Posted August 22, 2016 8:12 am by Comments

By David B. Kopel David B. Kopel

Do people have a right to defend themselves against a tyrannical government? And does the Second Amendment reinforce that right? Donald Trump appeared to be referring to such a right recently, in his muddled comments about “Second Amendment people.” But trying to discern the thinking behind Trump’s thoughtless blather is pointless. Instead, it’s better to consider the guidance of the Constitution and the founders.

According to the Declaration of Independence, the only legitimate governments are those with the consent of the governed. When a government becomes the enemy and not the defender of human rights, the people can withdraw their consent and set up a new government.

“Prudence dictates” against changing long-established governments, or withdrawing consent for “light and transient causes,” said the declaration. But by 1776, “the long train of usurpations and abuses” by King George’s government had demonstrated “a design to reduce” the colonists “under absolute Despotism.” The declaration pointed out that the Americans had repeatedly asked their “British brethren” to redress the problems, but the British “have been deaf to the voice of Justice.” Therefore, “necessity” required the Americans to separate from Great Britain, as a last resort.

Perhaps, as Madison predicted, all the other checks and balances …Read the Rest

Source:: Cato Institute

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