Argument 2: Second Amendment Rights
For Argument:
Placing limitations on where handguns are allowed and who can carry a concealed handgun on Kansas college campuses infringes on the community’s second amendment right to bear arms. Governor Brownback defended his movement to allow concealed handguns on campuses in Kansas without restrictions by stating that “this matter is about the second amendment right, and though some may question the right and its limitations, it is a constitutional right none the less. If we as a people limit and ultimately take away this right, what other rights can be taken away as well?”. The constitution ensures that every citizen has the right to defend and protect him or herself. By taking away this right, citizens may be less able to protect themselves if a situation were to occur.
Question: What are reasons why you do not feel it is okay for the government to limit your constitutional rights?
Against Argument:
However, on the other hand, constitutional rights have been limited in the past to ensure the safety of American citizens. For instance, the first amendment right allows freedom of speech, but in 1919 a Supreme Court justice stated, “The first amendment right would not protect a man in falsely shouting ‘fire’ in a crowded theater and causing a panic”. Though everyone has the right of freedom of speech, one would infringe on said right if they were to cause clear and present danger. Allowing handguns on college campuses would add clear and present danger should a “shootout” occur. Limiting rights has been done in the past in order to ensure public safety, just like it will do in the future. Limiting the right is not taking it away, it is simply protecting the people of the United States from a threat of clear and present danger.
Question: When do you think it is okay for the government to limit your constitutional rights?
Links:
http://concealedcampus.org/campus-crime/
http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/not-many-exceptions-to-free-speech-guarantee
its bad that the government sometimes takes rights away but if taking it away takes the danger to others away then the government should do it
ReplyDeleteI think it's okay to limit constitutional rights if it can potentially be harmful to others. We have freedom of speech, yet we can't yell 'fire' in a crowded theatre. At a college, there is a lot of people and it's okay to not let them have guns.
ReplyDeleteif someone can change that whats next.
ReplyDeleteI think it is okay for the government to limit my rights is for my safety. i don't know about what is not okay with the government to limit my rights
ReplyDelete