This is how it is, this is how it should be. The 2nd amendment is one of the foundations of American freedom and liberty. It should remain a right which "Shall not be infringed" as much as our other constitutional rights. There is a saying that pen is mightier than the sword, would we silence the power of the press? Are there other rights in the Bill of Rights we should give up? I think not. Free people without the right to own firearms may not be free for long, if we forget the lessons of history (And there are alot of examples in th epast one hundred years) we may be doomed to repeat them! As the Senator said "Gun control is not about Guns...It's about control.

Wow, Brian! You've never been clearer in your argument about any topic. Thanks for stating boldly what a lot of us also believe.

What we have are government officials that desire to strip citizens of their constitutional right to own firearms. It is NOT due to the horrific mass shootings, which have all occurred in "Gun Free zones", but it is to strip our ability to resist tyranny. And that is the sole purpose of the 'proposed' legislation coming. The statistics are absolute but the left ignores the stats completely because it's the 'agenda'.

Senator, I don't fully agree with you in that, it is clear to alot of us, that we are indeed in a tyranny. It is a soft tyranny at this point but what is occurring in our legislature at the national level is tryrannical. Are there any plans to introduce legislation on a state level, which will shore up Missouri's 2nd Amendment and state rights of firearm ownership? We need to strike before the feds do.

There are two avenues states can pursue and I sincerely hope our legislature keeps these in mind: 1. the 10th Amendment of the Constitution 2. nullification (this concept mentioned by Thomas Jefferson).

Thank you Senator for your continued stance on this and other constitutional issues. Please consider introducing legislation which will protect Missourians from this ever increasing encroachment by the feds.

Please get rid of the gun free zones in this state. Gun free zones are proven killing zones. Almost every major shooting [murder] has happened in a gun free zone.

Umm, let's say we really get an Assad type dictator elected and he decides to just crush the people of America. How would guns square up with the might of the US Armed Forces, Unarmed Aerial Vehicles and the muscle of the largest military force on this planet ?

Thank you Senator for keeping a level head and maintaining the integrity and importance of our Second Amendment rights! There are many of us who feel the same way. Stick to your guns!

Imagine my shock, surprise, and hurt feelings when I see someone like Mr. or perhaps Mrs. "Caffeinnated" resort to attacks, insults and lies! If I wasn't so familiar with the utterly predictable nature of the left, I'd be surprised but with them - it's always the same...

Step 1. Insult those with whom you disagree.
Step 2. Lie about those with whom you disagree.
Step 3. Never ever ever actually talk about the actual issue.
Step 4. Use quotes from papers or editorial boards that are an utter joke.
Step 5. Never ever use your real name so the people you work with won't know who you are and how immature you are.

To my conservative friends - Don't let the likes of caffeinated and their ilk get to you! Most of them still live with their Mommy!

To my reasonable friends who are to the left of me but can actually have a real conversation without insults and lies... I welcome your thoughts and input.

"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." I have no idea why the so called learned progressives can not understand this simple statement. This right shall NOT be infringed, and ANY regulations of any kind is an infringement of this right, whether the regulation is passed by the Federal, State, or local governments. Also these same progressives keep forgetting ( very handy tactic of theirs) that the SCOTUS has ruled on several cases that state that.....We the people ARE the militia that is mentioned in the 2nd Amendment. These progressives also need to realize that they are the type of people that the founders had in mind ( the type of people that believe government is all knowing, all powerful, and should be able to do anything it wants to to force the rest of the people to comply) when they wrote the 2nd Amendment to help the rest of us protect ourselves from.

Thank you Sen Nieves for defending our second amendment rights and Having the wisdom of knowing that criminals don't follow the law anyway and that only law abiding citizens will suffer if any more restrictions are imposed upon them.Only someone like the lefty Mrs Caffeinated would not consider the facts and assume what the govt and the local papers are telling us is the truth or perhaps he don't know what the truth is because he hasn't utilized it recently.I hope someday you don't need a gun to defend yourself Mrs Caffeinated and that you actually stop and consider the truth in your mindset. Let me try to explain it to you like this.If a drunk driver kills someone in a wreck do we ban cars and alcohol .No we don't! The person pays the price. As for me and my family we support Sen Nieves in defending our second amendment rights.

Some argue that the presence of a gun escalates violence in too many situations. Need I remind you that the Jews were unarmed when the violence escalated all around them during WWII? Had they armed themselves, many lives might have been saved!

Open your eyes Hansek! How many people have the governments of the world killed as opposed to any other cause of death??

Mr. Nieves,
I just want to say I'm glad that you bring all this up and talk about why you believe we need not let them change laws that were written by men that foreseen that men in power would abuse. They will continually want more power and the only way for more power is to take control. This is clearly at Hand. God bless you and all Americans who want to keep this country FREE!!!!!!!! I and many others stand with you and believe your doing whats Right.

Mr. Nieves,
I just want to say I'm glad that you bring all this up and talk about why you believe we need not let them change laws that were written by men that foreseen that men in power would abuse. They will continually want more power and the only way for more power is to take control. This is clearly at Hand. God bless you and all Americans who want to keep this country FREE!!!!!!!! I and many others stand with you and believe your doing whats Right.

The Second Amendment is not about hunting; it is about the people being able to defend themselves from an overreaching tyrannical government. You have a God-given right to be able to defend yourself and your family. Also, the Founders did envision the people being able to arm themselves with the weapons of today, because they had fought a revolution against a tyrannical government. Would this country be here today if the Founders were not armed to fight the British?

Did Hitler ban gun ownership?The following are some excerpts from a June 16, 2000 Staff Report from the Straight Dope Science Advisory Board titled: Did Hitler ban gun ownership?
The point of the report is to debunk the following quote attributed to Adolf Hitler, “This year will go down in history! For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!” The article points out there are no proven, historical records of Hitler making that statement. It does not mean he did not say it privately or that he believes in the statement...

...The report continues:
“...When the Nazis enacted their own law in 1938, they added restrictions aimed at Jews, such as not allowing Jews to work in any business involving guns. They also prohibited those under eighteen from buying guns, added yet another permit for handguns, and banned silencers and small hollow-point ammunition. Of course, Nazi officials were exempted from all gun permits. Later that year, after "Kristallnacht," Hitler forbade Jews to possess pretty much any weapons.
Permits were only given to people of "undoubted reliability" who demonstrated a "need" for a gun. The law made it easy for Hitler to make sure his opponents couldn't get permits and thus had no access to firearms.
To summarize, Hitler did "effect total gun control," but only for the Jews, and only after his regime had been in power for several years. For the rest of the population he relied on laws already in place...”
The answer is yes to the question, “Did Hitler ban gun ownership?” Especially, if you were a Jew or not a reliable ally of Hitler. And we all know what happened to the unarmed Jews.

I have told people for years, what is stated in the following quote from this article. (http://www.notfooledbygovernment.com/gun%20control.htm) The reaction is usually the same, most don't believe this to be true:
The Constitution prohibits a standing army. In the 1939 Supreme Court case U.S. v. Miller 307 US 174 we learn what the Second Amendment was about. In order to suppress a military coup that overthrows the government, we must be able to show up on the battlefields with weapons equal to the military, in order to take back our government. If you are prohibited from buying weapons equal to the military, then you do not live in a free country.

The 2nd amendment did not establish armories to provide for a militia. They could have but did not. The 2nd amendment did not establish a militia (minutemen). The writings of the founders made it clear why -- they wanted the constitution to have real teeth. And for the people who want to know what integrity is: ask the military to violate their one and Only oath -- to Support and Defend the Constitution of the United States against All Enemies Foreign and Domestic. An Oath Once taken, never countermanded.

To Hansek, & Stu; The point is not whether or not we can stand against a fully trained and weaponized army, it is that we must always have the ability to attempt to defend against that army. The right to self defense, at any level is a basic right that we all have, whether the government approves or not. In my opinion, anyone that says they don't believe this to be true, says so because they are too spineless to stand for their loved ones or themselves, and are living in a dream that makes them think that bad things only happen somewhere else.
We must as a nation, think beyond what is best for us at this time. We must always be thinking of the freedoms of our children & grandchildren. The future generations are the ones that will live enslaved, if we do not maintain our rights. I will even go further and say that we need to regain, freedoms that have already been taken by the federal government.
To those of you that have said that our military would not turn arms against us: I wish you were correct, but there are many that would. And to further this problem, we also can never forget that the U.N. could be called in with foreign troops to suppress anything that those in power could justify in the eyes of the world. Our own troops go worldwide for similar reasons. Always be wary when large numbers of our troops are deployed elsewhere.
I am running out of the allowed space, so I will leave it at that for now. Karl

FYI "Caffeinated" posts on many "Patch" forums using this name, never his/her own name of course. Generally the discussion goes the same as it is going here. Best to just not reply as I learned. Provocative discussion, name calling and insults are what he/she posts. The left never takes responsibility, its always some elses fault. Example is case at hand. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness is what the founding fathers gave us, some just like to put in an (*), with a foot note. There are no foot notes to rights, freedom and liberty, they are to be exercised or lost. Freedoms lost are very difficult to gain back. Me circa 2013..........

1) Enforce the laws that already exist.
2) Eliminate gun-free zones.
3) Execute people like Jared Loughner by hanging in the public square.
4) Leave lawful law abiding gun owners alone.

The only reason that keeps other countries,like Iran, from invading the US, is that they know the people are armed over here. Take that away, downsize our arsenal, take away space exploration, dismiss most of our armed forces, and what will Iran see? A doormat!!!

Great idea, but why stop at only having AR-15's in every home? If we are fighting against an invading army or a tyranical government we'll need a LOT more firepower than that.

I'm thinking M-50 machine guns mounted in turrets on every roof top (next to the TOW launchers)
Concertina wire and landmines will be required - of course.
Pehaps a M1 Abrahams tank or two for every subdivision?

We'll also need shoulder fired grenade launchers to defend against Apache Helicopters.

Tactical nuclear and chemical bombs will be tough to come by for sure, but if we want to be able to truly defend ourselves we'll need to be on an even keel.

It will be expensive of course, but at least we'll have our freedoms.

This is the logical extension of your absolutely absurd argument.

Apparently, Caffeinated did not read my post above. The US government has no authority to restrict our weapons in any way. They have convinced most people that they do, under the commerce clause. This is a farce. The only real authority that they have is on federal property. As to weapons in general and firearms in particular, as I stated above "The Constitution prohibits a standing army. In the 1939 Supreme Court case U.S. v. Miller 307 US 174 we learn what the Second Amendment was about. In order to suppress a military coup that overthrows the government, we must be able to show up on the battlefields with weapons equal to the military, in order to take back our government".
"If you are prohibited from buying weapons equal to the military, then you do not live in a free country."
But most people seem to think that the next guy is not responsible enough to own a full auto weapon or something else that they thinks looks mean, our rights keep dwindling away.

"Our Founding fathers were so very very clear about why they wanted us to have weapons."

I agree. A musket for everyone. Our founding fathers said this without knowledge of assulat weapons and guns that could fire multiple rounds in seconds. So lets do what the founding fathers intended.

Senator Dufus - when you first talk with your political allies who have recommended "2nd Amendment remedies" to throw out those who have been elected by us in the MAJORITY, then I may listen to your points about gun control. The crazies of the far Right are not primarily aiming to prevent tryanny (a worthy goal, which historically has sometimes required force and guns) but to prevent me and others in the MAJORITY from moving into the future with RATIONAL policies to protect society, children, the climate, etc etc etc. Your allies are CRAZY and DANGEROUS. I fear their guns.

This man is a Senator? Anyone that donates a single penny to this man's campaign coffer should have their head examined. We clearly need more gun control and not maintaining the status quo. Here is my attempt at a fair compromise that should appease both sides of this debate. First, Congress should ban all semi-automatic weapons. A woman in CT put it best by calling them killing machines. Then, Congress needs to enact legislation that if you commit a crime, any crime, with a gun, any gun, and are found guilty by a jury of your peers, then you must be sentenced to the death penalty. That way all of you NRA gun lovers and 2nd Amendment protectors can have all the legal guns you want and the rest of us get to see the criminal population decrease one by one. Comments?

I have mixed feelings about gun control. However, I wish "gun nuts" like Senator Nieves would stop writing op-ed pieces like this which are far more revealing of their own paranoia than they are of anything else.

The Second Amendment has been in effect with the rest our Constitution since 1789. That's a total of 223 going on 224 years. You'd think at some point you'd stop hearing paranoid ramblings which suggest that our government is on the verge of collapse or that our government (which we elect) is going to destroy all our freedom and we need guns to protect ourselves against it. Oh no, though, the gun rights advocates continue to utter this nonsense on a virtual daily basis. You have to feel sorry for people who are so delusional.

What really is needed is commonsense when it comes to firearms. What purpose is served by an assault rifle other than to kill a person? Is this the type of gun you'd pick for defense from a robbery or home invasion? On the other hand, a number of shootings have involved assault rifles just like the recent one in Newtown, Connecticut did. Stopping purchase of these weapons would have little affect on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Of course, we probably won't get it because a few paranoid whacko gun nuts think any regulation of firearms at all is "just the beginning".

Whether gun control is right or wrong, a debate ought to be based on the right reasons. Not on insane nonsense that is commonly used by gun nuts.

What a pathetic Moron

The problem is mental illness not gun control. So push for more health care not take away guns.

"it would be possible, ..... we would be weakened to the point of inviting an invading army! ... I want an AR-15 in every closet of every house in America! " What, where would our Nuclear Weaponry be? We are not about to be conquered..Period. Gross, damn dumb example. Militia Bull Sxxx is also Moot for our era. South Dakotan here. We can have our rifles exposed on gun racks, magazine loaded. No scabbards for our shot guns Fez' Htg. Road Hunt allowed also, But to come up with stupid exaggerated examples isn't my take. Get to the point w realistic suggestions. Break up, restrict Gangs. No Guns in Households where your progeny have 'Squirrel' problems. Make the Principal at least know and have a fire arm. Post it outside the schools. Yeh. Public Hanging for the Nuts- makes sense.

How can we have this same old back and worth while innocent American children, college students and movie goers are gunned down like clay pidgeons? Who is speaking up for these MURDER victims? Is arming everyone the correct answer? I don't know what the answer is but I do know something needs to be done. Maybe we need to give every American free pot.

We have many precious freedoms in this country,the 2nd amendment is one of them
And must never be compromised

Senator Nieves,
I support your stance on the overreaching federal government, and their grab for our personal freedoms, now from some that post here they love to be told what to buy, what to wear, where they can go, and what to do when they reach thier destination. Gun laws are on the books, still people are killed by guns, theft laws are on the books yet people still steal, drug laws are on the books yet we have a drug problem, more people each year are killed by cars, hammers, baseball bats or knives then guns but we need more laws on the books to regulate guns. Time for people to realize the focus needs to be on crime and criminals NOT those who already abide by the law. Continue the good fight Senator, nevermind the useless sheep, if we lose they can use the free obamaphone to call for assistance, because there will not be anyone left to defend them.

Thank you Senator. The usual people are on here calling people names, asking why we need this or that, caling semi autos *assault weapons*, and talking trash.

The Second Amendment is still part of the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights is still part of US Constitution. The Constitution is still the law of this land. This I shall defend.

"35yrs from now people are literally laughing at this writing!" Sorry Senator, only took me about 3 minutes and then I started to cry in despair because your essay beautifully illustrates that we have people in power in this country that have such inflexible stances on issues (any issue) that our country cannot progress. Politicians need to represent the people. And, while I'm sure that many hold the position you adhere to, I'd like to think that most Americans are open minded enough to start a dialog and come up with ideas to try to help solve the problem not an in-your-face "all my guns are sacred/back off" stance. (No, I am not a left-wing liberal. Instead, I am a sensible person.)

sen. nieves for president ! you got one vote if you ever run .

you are so right and a quote from George Washington, A Free People Ought...To Be Armed..."

Ita called a zionist controlled goverment. you people have been over thrown.

America beat the most powerful military in the world, Great Britain, with Guerrilla Warfare. The most powerful military in the world, America, was beat in Vietnam by Guerrilla Warfare. America is being given fits in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Guerrilla Warfare. If America continues on it's current course, It's government will be replaced by it's citizens with Guerrilla Warfare.

Thank you Mr. Nieves! I wish we had more people in our power hungry government who really cared about our country and weren't just interested in ripping off this country. Unfortunately there are too many Americans still asleep that refuse to see the truth. These people must realize that government of the people, for the people and by the people really means... of the elite, for the elite, and by the elite and we are in fact subjects at their service. That is where this country is going and yes we do need to defend ourselves at all costs.

Willie yumm
Australian Gun Law Update? Here's a thought to warm
some of your hearts....
From: Ed Chenel, A police officer in Australia

Hi Yanks, I thought you all would like to see the
real figures from Down Under.
It has now been 12 months since gun owners in
Australia were forced by a new law, created by liberal
politicians to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be
destroyed by our own government, a program costing Australia
taxpayers more than $500 million dollars.

The first year results are now in:
Australia-wide, homicides are up 6.2 percent,
Australia-wide, assaults are up 96 percent;
Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent
(yes, 44 percent)!

In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with
firearms are now up 300 percent.
(Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not and criminals still possess their guns!)

While figures over the previous 25 years showed a
steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed
drastically upward in the past 12 months, since the
criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.

There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the elderly, while the resident is at home.

Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how
public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and
expense was expended in 'successfully ridding
Australian society of guns....'

You won't see this on the American
evening news or hear your governor or members of
the State Assembly disseminating this information.
The Australian experience speaks for itself. Guns
in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes,
gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note Americans, before it's too late! Will you
be one of the sheep to turn yours in? WHY? You will need it.

I agree. We do what the Founding Fathers wanted. A MUSKET IN EVERY HOME! A well regulated militia doesn't mean everybody and their wacko neighbor, friend, coworkers should own a gun. COMMON SENSE GUN LAWS ARE WHAT IS NEEDED. Sen. Nieves, if you want all of the citizenry armed then I suggest you go back to Mexico where your parents came from, they'd love you down there.

Looks to me that Mr. Neives has better points for the American Citizen to truly agree with, I as an American Citizen who's ancesters fault against Tyranny from England. Would rather own and know how to use, just in case. A weapon such as the AR15.
Mr Caffeine, your point makes no sense at all. History disputes your BS that you call reason. Every Country in our past has had millions die because they thought just like you and gave up the right to defend themselves. Who knows who you are working for Mr Caffeine. You could be working for IRAN, or RUSSIA. I've owned guns for more than 40 years, and have taught my children to use them also. Even if they are only used for hunting and sport, those good ole country boys in WWll showed the world how well they could shot, didn't they. So Mr. Caffeine crawl back where you came from and let the IDIOTS you work for know. Lawabiding Citizens aren't as dumb as yall are

I just wanted to say "Thank You" Well Said!!

Text of the 2nd Amendment
"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".

So here is a question for the senator.....
How good of a job do you think are we doing at regulating this armed
citizenry ( or militia if you will )
And why couldn't that include limiting the number of assault weapons or limit how many rounds a magazine can hold,if it's shown that we aren't able regulate the citizenry well enough to prevent individuals from committing acts of mass murder?

Teddy Ridener: If we don't fight GUN CONTROL together as We The Peole we will be fighting against each other lose everything! Also, God is the one we must go to for leading us out of this mess!!!!

Unfortunately children like this person are from the me me me generation which believe that anything they want should be theirs for the asking. I am asking them to use logic and concern for others and reverse this insanity of thinking more guns equals more safety. Unfortunately this is not the wild west where you trusted your neighbors or you fought them. Just as we dont tie up our horses in front of our garage anymore we do not NEED, although we may want, military firepower. I am NOT for no guns I am for being reasonable about what the average untrained citizen is allowed to own.

TELL IT LIKE IT IS!!!
EVERY true Patriot is behind you 110%................
the rest are simply being led by the nose believing whatever the tyrant controlled media feeds them and so ARE un-informed! WAKE UP AMERICA!......IF they take our guns.....WE ...become the prey! ...Hunt OR BE HUNTED......what'll it be?
Long LIVE the BILL OF RIGHTS and a WELL ARMED...FREE.... America!

John Rambo

We go over the same old question,"Why do you need an "assault rifle"? It is not a question of 'need'. It is a question of 'right'. Do you 'need' a car that goes 120mph when the highest speed limit in the land is 85? (By the way, more people are killed in automobile accidents every year than by guns). Do you 'need' access to alcohol, which is the most dangerous (and perfectly legal) drug in the land?
Do you 'need' to keep your hard-earned money when your government obviously 'needs' it more than you? It's about rights, not privileges, not permission.
I have numerous firearms of various types. I am trained in their use, when to use them, when NOT to use them. And in my 60 years, I have never harmed a single soul with any of them. Indeed I have been an RN for 37 years, doing my best to help the sick and injured. Do I sound like a "Gun Nut"? When the 2nd Amendment goes, the rest will not be far behind. Who said, "Those who turn their guns into plowshares will plow for those who don't"? Charles R Fish, RN, BSN.

We have over 100,000 graves in this country of those who believed in the 2nd amendment,( I guess we just discount them??)

Thank you, Senator. I will support you and I'm not even a resident of your state.

Senator, simple questions. How much have the NRA and other pro gun organizations given you "for your campaigns"? What percentage is that of your total campaign funding?

why do people think wars in biblical times were fought over religion? they weren't. if you read the bible, wars were fought for land and control, these were done by many kings and rulers who did not obey God. they wanted to do what they wanted, to be like God themselves. make their own rules, but God destroyed them because of it. wars were not fought, lost or won by guns back then either. gun control is needed. if i buy assault weapons, it's only for vanity, not protection. i can protect myself without a weapon that is intent for killing many. i don't have any more or less a chance at saving my life with an assault weapon than with a knife or baseball bat. they all kill if you have that intent and those items will kill me too. sure, i have a better chance shooting someone who is coming at me with a knife, but i don't need an assault weapon to do it. a small handgun works just as well. and lets not even talk about someone breaking into your home and you're trying to get that big gun out and the guy has already stabbed you with a knife or stole your own gun and shot you with it. so, no, i am not against owning guns, only large artillery. what's next? owning a tank?

Let me start by stating that I am a gun owner that have both protection and hunting guns. Now let me address this Senators concerns. I think someone needs to bring this man back to reality. If our government decided to come after anyones guns who has enough firepower to hold off tanks, jets, bombers, missles, or even the extreme nuclear bombs? Can we be realistic here? They could and would kill us in the pursuit of getting our guns if they really wanted to and anyone with half a brain knows this. Anyone with brains knows this will never happen in this great country of ours. This Senator has lost touch with reality. There is no need to have weapons that hold over ten rounds per clip. It is easy and fast to change clips if you need to. I can change mine in less than two seconds. The kind of mass murder like what happened at the school or at the batman movie is what we need to try and prevent. We all know there is no way to absolutely prevent these kind of tragedies but we have to try. Plain and simple.

Finally a public servant with a logical brain. To ban guns because people use them incorrectly begs the question of why not ban cars because people certainly use them incorrectly.

Wow,nice.

Senator, First I would like to thank you for your post. It is honest and well thought. I am a gun owner and will soon (next month) be getting my concealed carry permit. I have thought about getting it for a long time now and decided that before that right is taken away from me, now is the time. I also posted on FB something I feel very strongly about. I would GLADLY give up my guns, and become a staunch advocate of gun control... AFTER the Secret Service lay down their weapons... if it is necessary for guns to protect the first family, why does anyone think MY life is worth any less?

sounds like he is just using the gun issue to get money----the first paragrph says it alll ---the rest is bs

Liberals fear guns, (legal or not) in the hands of their fellow Americans...because Liberals typically lack self-control so they expect their own deficits to be found in others. They distrust themselves to maintain control of their temper, so it makes them afraid gun-owners will run amok as Libs do in most aspects of their undisciplined, chaotic lives.

Let me reassure Liberals. It is possible to be angry with a gun in the house and not use it to kill your gay lovers/girlfriends/spouses/children. It is possible to be upstanding. It is possible to love our country and our Constitution. Everyone
isn't on the brink of a break-down, as you
fear you may be.

There are mature, responsible, steady, disciplined men & women who don't wet their pants in fear of running amok with a gun. Dear liberals, you may not be mature enough to have a gun...that's fine. But, depriving others because of your own inadequacies is foolish.

It's about DAMN GUNS. What is a gun made for? KILLING. And the damn idiots across this country like the above senator have absolutely NO DAMN COMMON SENSE.

The 2nd amendment excuse............BS. When this was written in the Constitution, what kind of guns were they approving? They had Flint Muskets and Flint guns, that were "one shot." Do the imbeciles of this country really believe our forefathers would OK todays guns! Hell no, they wouldn't. And they wouldn't approved of citizens having more than one................like a dozen or more.

Gun owners in this country are first class morons, who have every excuse in the book to have guns. There's a boogey man at the door, etc.etc.etc. Really, I'm just fed up with their BS.

We don't need gun control. Gun control only keeps honest citizens from owning guns. Thugs, murderers, robbers and terrorists will always get their guns illegally and they will do their henious acts. Gun control only prevents citizens from hunting game, gun clubs, turkey shoots and protecting their homes.

I agree! We cannot and should not rely on the Government for our every want and need. When every second counts, the police are a minute away. The police are like everyone else, understaffed with budget cuts and doing everything they can. Thank you for your commitment to the US Constitution, it is our blue-print to live by.

1)How do all of you who are so supporting of more, not less, guns in the population reconcile that thought process to the fact that the muder rates around the world where gun restriction exists are much, much lower in comparison to the US where gun restrictions are not as stringent?

2) what is your answer to the parents of these kids that where murdered? More guns...really? Where do you draw the line, armed movie theaters, college campuses, fast food establishments, concert locations....arm the whole world? How is that an answer considering the point in question #1

3) Do these sort of questions based upon statistical evidence even enter into your thought process or is it just get more guns....Again given the reference cited in Q1, What sort of statistics support having more guns?

PJ, I'm so sorry the adults are scaring you but you shouldn't be listening in, dear heart.

2600 people died on Texas highways last year. The government doesn't go after Ford or Chevy, they after the person that was under the influence! It's not the object, it's the 3 1/2 pounds of grey matter between some peoples ears.

Brian Nieves is one of the lunatic fringe.

A stupid idea by a stupid man. The Founding Fathers wrote of a WELL-REGULATED militia. In the military, soldiers do not have any weapon available on demand. They are REGULATED in their access to weapons. In the U.S., they are not permitted to carry them off the base into civilian areas. There is a reason for this -- human idiocy. Which is what we are seeing now with suggestions like Nieves's. But in truth, it is too late. The precious America we knew is gone, replaced by one in which every jerk on the street might be packing heat.

Well I'll say this much for the Senator, he is honest. He started his rant by asking for money. That shows me where his heart is anyway. Gun control will always be a big issue in this Country. I was recently sent a you tube short by a friend. I agree with my friend and not with the senator on this. There have to be some rules, some boundaries. Please watch this short video, and if you have access please forward it to the good senator....It's not gory, no one get's shot or anything it's just a display of a type of weapon. Take a minute and watch this
http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZFjGbOyd2ek?rel=0

Never knpw when a terrorist is going to acquire a nuke. Now if we had one in every house...

You guys voted this guy in.....live with the ramifications and ridicule.

Since their was NO Standing Army before the American Revolution and during the war the militia outnumbered the continental army and then the continental army was kept small against Washington's feelings I guess the founding fathers had reasons for armed citizens to form a militia in time of need. And with no police force etc citizens were expected to participate. Since the thought is that what was right then is the same now, lets get rid of our armed forces, state and local police and everyone gets a semi automatic weapon GAME ON........

Tigers,
1. Name these countries, so we can understand your point.
2. Please, Tiger, tell us how it even happened in the first place...because that guy KNEW no guns are allowed in schools. Shame on him for ignoring the law. Maybe more signs posted
saying guns aren't allowed would have stopped him! (Really,
Tiger?!!!!) Bad guys kill with all sorts of things. Taking all guns away will not solve murder...I bet you get that. We still will have abortion clinics for murder, for instance.
3. If you don't want a gun...don't have one.

A stupid idea by a stupid man. The Founding Fathers called for a WELL-RUGULATED militia. Even in the military, soldiers are regulated in their access to weapons. They may not carry whatever they wish whenever they wish, and in the U.S., they are not permitted to carry their weapons off the base. There is a reason for this -- human idiocy. That is what Sen. Nieves's is displaying with his suggestion. But the fact is, it is already too late. The precious America we knew is gone, and now when you walk down the street, you have no idea which fool you pass might be packing heat.

( Sigh ... ) So this is where we are now, and who we want to be, in the good old U.S. of A. Enchanting.

This is a good place to begin the argument. Do we obey the Constitution regarding an "armed militia" (read duly established military and National Guard here) and thereby restrict weapons in the hands of those NOT part of the "armed militia". Not to mention protecting those who protect our common weal (read police powers here). Do we fall for an opportunistic politician spreading anti-U.S. democracy sentiments while looking for financial handouts? It appears clear that he has already decided that he can defend the country better than the "armed militia"? In other words, "concealed carry" has become is an exciting code word to raise money and stick it to the U.S. government at the same time. There is nothing new here. Every state has guys like this; it is always a downside to democracy that it protects its enemies as well as its friends at the same time. But we have to deal with it. At least hold off sending this character any money until we decide that he is really the new "armed militia" or just another opportunist playing to a decidely historically anti-democratic sentiment.

The law abiding gun owners should have our guns. I am law enforcment and I don't know of any of my fellow brothers, that are for stricter control and regulation. It is few and far between that one of the millions of legal gun owners commit a violent crime with there gun. Most criminals can get a gun if they try and don't obey the laws and regulations anyway. Wake up people, this is so far beyond what you can ever imagine. It isn't about what is now, but what it can become. The Militia in the past weren't run by the government, they were private citizens that volunteered and gave their lives to give you rights. We need to keep our rights and our means to protect ourselves. Just take a look at the Middle East, if the citizens didn't have the means, Syria would still be in complete oppression. It happens over there all of the time, in numerous countries. There is an old saying, " History repeats itself". Do you think that the Romans or the Egyptians ever thought that they would fall?

It is so calming and comical to watch the Senators words come to life right before our eyes, the aginners want to argue & get excited and insult , call names,attach lables,
quote false facts, it is really amusing, to watch them prove his stance, keep up the good work, Brian we are behind you
Oh!! yes I notice that the aginner accuses you of being on the pay or on the take
of the NRA--- thats the way they do their business- so they assume every one else does-- to them its just a given.
Start back in early 1800s history up to date AUSTRALIA THIS PAST TWO YEARS,
and see what happen to the people that gave up their guns . Poles-Germans Guatamala-Russia-
just to name a few out of dozens
Do your history!! & come back with the facts !!

I have NO problem with the 2nd amendment...therefore I thing every citizen that feels the need to arm himself should have a front loading single shot musket & a gunpowder satchel,settle differences with a duel..As for the NRA suggestion of armed police in every school? ....really? and they're worried about too much Govt turning us a Fascist State....Then I say take your assault weapons and shove em where the sun wont shine ,BUTT where they will do the most good !!!

Deputize citizens with consealed licenses. Six months firearm training to own ammunition and receive your license when sworn in.... Why is that so hard to do? Secondly, either ban ammunition or enforce the sale of it. I can't find any evidence of anyone being killed by a gun unless you drop a gun off the roof of Trump Tower. Other than that, how does a gun kill you? Why is this country so uneducated?

The U.S. Government needs to follow the Constitution in allowing its Citizens to bear arms. At the same time my biggest fear is the U.S. Governments being the arms supplier to the world of high tech weapons including chemical and nuclear bombs.
Will our Goverment follow their example of allowing and giving the above to our friends (who one day may be our enemy like Sudom Hussein whom we gave chemical weapons which he used) and saying to others you can't have the same to protect yourself. We allow Israel to have Nuclear weapons but say to their neighbor you cant have it. Why not create a Nuclear free zone so Iran does not need it to protect themselves? We have so many chemical weapons stored that it is a disaster waiting to happen to us. I would like to get an accounting of what is missing or stolen from our nuclear and other high teck weapons. The biggest threat to the U.S. is the U.S.. If you want to save lives we need to change the constition to restrict the ability of the President to wage war or any armed conflict without the vote of the people.

It's not stupid, it's a brilliant money making scheme. I wonder how many checks Nieves will get from his gullible followers after this post? I'm sure the NRA will kick in a healthy check as well.

It may be great for Senator Nieves pocketbook perhaps, but not so good for a civilized and reasonable discourse.

To Caffeinenated: Tell that to the terrorists in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen..... there little AM-47's can't stop the good ole USA.... Sir, yes they can. How do you think that our forefathers stopped the most powerful military in the world at the time? I hope that we are never put into a situation that calls for citizens to protect ourselves, but throughout history, we have been charged with that very action. We need to be able to protect ourselves if spending cuts hurt our military position or if we spread ourselves too thin.

Forgive me for also adding this thought... The "Left" is going to come after me HARD! I really do need YOUR Help to fight off the vicious campaign they will surely launch against me because I am not kidding when I say "Not one inch will I relent on this issue." Please do what you can, is it $5? Great! Is it $500 or $5,000? Great, I just hope you'll do something! Checks to: Citizens for Nieves, 350 Country Club Bluffs Ln. Washington, Mo. 63090

IOW, I'm already gladhanding contributions for my next election so I'll play the "picked on by them mean old liberals card". Oh, and how much money does a guy living on Country Club way need from his trailer park supporters?
BTW, there are no liberals in his district. He's a state senator.

*AK-47, damn spell check!!!

I'll try to make this my last post here on this subject. If you poke holes in the second amendment by limiting freedoms of this "right" which one will you allow to fall next? Should peopl eof a certain race or religion not be entitled to vote, lose their religuos freedon, speak in public... Thi sis why we have constittional rights. Rights and liberties for al people. Remember from the start women, "negros" (as it was) were not allowed to vote. Changes should enhance freedom and liberties for free, honest people and those who have not fallen prey to crime, mental illness, drug abouse.... And these last laws exist, they are not well enforced. Fix the problem for the violators. Motor vehicle accidents kill hunreds on the roads in Missouri, yet people drive. These dangerous vehicles are a necessity for freedom, liberty and to enhance our lives. As are firearms to protect all th eliberties that a bad person would take from us including our posessions and our very lives. The constitution exists for our rights, freedom and liberties, it shall not be infringed less we lose those rights that so many served, fought and died for. This is America, live with it.

And their

I believe we should keep our arms and provide all the gun training and background checks needed. I DON"T need a guy begging for money to help me out.

the two most armed countries, as far as citizenry, have one of the lowest death rates due to guns... Israel and Switzerland. or so ive read.

It is called the Bill of Rights not the Bill of Needs. If you don't like it amend the Constitution, it's been done Twenty seven times. If it is a good idea you will have no problem. The polls and public opinion are against further restrictions on the Second Amendment, look it up.

Even if all the gun laws currently proposed were passed tomorrow, the intended effect of reducing or eliminating suicide attacks wouldn’t kick-in for at least another ten or twenty years, if then. Under the circumstances maybe Conceal-and-Carry laws might be a good idea. The sane far outnumber the loonies. A civilian armed with a 9mm semi-automatic and a 13-round clip with one in his pocket for back-up, and his heart into stopping a suicidal madman, is likely to. Maybe after only 1 dead instead of 27. Will there be mishaps and stupid mistakes that cause unintended damage and perhaps even an occasional death? Of course. But that is preferable to 27 dead. Every time.

Furthermore, once defeating these Suicide Attackers becomes routine, a mere one time one-liner blip on the nightly news, no sensationalism, no infamy, no glory, even a madman loses his primary motive, and the suicide attack as a means to infamy will, over time, die out.

More ideas: http://nicholasifkovits.wordpress.com

This nation is very close to tyranny now so disarming the honest citizen is necessary for the Democrats and their minions to complete the job. We the people have allowed the government to interfere with every aspect of our lives from light sockets to toilets to automobiles. They have already destroyed the family and our public institutions and are lying about the history of the United States. Now they are working at dismantling free speech and freedom of religion. They have even begun carping about our diets because if they can force every citizen to become a vegan, we will lose our size superiority. There should be no compromise of any kind with regard to the 2nd Amendment because the white men who drafted our founding documents were much smarter and much wiser than any of our current government officials- they were also more honest and desired the best for the new nation. This can no longer be said of our politicians. One method of curbing gun violence is to revere life, to have homes with mothers and fathers who teach children right from wrong, and to treat firearms like the instruments that they are: tools, not glorified gang symbols. The American people need to pull their heads out and realize what this movement is really about- the enslavement of the citizenry.

When the economy collapes, and it will, will you really trust our government to not turn on us? We are already moving toward a one world gov. which would take away our freedoms as Americans. What will the liberals protect themselves with then? I guess they will use what they are using now, smart ass sarcasm! I hope it never happens but if it does will it be a bad idea to be prepared. If history repeats its self I for one want to be ready! Not paranoia, but common sense!!

Break time! We are all hooked on things that go boom! Django is one of the most popular movies today,and it's an R rated Tarantino product full of words we are encouraged not to use, along with graphic violence. It's a story about "control", and how many ways that issue is expressed.

He's not making a point, he's just puffing his chest and trying to act machismo. What does he want daily gun battles in the street -- Yhe second amendment is just a small part of the Constitution,Senator Nieves ought to read the rest of the constitiuion. Finally, what makes Nieves think that liberals, the people on the left, don't have a point. Nieves just yells louder, uses scare tactics and doesn't reason, he just defends the status quo. This amn is a US Senator --- God help us.

Today the 2nd Amendment does not give citizens the absolute right to bear arms. You cannot carry a suitcase nuclear bomb to stand your ground. You cannot buy a tank or a cannon. There is already a line drawn. We are arguing above where that line should be. When the amendment was written people had muskets. You cannot kill twenty people with a musket. The same day all those innocent children were killed here a man in China attacked 20 children with a knife. None died. I want to live in a civilized country so lets have a serious discussion.

correct me if I am wrong many of the greatest tragedies in the world were created when government took it upon themseloves to disarm the citizens does anyone remember Hitler? not that I am comparing I am just saying. if the citizens are not allowed the means to defend themselves and government is put in the hands of people and parties that have their own agendas, we become non essential kind of like the president is actually elected on the vote of appointees and not the result of the popular vote...AMERICA the land of the home and free? really? some states control what is available for our health? and when did it stop being a requirement to learn the language and laws and follow the laws to get legal citizenship? not just come in and bend the rules and draw benefits whether you are legal or not? yeah I feel REAL free

Senator Brian Nieves
Mo. Senator, Husband, Dad, Small Business Owner, Redneck, Not Very Bright, Played High School Football Without a Helmet, Thinks Rambo and Red Dawn are Documentaries

Nieves is just another gun nut pandering extremist. You can be a member of an "organized militia" it's called the National Guard. Join, they will give you a fully auto M-16 and you'll quickly get it our of your system.
The semi-auto AR-15 with large magazine is nothing but a human hunting and killing weapon and has no place in the hands of a non-professional (other than military or law enforcement). Outlaw them.
His point about an armed citizenry is pointless today, your best weapon against your government is a big stack of $s. Money is the weapon of power and guy is wanting yours.
Resign and join the military Rambo and give the rest of us a break.

Give me the definition of law abiding citizen- if you shoot your wife or girlfriend when you find out that they are seeing someone else, or your son looses his house keys and climes through a window and gets shot because you thought he was breaking into your house, a car accident leads to a fist fight ,one person goes home one person goes to the morgue becase one of them had a gun, I don't trust your law abiding citizen. A gun gives a small minded person a larger than life bravado that threatened all of society. so keep your guns, i'll keep an eye out for you.

What i love most about this country is we can have this discussion because some ill-armed and outnumbered people fought against the greatest military force in the world. And we won. I think this country need fanatics on both sides. That is why we have our government set up like it is. We have extremes on both sides that are supposed to come in the middle for the better of the people. I believe we should have whatever guns we want if we pass a background check. I think it should be alot tougher of a background check. The ability to defend myself should be on my terms not someone elses. If you dont like guns dont buy one. If you want to be safe its obvious as long as you leave a school,theater, or your house when a crazy person comes in you should be fine. Its the person not the gun. The government starts with regulation, then comes registration, then comes banning. Australia,Germany,Russia......... Its about the right to own just like its the right to say what u want. I mean i think they should ban freedom of speech with the guns then we wont have this conversation.

The Senator is right on every point. Gun control is about control, not guns. I believe about 9 out of 10 people who are for gun control have never shot a gun or knows very much about them. How many have used a gun to prevent a crime or protect themselves? If just a few teachers had a gun in their pockets at the school the nutcase shooter could have been taken out before he killed anyone or at least before he killed too many. After all the debate about armed guards or armed teachers in schools it boils down to one thing, what do the liberals propose to stop this from happening again? Do they really think limiting magazines to 10 rounds will help? How many years would it take to remove the hundreds of millions that are already out there. Have they ever seen a good shooter make a fast magazine change? It can be done in less than a second by a good shooter. Also armed guards would be the first target if a bad guy went in a school to kill people. Call the police? They'll be there in 10 min. and set up a perimeter. When seconds count the police are only minutes away. For those of you who are against guns please post a sign by your door that your home is a gun free zone. Live by what you practice or are you too afraid criminals will see that sign as an open invitation to come on in? Ban guns and you think the black market on drugs is bad, just wait until you see the criminal network that springs up to sell guns in this country. It would make the drug cartels seem like romper room.

Your claim to save the 1st amendment we need to use guns to protect it from a tyrannical government as history demands. That doesn't fly or did you forget history. One of your great Republican leaders claimed this feat. Can you guest who? Have you forgotten the father of your conservative cause? Yes President Reagan. He brought down Communism in the Soviet Union without a shot fired, turning it into a democratic country. It was in all the newspapers, even in the U.S.S.R. OK it was really what you're asking that brought it down, money. Their economy faltered, kind of like ours is doing thanks to Republican strategy. More news China is headed that way too. The pen, the truth, has started the ball rolling against bad governments until action changes the status quo.

The gun issue that you claim, the U.S. government would prohibit gun ownership can only happen by constitutional amendment or something like the terrorist act passed by congress. Now why would congress allow such rash actions if facts were not presented that could not be refuted. Well another historical lesson, President George W. Bush convinced congress that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction that have yet been found.

You say liberals will change gun laws against owning guns. Not true they want to limit rapid firing weapons, even the police are for that. Calling that anti American is wrong. Americans don't need a shoot out in schools, movies theaters, or churches

You only NEED a gun when u REALLY NEED a gun. I shoot competition with an ar-15,revolver, and a semi automatic pistol. I love it. It is one of the most fun things i can do. I used to teach self defense. I loved it when we did free self defense classes for women. Just a background. I have been shot at and did not have my gun because it was illegal and i do not break the law. Luckily he was a bad shot. He was never caught or apprehended. I got lucky. He did kill two people less than 2 years later in a home invasion where he killed a single mother and her child. I got lucky but she did not. If i or her would have had a gun i would like to think the outcome would have been different. I ask if you hate guns go to a local gun range and shoot something. It might be something you enjoy and maybe get a different perspective. Every gun owner i know is very responsible and cares greatly about this issue. I believe that i would rather have a person try to carry a large ar-15 in than hide 4 10 round pistols in their pants. If i see someone carrying an ar-15 towards a school you better believe i would have took action. Maybe they should make all rifles larger so they couldnt be hidden. That would solve a problem. gunfacts.info and fbi.gov. two of the best places to get information. Even the fbi shows rifles are not that dangerous

That's BS, and you know, if you want to fund this crap, use your own ill gotten money.
Oh, BTW, are you a Christian?

Notice how he uses fear to get your attention before he asks for money! Armed insurrection has always come from the conservatives. They see any change an attack.

I am in complete agreement with you Brian. I can not believe the conservative voices since the shootings in Newtown. And not one gun law proposed by that the likes of Diane Feinstein or others would have stopped the slaughter of the victims there. The shooter was mentally ill and had been for some time, as is the case in many of the mass shootings. Instead of focusing on changing some of the laws that could deal with that the left jumps right to gun restrictions. No sense at all. But it really is about people control; not gun comntrol. Let them make us all potential victims. I think not. And when the gun control hype cools down I would warn our elected officials to think hard before buying into the left agenda. I will actively work against any politico come election time that bought their line of trash. I will also support like thinking candidates with my time and pocket book.
Lets take measures to help prevent mass shootings by banning gun free zones also known as victim zones. Let's work on health laws and others that would permit quicker action when a danger is identified. And let's stop the callings to give up hard won freedoms for the fallicy of a little more security.

when pearl harbor was attacked; those dopey japs; turned and fled;
after the war when asked; why not invade; their answer was americans own guns;
or a "citizens malitia" if you please;
all you gun control fools must realize this;
the problem is not the guns;
its this country not addressing mental illness
it is a revolving door; pump the poor soul with drugs; find the right ones then release them back into society
as "cured"
as long as they take their meds.................

Thanks for the opportunity to vent on this issue.

LD

God, what an ass. First, you start off your stupid diatribe with "these are not liberals, these are intelligent people"...insult number one.In your stupid mind, all liberals are not intelligent. Second, you can believe that your idea that our forefathers would have approved of these new assault weapons in the hands of ordinary citizens is ridiculous.Third, after you make your point, you beg for money.You're so fake and obvious and just plain pathetic.

I don't see my previous comment directed at Brian Nieves

Thank you, Senator. Just a thought. Both the United Nations and China want the USA citizens gun free!! Give up the right to bear arms suggest the possibility of have to learn a new language in this great country.

My own (caucasian) decendents were run off a farm they owned in the United States by the Ku Klux Klan. We had a Germanic last name, and were Chrisitian. The Klan in Georgia assumed the family was Jewish because of the last name, forced them out of town at gunpoint, and threatened to rape and murder them if they tried to come back. Would the Klan still exist if true Christians would have been armed and have stood against them?

THe Constitution defines the gov't, its divisions and powers. It actually limits the gov't to the listed [enumerated] powers. The Rights of the Citizens are listed in the Bill of Rights [1st Ten Admendments] to the Constitution. Both were discussed and ratified in the same time period. The states only ratified the Constitution when assured the Bill of Rights would be submitted to them for radification. Try not to confuse the two parts of our Constitution. The Bill of Rights is no less powerful as the Constitution itself. Thank you, Sen. Nieves for speaking up so forcefully!

A strictly constitutional definition of the Second Amendment not only grants us the right to "keep and bare arms," but also requires "an armed citizenry" in the country. It's the basis of our freedom, a responsibility to keep the government in check. While I agree the government has the right to regulate gun ownership, the Bill of Rights also establishes a "rule of law" securing our right to own weapons in order to defend ourselves against all threats, foreign and domestic.

Hey everybody, this country was formed from revolution and will remain so....so to all you people who want to propagate the idea of disarming the US citizenry, go find yourself another country that best suits that desire for you. But in the meantime, and in the words of the great Thomas Jefferson, "go f yourselves"...

This is a brilliant Senator. He recognizes the passion people feel about the freedom to own weapons and uses it as an opportunity to raise money. We've lost our minds in this country. There are responsible ways to own all weapons. The issue isn't "gun control." The issue is the responsible ownership of weapons that make it possible to kill many people in a matter of minutes. If Ms. Lanza had understood this, she would would have made 100% certain that her son--who struggled with mental health issues for years--had zero access to her semi-automatic weapons, which made it easy for Adam Lanza to murder 20 children and 6 adults in a matter of 10 minutes. Keep in mind that he pumped 11 rounds into ONE CHILD. A total of 26 children and adults died in 10 minutes when a mentally ill young man stole weapons that were stored in his home. THAT is the issue. Warping this to be about "gun control" is ridiculous. Congratulations, Senator. You are an excellent manipulator.

The founding fathers could not have forseen (did not forsee) the future of war and weapons. The British army fought with muskets/rifles, which the colonists had. The original intent was for the citizens to continue to have equivalent weaponry. I own only a 12 ga pump police riot gun....hunting rifles and shotguns are not now firepower equivalent to the government's ability (or power lust). I don't own one but "assault" weapons should be owned by every citizen. The government should fear the citizenry as they (the government) go about their days.
Efete liberals and foreign born residents of this country who disagree do not deserve to live here any longer.

Well now, just what are Americans supposed to do? The top TV and Movie attractions are all about guns and killing. The video games are all about killing.

There is no more Lone Ranger who just shots the guns out of the hands of the bad guys. There are killers on the loose.

Our children are raised to accept the Culture of Death. It is fashionable.

Mike Downer
Annie Brown, you are right. It's too bad that the left will not see the light. They only listen to the left media. Without guns, we would still be speaking with a British accent and sending our taxes to London. History tells it all. Those who chose to think otherwise are not thinking. Where right to carry permits have been voted in, crime has gone down. Only makes sense. Criminals will never comply with the laws and we must be armed to protect ourselves. Recently in Texas, a man entered a business and shot his ex girlfriend. Everyone else exited to a theatre next door. When the gunman chased after them to start shooting them, an off duty deputy put him down. When you get a consealed carry permit, you have to go through training. This training tells you what you can do and what you cannot do. It allows you to protect yourself and others in dire circumstances. Without the 2nd amendment, the other amendments mean nothing.

The 'Senator' is talking about a power hungry government and the only thing he can do about it is to arm every citizen?
This guy IS the government.
If he doesn't like control he should quit his regular working hours, quit his Church, quit his city, state, country and quit his community/culture.

For you Lilly Liberals who do not think the Government is interested in your guns:

North Carolina Police Lieutenant Warns Of Plans For Martial ...

http://www.infowars.com/north-carolina-police-lieutenant-warns-of-plans-for-martia...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjdyB8Xyihw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISATXfAUxjc

But how do you feel on womens rights.

Of course the senator is right. Inner city families will need to be even more heavily armed as they live in a far more dangerous enviorment than the senator and his constituents. And what of gang members who face threats not only from rival gangs but from the police goons of the tyrannical government. And children who have to attend dangerous public schools. Maybe the solution is to give assault rifles to everyone. That way we will be truely safe.

Logic and Common Sense have left the building.
The lunatics and imbeciles want to take charge.
Lets hope November , 2014 can turn the tide.

This country has remained "free' for over 200 years because with all the dangers associated with guns Americans have embraced the Second Amendment and the right of citizens to be nearly as well armed as the government the citizens set up to run this country. People with power and control always seek more until nthey have it all even if it by force. Just as the federal government is trying to do today. As parents we as a group have failed to teach our children how to handle guns and use them. Like everything else we have abandoned raising our kids prefering to let the government raise our kids by laws. Have we outlawed cars that kill far more people per year nationally than guns do? Have we forced manufacturers to stop producing cars that can exceed the maximum speed limit? the fastest national speed limit is 65 but we have cars routinely sold that can do 120 plus. Excessive speed if often cited as a cause. but no congressperson is suggesting a cap on a car's speed capability. 30,000 plus people can die on highway due to dangerous cars including many children but we will out law guns that killed 26 kids in a year. I would suggest stupidity might be ruling America. Cars do nothing to protect our rights but a gun will and once again which one kills more people each year? Go figure.

I sure like the way this man thinks.

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT WISH TO OWN A FIREARM; FEEL FREE. HOWEVER, DON'T THINK FOR ONE MOMENT THAT YOUR OPINION ENTITLES YOU TO FORCE YOUR OPINION ON THOSE OF US WHO HAVEN'T LOST THEIR MINDS. PERHAPS IF YOU PUT ENOUGH LAWS & LEGISLATION ON PAPER AND STACK IT IN FRONT OF YOU, YOU CAN STOP A BULLET. THEN AGAIN SUPERMAN WAS BULLET-PROOF TOO. BUT WAIT A MINUTE, SUPERMAN IS A FANTASY AND SO IS THINKING THAT MORE LEGISLATION AND LAWS WILL KEEP YOU SAFE! WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE OR IN YOU LIBER'S CASE, THE MANURE! WHAT WILL MAKE ALL OF US SAFER, IS BEING AWARE OF THOSE WHO ARE AROUND US. GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEIGHBORS, FAMILY, CO-WORKERS AND OTHERS AND TAKING THE TIME TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THEIR LIVES, JUST MIGHT PREVENT ANOTHER CATASTROPHE FROM TAKING PLACE. WE HAVE LOST THE ART OF LISTENING, CARING AND INVESTING IN OTHER PEOPLES LIVES; WE'RE JUST TOO BUSY TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND COMMITTED TO SAFETY.

So I need an AR-15 in my closet in case the US dollar drops in value. Brian, not only are you idiot, but you are a dangerous idiot. (However, there are plenty of other dangerous idiots out there who will now help fill your campaign coffers.)

WILLIS H. FOWKES II

THERE IS TOO MUCH NAME CALLING ON BOTH SIDES, GROW UP, AND COMPLAINING ABOUT SPELLING.

1 Guns are a tool made to do one thing, and that is kill. T here were first made to hund food, then they were used in war. but a gun is still only a tool.

2 There are many other tools that kill even though they are not made to kill.
Most are no yelling to get these out of circulation. I.E. cars, airplanes ect.

3 All tools if put down and not touched by a HUMAN will sit there and coorode, not killing anything.
What any tool needs to kill is a HUMAN HAND to pick it up and use it.

4 Limiting a legal person form getting tools will not work. Just look at what happened when LIQUOR was made illegal. The manfacture and sale just went under ground, and the goverment could not stop, control or REGULATE it. So it was made legal, but only after the government spent billions trying to enforce it and could not.

5 I think we need better regulations that include the notification of the induvidal, if they are classed as INSANE, SUSIDAL, or a could CAUSE HARM.

This might and should be very hard prove and list on some one's record.

6 But taking my RIGHT to legal use right or ownership of any gun / tool can not be permitted.
It would not stop at just some, it would eventually be everything and continue with the individual's other FREEDOMS.

WILLIS

"Guns don't kill, people do." And they can kill with a rock or a club. But with a rock or a club it's unlikely a person would enter a school and slaughter twenty six year old kids!

I'm an old Marine and doubt these gun nuts constitute a 'well armed militia'.

A Senator with common sense? Amazing!!!!

In response to "Kris", the people ARE the well regulated militia. The 2nd amendment is so crutial because the framers added it to insure that the PEOPLE have recourse against a corrupt, repressive government. The type & direction that Chairman ObaMao is leading the liberal sheep.
Not only the right, but the military, intel community, & law enforcement despise the man. Why do you think he did everything in his power to cut-off military absentee ballots? They think he's nothing but a joke. I personally cringe when he manages a salute when exiting Air Force & Marine 1. Meanwhile his wife has taken Air Force 2, costing the tax payers 100's of thousands of dollars. The man is an egotistical maniac who amuses himself by wiping his socialist rear with that sacred document...The Constitution.

What if the Syrian citizenry were armed. Would their own government have slaughtered 46,000 of them? As of now they are defenseless....

Then again, who gives a crap about 46,000 Syrians?

You have my full support. The state I currently live in is abbreviated MD, not MO, and I live in the suburbs outside Washington, D.C. The area I live in has very strict gun control laws. If they really worked, I would tell you so. Instead, we have a really high crime rate, including home invasions and murders. A number of years ago, the DCPD was discovered selling guns from their property room out on the street. They made a big show of terminating some rookies, but no one seemed to ask how the higher authorities let it happen. Real gun control should target the criminals, instead of law-abiding citizens. Government corruption should be vigorously cleansed from the system. Look at places, like New York and Chicago. According to their gun control laws, they should be crime free zones. Instead, they have some of the nation's highest murder rates. Gun control laws do nothing to stop back markets. There have been laws proposed to amplify penalties for uses of guns in crimes. What happened to them?

Doe's anyone remember Pearl Harbor where a couple of thousand of our sailors were ambushed and murdered?Truth be told/what the Japenese Imperial navy really wanted to do was have a massive invasion of the U.S.A. instead. The idea was quickly shot down when there highest ranking officer said:( QUOTE:)" WE CAN NOT INVADE MAINLAND U.S. BECAUSE BEHIND EVERY BLADE OF GRASS THERE IS A RIFLE" (UNQUOTE) Dissarm the people and we are in trouble.

When I was a 20 something kid.....I was a pure libertarian and wanted to have no govt. intrusion, freedom to do and say as I pleased....the ability to buy and sell anything (anything) under the sun and to do anything I wanted.....as long as I did not hurt another soul. As I grew up I realized that this was a utopian concept and that the only thing that mattered was to make myself and my environment better for myself and all around me. The modern selfishness and me firsters of the second amendment crown make me wince.....they are giving freedom a really really bad name. There is something that goes with freedom and that is coherent responsibilty....something that is severely lacking in the arguments and actions of the NRA types.

In 2009 there were 310 million guns in the US. In December of 2012, 2.5 million guns were purchased. That tells me people are not all that comfortable with police protection and faith in their government.

The military also usesb bolt action rifles with telescpic sights, how long before the meduia and politicians claim that there is no valid reason for a private citizen to own a "sniper rifle"? The mlitary also uses pump action 12 guage shotguns, in an ealier war they were nicknamed "trench brooms" as they were admired for their ability to kill large numbers of people asv quickly as possible, and were so despised by our enemy that an American soldier captured witrh one was summarily executed on the spot. How long before the media and politicians claim no civilian needs a shotgun as well? A well known national magazine in an article about a high capacity rifle closed with the admonition, that a resolute man, armed with one of these "instruments of death and destruction", simply "could not be taken". This article appered in the early 1860's, and was written about the lever action Henry rifle, the quintisential "cowboy rifle" How long before the politician's and media demand these as well? Divide and conquer, the anti-gunner's strategy.

The time of our founding fathers people respected each other more than they do now. They were willing to lend aid when needed without any thought to what they may recieve in the end. This was just as much the truth even with owning guns. Back then they were used for protection and hunting. These two things are still true today, but have been mostly forgotten. Guns are no longer respected and feared as they once were.

And before someone tries attacking my intelligence due to some spelling errors in the previous comment, most of them are due to arthritis in my hands that causes me to sometimes strike two keys at the same time.

If soldiers wont follow illegal orders against citizens! then kent sate was legal orders?
waco was legal orders, ruby ridge was legal orders? you got to be kidding sarg. most of todays 2nd generation immigrent citizens don't even know what patriotism is all about.

More guns are precisely NOT the answer. The problem--as I think should be clear--is that guns are too prevalent in America. Plus, there is a "gun culture," where guns are thought of as macho and glamorous. The US has about 12,000 homicides a year and 20 or more in one weekend here in Chicago. England has maybe 50 annually. How do you account for that? Maybe it's just that the English are more civilized and don't have the desire to go around shooting one another. And they don't feel they need to arm themselves. If everyone had a gun, maybe I'd need a gun. If no one has a gun, I don't need a gun.
And--no one who is not a constitutional scholar should presume to interpret the Second Amendment and to say that they know clearly what its meaning and intention are. And there has been a considerable body of jurisprudence that said that the right to own guns is not absolute. If it were in my power, I'd repeal the Second Amendment.
Also, if I could do so, I'd make a NEGATIVE contribution to Senator Nieves.

Everyone in this blog that is gung-ho for gun ownership and tighter restrictions on mental patients and those on medication for the same, HOO-Ray for you!!!!!!!!!! The rest of you uneducated Liberal twerps, F-off, better yet, leave the USA, because you don't deserve to be here in the greatest country in the world.

The whole might of the US Military versus it's citizens is something that had me thinking the same thing for years. The US Military is the best in the world with their tanks, missiles, jets, drones, etc. Then new info was presented to me that was a real eye opener. Guerilla warfare is always a problem for a well established military and the largest 'army' in the entire world is not the Chinese but the very decently armed US Sportsman (Hunters).

US Military comes in with maybe around 3 Million men (not all will side with the government in such a fight) versus about 80 Million Sportsman (not all with show up for such a fight). If even a much smaller percentage of those 80 Million Sportsman show up with a decent hunting rifle, you are talking about untold MILLIONS of amatuer SNIPERS.

Then the info was shared that it always takes our military MONTHS to organize a large scale operation effectively. Millions of citizen riflemen can be out the door in MINUTES if things look to be going that way.

Just saying, changes your thinking a bit. If it doesn't, you're not thinking about it very hard at all...

Sen. Brian Nieves: If you sir are being paid a penny over $26K per year, then you can take my donation out of your own wallet, as you are far better off financially than my household combined.
If you are taking a penny over $52K per year, then be honest enough to donate every penny over that $52K.
No person on earth truly earns more than $52K per year.

they are trying to take away our constutional rights and that is where they are heading

All of these proponents for the possession of automatic weapons with large magazines make me sick!! The Second Amendment was established at a remote time in the past when we were fighting to survive as a nation. That no longer applies! An assault weapon is appropriate when a rogue elephant or a pack of hyenas is about to attack you. But is it appropriate when first graders are cowering under their desks? Please be logical and compare the differences. If you can't do that, then you need psychiatric help. I don't buy this crap about the right to possess arms is an exclusive privilege that every U.S. citizen has. BS!!!!

Of course our country still has MIlitia's...the ones buying the ones buying these guns, ok the sane American's who are buying these guns are buying them for the mere purpose of defending themselves and their family from the government. They are waiting for the day our Goverment tries to take away our 2nd Amendment, and trust me if you don't believe this, you are in for a rude awakening........unfortunately, the insane people end up getting these guns and killing innocent children with them.

Amen! I will be one of the first out the door with my hunting rifle in hand!

We wouldn't have a freakin' Constitution in the first place to outline our freedoms and laws to protect them if people could be trusted to govern themselves. Now you want to arm every home? What is going to turn good people into bad people. Good cops with power can turn bad. Militia groups will start thinking they are the law. What happens when the gun nuts turn on each other? This man and the gun folks are completely out of their minds. We need gun control and we need it now!!!! People toting gun can take our other rights away from us. The 2nd Amendment never, never comes before our other rights. God helps us. The far right is NUTS! I hate the words "patriot" and "republic" now. These are dangerous words and meanings now.

Good Man.
I'm PRO CHOICE on GUNS, don't like GUNS don't get one!
Just like your argument for Abortions, don't like abortions don't get one and BTW Abortions murder way more children than all the guns on Yahweh's Earth COMBINED.
REPUBLIC RISING ~ how the hell did Fraud Democracy, Repugnant to The Constitution and our Pledge of Allegiance, creep into every facett of our lives?

Perhaps the plan all along was for the gun industry to get rich selling guns because of mass hysteria; and now they will have to confiscate the guns. Our history is proof that people can not govern themselves. Gun laws would have never been enacted if we could be trusted to govern ourselves. Consider too, populations were relatively small compared to the population and chaos now. The far right is simply mad!!!!!!

All of you who suggest that we should all be "armed to the hilt" just because of
the 2nd Amendment really need to have your heads examined. It's not the
kind of society most of us want to live in whether you agree with that or not. All
you are doing is keeping the gun manufacturers and their agent, the NRA, very happy as they run to the bank !

Wyatt Earp enacted strict gun laws when he went from gunslinger to lawman. He knew man could not govern himself. He knew better than anyone turning from gunslinger/gunfighter to lawman. That was a primitive era too.

A Gun History Lesson:
-In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
-Turkey: 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians rounded up and exterminated.
-Germany: 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews exterminated.
-China: 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents rounded up and exterminated.
-Guatemala: 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians exterminated.
-Uganda: 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians exterminated.
-Cambodia: 1975 to 1977, one million ' educated ' people exterminated.
Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.
-After Australian law forced citizens to surrender their personal firearms, homicides went up 3.2 percent, assaults 8.6 percent, and armed robberies 44 percent!
-Admiral Yamamoto who crafted the attack on Pearl Harbor had attended Harvard University from 1919-1921, it was reported that when asked why Japan did not follow up the Pearl Harbor attack with an invasion of the U.S. Mainland, his reply was that he had lived in the U.S. and knew that almost all households had guns.
-You don't think this could happen here? That's what they all thought. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives. God bless you Senator!

Are you going to let them take your guns America? You have had this right in the Consitution for over two Centuries, have you googled the news lately? "The man who police say was naked and choking a pet Rottweiler when he was shot by a homeowner in Miami is expected to make his first appearance in bond court Thursday afternoon.

Jeffery Delice, 20, is being held without bond following his arrest Wednesday on charges of burglary with assault, animal cruelty, lewd and lascivious battery and resisting an officer with violence.

Miami Police say the incident began when the homeowner was awoken around 5 a.m. when he heard a commotion and dogs barking outside his residence in the area of Northwest 2nd Avenue and 56th Street."
If this same thing happens to you, are you going to grab your fly swatter in the middle of the night or your AR-15?

Before 1776 Americans were governed by a constitutional monarch. The problem was they were not represented and had little control of government. At that time 95% country folk had small arms, perhaps 60% of city folk had small arms; gun ownership was not an issue but I suspect neighbors with cannons probably were. To gain independence the war was fought with official, organized and trained citizens called militias. Militias had cannons and other heavier weapons than ordinary citizens. Militias were like volunteer firemen - called up if needed.
Now - power in America is diluted and regularly challenged by many different groups - lead by free speech and freedom of the press. This does not change the fact that at any time a small group could take control of government and essentially install a new 'much loved' dictator - for life. The first prevention of this is a well informed citizenry who knows how to use their vote. Finally is actual warfare - which could be pretty much the disintegration of America much like Syria today.
The question remains: how to allow armed protection from others yet maintain a safe environment?
And what I hear is mostly name calling, put downs and insults.

Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious. ---Oscar Wilde

Anyone that uses the word "Republic" now makes me cringe. I've been saying from the very start that the Tea Party is a very dangerous movement. These people are dangerous to a democracy. Our government needs to step in and take their guns and they need to start with Texas. He is speaking of militia and vigilante types here. It disturbs me that this man is an elected official. Americans don't realize that you can go to a gun show and buy a gun and do so without a background check. You can buy guns and work around the system. They do it all the time. People have arsenals in their homes.

This man should be removed from office. His talk is sick and dangerous.

These people disturb me when they compare an object to an unborn fetus and/or child as if an object is just as important as the human life they "claim" to be so concerned about. They don't respect the life that is born in this country. They don't care about the children living in poverty that are born. Again, they are obsessed with an object and comparing it to an abortion. It is sick what they are doing. These gun nuts are sick. The far right in America has gone mad!!!!

If you all believe in a symbolic anti-Christ this is it. The gun folks on the far right have shown me that they are the biblical anti-Christ. The gun is the mark of the devil. The gun equals 666.

"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." Winston Churchill

Not to pick on you but a Republic is a form of Democracy and we are both. You need to educate youself and visit the Supreme Court webpage before you incorrectly correct me. You are indoctrinated with BS and most likely got your education from reading the Barton book of lies. God help us the far right is dangerous.

Sandy, Hypocrisy Watch
http://youtu.be/flbzbFbKxK0

You are on some serious drugs if you believe for one second that the Right to bear arms and abortion are simpatico. Guns will never be gone, get used to it.
At the risk of sounding like a liberal, you are just stupid and uninformed!

To those making comments about the "militia" and that the second amendment only applies to the "militia"....WERE YOU ASLEEP in your history classes.......what in gods name do you think the militia is....it is every able bodied citizen in the country.....and current military technology in th hands of the citzenry is a blessing....during World War II Japanese invasion of the west coast was ruled out as Admiral Yamamoto knew their would be a "rifle behind every blade of grass". Want to save lives....start prosecuting all the SUV driving soccer moms texting behind the wheel I have to dodge every morning on the way to work.

Interesting how the tea baggers hand pick selected quotes without telling the entire story. It is called taking quotes out of context for manipulative purpose. We don't live in 1776. Some of us evolved. I see the tea baggers are de-evolving. It is very sad. I won't blink an eye when the cops have to come and confiscate your gun from your cold dead hands. You are all so uneducated and ignorant. You can't even take our past history and apply it to an evolved society. It is disturbing.

Now I've heard everything!!!
I had to read his manifesto twice because I couldn't believe what I read the first time!!
And I still cannot comprehend that a person would state such idiotic things!!
And, to think that people ACTUALLY voted for IT!!!

This guy is a paranoid,fear mongering idiot!

Australia - the real facts:
On 4/28/96, a gunman opened fire in a seaside resort in Port Arthur, Tasmania. He killed 35 people and wounded 23. 12 days later, the gov't did something remarkable and announced a bipartisan deal with state and local gov'ts to enact sweeping gun-control measures. 10 + years later, the results of these policy changes are clear: They worked really well.
At the heart was a massive buyback of more than 600,000 semi-automatic shotguns and rifles. The new gun laws prohibited private sales, req'd all weapons be individually registered to their owners, and req'd that gun buyers present a “genuine reason” for needing each weapon at the time of the purchase. (Self-defense did not count.) Public support of these measures were upwards of 90%.
What happened next has been the subject of several academic studies. Violent crime and gun-related deaths did not come to an end in Australia, of course. But, homicides by firearm plunged 59 percent between 1995 and 2006. The drop in suicides by gun was even steeper: 65 percent. Robberies involving a firearm also dropped significantly. Meanwhile, home invasions did not increase, contrary to fears that firearm ownership is needed to deter such crimes. But here’s the most stunning stat: In the decade before the massacre, there had been 11 mass shootings in the decade before the massacre - not a single one since.

I am a veteran of two combat tours while in the US Navy. Last time I checked, the oath I took upon enlisting did not have an expiration date on it. Therefore in order to '... defend the Constitution of the United States against ALL enemies, foreign and DOMESTIC...' firearms are pretty much necessary, as the enemy will have them more than likely.

What is sad is our Republican House is controlled by Tea Party nutjobs like Senator Brian Nieves. We should all be upset that these disturbing individuals are our lawmakers. We have got to vote them all out in 2 years. I'm am shocked by what this man is saying and has written. They are extremists. They are extremist lawmakers in our government. Extremism should never be tolerated. We are a civilized society. We do not live in 1776. We are to use our intellect over guns.

Funny I do not believe you quite understand what you read. Back then they did not have a big military hence the reason they talk about a well armed well trained militia. Such as what we call a National guard today. That is why the 2nd amendment was written. Just plain folks with guns do not constitute a well armed and trained militia. And I do believe you are very wrong in what they would have allowed citizens to own as weapons. Considering what was a weapon then single shot muskets and pistols. Weapons that also put food on the table. Semi auto weapons and hundred round clips are not used for putting food on anyone's table, so I would disagree with you that they would allow such weapons to be owned. If we go by your logic then they would also allow you to own rocket launchers, jet fighters, nukes ect. to defend against the government gone mad.

We have our own taliban rising in America and it is the Tea Party taliban.