Editor:
Tom Townley’s May 7 letter depicted the basic problem with the controversy over issues and rights. He stated, “I don’t think our Constitution said our citizens have a right to own ....” This is a common thread found in debates over most issues, from gun ownership, to private property, to forest access, to ATV use, hunting, etc. The common thread is, “I don’t ...” think, or like, or want!
The problem is some people simply don’t like what someone else does, or wants to do. We talk about constitutional freedom and liberty yet have no concept what that means. Some think they are “free” to pass a law to limit another person’s God-given liberty. That concept is implemented without considering facts, or realizing we are not all robots programmed to think alike and have the same values and interests.
Some think nobody should own an AR-15; why not? Some don’t think ATVs should be allowed in the forest; why not? Some don’t think bikes should be allowed on some trails; why not? Where did any of us get the right to decide what others can have or own or act like? I don’t like hybrid cars, wouldn’t have one, so nobody else should be allowed to own one? I don’t like to see boys tripping over the crotch of their pants, but they actually have the liberty to trip if they want!
We expound on the need for education, yet expose our profound ignorance on issues and the Constitution that we are supposed to be following.
Our legislature did a great job of passing several bills this session based on individuals’ emotions and wants, ignoring fact and Constitutional rights and liberty. We all need to understand that there are over 200 conflicts, wars, disputes going on around the world right now, all being fought over basic issues of freedom, rights, control. Our Constitution was set up to ensure our rights and liberty to prevent that from happening here. We seem to be trying to throw out the very thing that has kept us safe and made us great!
Dexter Gill
Lewis
