LETTER: Research before making statements Research before making
statementsA letter by Herb Theiss published on Jan. 25 about the
second amendment shows a total lack of understanding of the
origins of the second amendment, its purpose and the history
behind it . The Federalist Papers, pre-Revolutionary War and
first Continental Congress history all show that the true
purpose of this amendment is to protect Americans from abuses by
the state . This amendment’s origins go back to the “Glorious
Revolution of 1688“ and the 1689 English Bill of Rights which
stated: “the subjects which are Protestants may have Arms for
their defense suitable to their Conditions as allowed by law.”
The Founding Fathers specifically excluded the phrase “as
allowed by law“ in drafting the second amendment . Writings by
the Founding Fathers makes their intent crystal clear: Thomas
Jefferson wrote: “The strongest reason for people to retain the
right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect
themselves against tyranny in gove