To the Editor:

It has again become painfully clear in the recent public debate on gun violence that one of the greatest frauds inflicted upon the American public is the gun lobby’s version of the Second Amendment, claiming it guarantees the right of every individual to have any gun desired.

Nothing could be further from the truth, as historians, constitutional scholars and the Supreme Court have demonstrated repeatedly. The Bill of Rights text makes it clear: “A well regulated militia” for each state is the focus and goal. At the time states were embracing a new central government, it was important they reiterated their intent to secure a militia — i.e., national guard — within each state. Northern states wanted to be sure to address crises such as the previous Shay’s Rebellion, and Southern states wished to be able to repulse slave rebellions.

All the nonsense about individual gun rights is just that — nonsense. Gun violence is deeply embedded in our culture, but not our Constitution.

For the sake of argument, let’s pretend everyone has a right to guns, just as we have rights to free speech. It is obvious from historical and legal precedent that rights cited in the Bill of Rights are not absolute. Free speech is restricted and does not include slander, libel, criminal threatening and “fighting words.” All rights are limited for the protection of the people.

So, even if there were a right for anyone to have guns, such a right should be regulated.

It’s time honest, responsible citizens — including those who have guns for sport, hunting or protection — speak the truth and demand serious and substantial regulation of the kind of guns and the kind of people to whom they are readily available.

Yes, there are many issues related to our violent culture besides guns. These, too, need to be addressed. But let’s start with the most obvious: Get mass destruction weaponry out of the mainstream.

Wesley Joseph Mills
Owls Head