first off, a firearm is a LOT more deadly when used improperly. we have a local law that outlaws random gunfire into teh air. the fact that we NEED such a law tells me that theres people with a firearm that should not have them.
now, funny that you used the term "god given"
since according to the first ammendment of the constitution, congress can make no law regarding religion. therefore, the us government cannot recognize ANY right as a god given one.
in addition, read the ENTIRE second ammendment. 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
in addition, lets look at some quotes from discussion surrounding the very creation.
First Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights, 1788
To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them...
By: Richard Henry Lee
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Massachusetts U.S. Constitution ratification convention, 1788
The Constitution of the United States shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.
By: Samuel Adams
Letter to William Johnson, June 12, 1823
I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves, and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise that control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.
By: Thomas Jefferson
All that is good
Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and the keystone under independence... The rifle and pistol are equally indispensable... The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.
By: George Washington
that last one does nothing for my point, but ive always liked it.
a well regulated militia. argu it anyway you like, but look at what jefferson said. "but to inform their discretion" and you'll find similar quotes all over teh place. teh founding fathers knew what they were saying. they were saying, people need to have a firearm, and know how to use it, and if they dont know how to use it, TRAIN THEM TO USE IT PROPERLY. i fail to see how ensuring that anyone with a firearm is ensured to be able to operate it properly goes against that spirit.
as to your comment of how dangerous it is to simply go to teh firing range, i leave a link for your perusal.
www.darwinawards.comand if you're a hunter, you KNOW that many people hunt while drunk. personal opinion, a person who is willing to attempt a firearm while drunk no longer fits the moniker "peacable citizen"