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Originally Posted by M/V_Bear_II
Absolutely we study these documents, and in particular the passages you cite. I would point out that the Declaration of Independence is a statement of beliefs, not a legal document....
And therein lies the conflict, as you pointed out. There is a point where the liberty to own a gun can intrude on a neighbor's right to life or property. Eliminating all gun ownership certainly inhibits the ability overthrow an unresponsive government. Is there a middle ground?
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Not a legal document? The Continental Congress and King George may have felt differently. But yes it's not the Constitution.
There really is no conflict. Guns operated in a legal manner pose no threat to a neighbor's right to life or property. Guns used in a criminal manner are a threat, but criminality is the threat.
As to a middle ground, there clearly are no absolute rights, so we always live in the middle ground.
To get back on topic. In my opinion, an 8 year old is not physically or mentally able to operate machine gun. He does not have the strengh and coordination to operate it and more importantly he doesn't have the judgement. I think their is criminal negligence here and certainly civil responsibilty, for the father and the gun owner.
You would not let an 8 year old drive a car or use a chain saw, why would you let one operated a machine gun?