Interesting thread we have going here…….
I’m a Vet, and just being a veteran does not mean someone is “proficient” in the carrying of and handling of firearms.
However the 2nd Amendment didn’t put that qualifier on anyone so it shouldn’t be mandated by the Government for anyone to be a Vet or to go through any course of training in order to own/possess a gun (unless they want to institute based firearms safety in HS, then they can incorporate that into the curriculum and mandate).
There are plenty of verses in the Old and New Testaments directing Christians to defend themselves but Jesus said to “offer him the other cheek.” But then later on in the chapter of Matthew Jesus it turning over money changer tables in the temple and later saying that he has “not come to bring peace but a sword.” As @Jerzees stated there is much open to interpretation and based on your religious affiliation and/or belief system.
My opinion is that God gives us life and then the direction/guidelines to protect that life or take it as the situation may require. He also gives us the freedom of choice to follow those directions/guidelines or not and because people have the freedom of choice and there are those out there who will do evil and take life…I think it’s up to others to use their freedom of choice to protect life. Whether that’s with words, a sword, bow or a gun.
So I would probably side on God given right to defend yourself, but hold short that it “absolutely” includes guns (in my opinion it includes whatever is available).
In addition to being pro 2A, I’m pro 1A and think we should allow all sides to express their opinions and points of view. The minute we stop doing that that’s when we’ve signaled we’ve lost the argument because our arguments are too weak to stand up to those opposing views so we would rather suppress them instead. Our arguments and positions on the 2nd Amendment are quite strong, and so we should welcome any and all on here to express opposing views, so we can debate and counter with those strong facts/statistics and positions.
Just my pov.