Dear editor:
In response to Mr. Johnson’s (Sept. 5) opinion article concerning when the Second Amendment was written, it is important to remember that it was the same timeframe that the First Amendment was written.
The written word was far different than it is today. If the Second Amendment only applies to muskets, then free speech (First Amendment) must only apply to movable type presses. The founding fathers could not have possibly envisioned radio, television, telephone or the Internet.
Applying the same principles to restrictions on the Second Amendment already in place:
Anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor domestic assault is not allowed freedom of speech or religion. (Gun Control Act of 1968)
Before engaging in a new free speech, you must pass an instant background check by a federally licensed free speech dealer. (NICS background check and Brady Handgun Act of 1993)
Any speech or work with more than 10 sentences per page is criminal. (Clinton Assault Weapons Ban of 1994)
No free speech on federal property or at a school. (Gun Free School Zone Act of 1990)
No free speech in Washington, D.C., without a hard-to-get permit. (D.C. handgun ban proven unconstitutional recently.)
If you want to exchange free speech with another citizens from another state, the licensed free speech dealer has to approve that type of speech is legal in that state. (1968 Gun Control Act)
Rapid free speech, silenced speech or short speech must be approved by the BATFE including fingerprints, chief LEO approval and background check. This unusual type of speech also requires a $200 tax each time it is to be used. (1934 NFA regulating machine guns, silencers and short-barrel rifles)
By all means if we wish to impose more laws on the law-abiding (criminals are exempt from following the law by definition) let’s put the same restrictions on the First Amendment that are currently in place on the Second, and then we can discuss it.
Wes Orzechowski
Iola, Kan.
Letters to the editor
