In response to Monika Gasztonyi's letter dated May 10: Not only would I like to tell Ms. Gasztonyi that my interpretation was nothing of the sort, I would like to ask her which dictionary she is using.
As usual, a word or phrase was taken out of context. I didn't define militia, but for the sake of argument, I will quote from Merriam-Webster's: (a) a part of the organized armed forces of a country liable to call only in emergency, (b) a body of citizens organized for military service.
In fact, the Second Amendment uses the term well-regulated militia. Again, for argument's sake, the word regulate
defined by Merriam-Webster's: (a) to govern or direct according to rule, (b) (1) : to bring under the control of law or constituted authority, (2) : to make regulations for or concerning. I might be wrong, but I don't think the Second Amendment was referring to seven guys in a Dodge Durango.
Ms. Gasztonyi contends that there are no limits on the weaponry possessed by free women free men and free children and there never will be any limits
when, in fact, the aforementioned Second Amendment specifically delineates those limits with A well-regulated militia
being necessary to the security of a free state
the right of the people to keep and bear arms
shall not be infringed. Is she implying that our security is in jeopardy, that we are not free or that the organized armed forces of our great nation are incompetent? If this is the case, perhaps Ms. Gasztonyi needs to step up to the plate and stand a post.
Ms. Gasztonyi is obviously an insightful thinker and a passionate advocate for freedom. Her use of inspiring words like idiotic was clearly designed to convince the reader that a great deal of time was spent in drafting her response. Also, her tactic of attacking me (as opposed to my argument) by stating that my education was Communistic and Nazi and comparing me to Stalin, Hitler and the butchers of Beijing is a result of many years studying how not to debate.
As an advocate for liberty and the free exchange of ideas, I welcome your response. But please be willing to accept my rebuttal. Assuming my words as an interpretation was only half your fault. I should have spelled things out for you a little more clearly.
Jeremy E. Theobald is a freshman political science major.
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