The 2nd Amendment gives individuals the right to keep and bear arms. It has also received much debate as to whether or not the 2nd Amendment should continue to allow individuals those rights or if they should be resigned to militia organizations (heritage.org). The 2nd Amendment is fodder for heated debates each time there is a domestic or mass shooting. It fuels the argument for opponents of the 2nd Amendment who believe that civilians should not be allowed to have guns. However, the 2nd Amendment was created to protect civilians’ rights to bear arms. The liberal tenets of society contend that if civilians did not own firearms, there would not be shootings.
People have argued over the meaning of the 2nd Amendment since it was ratified. It has been interpreted to mean it protects collective rights and individual rights depending on which side one stands on (livescience.com). However, its importance stands firm because of its protection under the Constitution. According to Eberling, there is a certain solace in knowing that mankind is protected by the 2nd Amendment. In the event, law enforcement or the criminal justice system fails to do its job, gun owners feel safe and protected regardless.
As violence and crime continues to increase, it makes for a plausible argument why the 2nd Amendment is the most important. Responsible gun owners are not the issue. It is criminals that end up with guns illegally and commit violent crimes as a result. Too often, innocent lives are taken because they were unarmed and vulnerable. Had they been armed it could make all difference between life and death. As Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) points out, less guns in society will not minimize or cease violent crime. An individual wishing to harm others will find a way and whatever weapon he can to do so. Guns do not kill people. People kill people. Triggers do not pull themselves but must be pulled by an individual that understands what will happen if he does.