Read up on founders’ intent

Perhaps Ms. Behring (Letters, May 29) should get off of the Internet and spend some time perusing actual books. Reprints of “The Federalist Papers” come to mind.

There is absolutely no doubt that the founders meant for the individual possession and use of arms to be an absolute that they believed predated the Constitution as a natural right.

“No Free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.” (Thomas Jefferson)

“The right of the people to keep and bear … arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country …” (James Madison)

“A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves … and include all men capable of bearing arms.” (Richard Henry Lee)

“… to disarm the people – that was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.” (George Mason)

“Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” (James Madison)

“The Constitution shall never be construed … to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.” (Samuel Adams)

Don Kaag

Moscow, Idaho