited the way it came out. Not only because it was to much for a simple answer, but because I hope it answers this question thoroughly for anyone else who might have the same question.

First, I would like to say, that your dismissal of our constitution and the rights it protects for us, is part of the reason you don't understand. And you will not understand so long as you continue to be ignorant to our history, constitution and beliefs.

Secondly, you need to be careful about making generalizations. They trap you and give you a bad rapport with those you communicate with and seek answers from. Not everyone who owns a gun is going to be violent with it, or contribute to society in criminal ways.

Furthermore, it's not guns that cause problems, it's people who cause problems, and those problems will be caused with or without fire arms.

Thirdly, if you look up the statistics, although individuals in America own more personal guns by far then most other countries, the percentage of individual American's who actually own AND carry a gun are very low. Furthermore, most gun owners here in America, may own a gun, but it usually resides peacefully in their gun safe, gun cabinet or other secure place, because we are very aware of the potential hazards of projectile weapons.

Fourthly, the constitution matters to us, very much. The reason it was created, was to restrain the government from taking complete control over all of our rights, in order to create a tyranny, monarchy, patriarchy or other undemocratic form of depreciating and oppressing government rule.

The American constitution is the most unique constitutions in the world to date, and one of the only documents ever written to protect individual rights and natural freedoms, especially in relation to government over-control and guns. Part of what makes our constitution so unique, is the 2nd Amendment (which everyone should read).

The second amendment states that our government shall never have nor obtain the right to disarm us or take away our power to keep our ruling class in check, (except through due process), as is needed from time to time. This amendment is so powerful, that no other government in the world has granted it's citizens the same protections.

I hope you will pay attention to the "due process" part, because it is there to prevent sociopaths, criminals and other unfavorables from owning and using fire arms. We don't just allow "anyone" to own and carry a gun, but it is considered a natural right until the due process of law can prove that you are otherwise undeserving of that right, and are such a danger to yourself and others, that the right should be restricted, suspended or revoked.

For that matter, many American's are "disarmed" on a daily basis, without proper justification and cause, and many of them don't even want to own a gun, but they want to retain their right to own one, should they ever find it necessary.

The fact that this type of injustice happens on a regular basis, is one reason that nearly all American's continue to stand up for their 2nd Amendment protections, and feel the need to at least own a gun, even if it never comes out of the attic. Even still, many American's still do not even own a gun, but continue to willfully oppose any more restrictions on gun ownership and use then we already have. It is a part of our heritage, and a part of what makes us feel safe sleeping in our beds at night.

To add to that, most of the violence and horrifying incidents that arise from guns, is not from lawful, sensible, average everyday American gun owners. It comes from criminals and terrorists who would break the laws whether they are strong laws or not. Laws and rules don't stop criminals from doing what they please anyways. They do what they want, regardless of any laws.

This is clearly exemplified in other countries as well, where personal gun use is restricted or banned, there are still plenty of criminals and unfavorables who carry and use guns inappropriately. Essentially, the only thing gun laws do, or a lack of owning a gun does, is take away protection from those that would have lawfully and safely used their guns.

Our forefathers fought for their rights, and the rights of future generations (us), so that in the face of tyranny and in the face of no other options, we could protect ourselves with what Ben Franklin called "The Teeth of Liberty".

This is important, because having the ability to own, carry and use a gun to protect yourself against a tyrannical government, is one of the only things that keeps our government in check and our societies moderately peaceful.

That's right, the ability to own and use gun, keeps up more peaceful. You'll find this especially true when you look into other countries who do not have the same rights, who are currently rioting, destroying and blowing up things because they are being oppressed and there is nothing else they can do about it.

Compare that to what most upset, under-represented and oppressed American's are doing - peacefully protesting and occupying the land and attention of their government and fellow constituents. Even in the face of extreme brutality from law enforcement, we are able to stand proudly, peacefully and with unity, to protect ourselves from oppression.

In American, we know we have other options because our country is driven by our consumption and participation in our system, so using guns is really a last option. A final effort to keep our delicate system in balance.

We have not yet gone all out in bloody riots, because we have other options and we know it. We know that by standing up for the protection of our natural right to bare arms, and by participating in our system, we can maintain our peace, keep our freedoms and continue to be one of the most unique countries in the world.

Why do so many American Citizens own guns?

1. It's our right, and one that is protected by our constitution.
2. Because when all else fails, you need a back up plan.
3. To maintain a balance of republican-democracy.
4. For Protection of life, liberty and property.
5. Because we can.

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States.

Noah Webster