2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Bob Barr: Gun ownership a freedom under Bill of Rights
By Kerry Fiallo
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: News
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Barr, who is currently seeking the Libertarian nomination for president, was brought by the College Republicans.
"Any organization that believes in free debate ought to be commended and participated in by everyone," Barr said. "The point is not if you agree or disagree with the topic or the speaker but if you are interested in hearing a free debate of the issues."
The issues discussed that evening were primarily the current status of the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, and the Fourth Amendment, the right of citizens "to be secure in their persons … and effects," according to the Bill of the Rights.
"The Bill of Rights is probably the most magnificent piece of writing set down by the hands of man," Barr said. "It has withstood the test of time … It's very viable and respected, though not by the current administration."
He continued, "If we do not continue to have, or rediscover, an educated citizenry … this document will be rendered meaningless. (The Bill of Rights) requires an educated citizenry, which is something we do not have nowadays."
Another concern to Barr is the current apparent monopoly of the executive branch in the government.
This "unitary executive" theory is appealing to any executive branch, according to Barr.
"Since 9/11, we have had a notion that since there was an attack on the United States, the response to that is conducted by the president as commander-in-chief … who decides the scope, duration and specifics," Barr said.
Should Congress attempt to claim that the president's actions are unconstitutional, the president could claim that "you can't so limit the executive branch," Barr said.
In terms of the Second Amendment, Barr believes that one must pay strict attention to the wording.
"I am of the group of people who have a presumption that the men who wrote these words had a purpose," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
DDS
posted 4/30/08 @ 11:44 AM EST
The part about New Jersey being friendly to the Second Ammendment was good for a brief chuckle. Actually, if we had a few more Bob Barr's and a few less Frank Lautenbergs and Charles Schumers around this might be a better country to live in. (Continued…)
JJWIII
posted 5/01/08 @ 4:38 PM EST
On a daily basis, most of us readily consume hundreds (if not thousands) of various food and drug items that are either known to have caused, or may possibly cause injury or life threatening side effects. (Continued…)
juanita faldez
posted 9/29/08 @ 2:46 PM EST
I love you Bob Barr!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!! Your my hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Call me baby
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