You have made some great, well thought out points. I'd like to take it one step further , however. How about Vermont (American type before socialism took over) type legislation in which the law recognizes an individual's right to defend self and family, with OUT needing permission from the govt. to exercise this God given right? This should encompass the liberty to carry ANY weapon, regardless of blade, caliber, whatever, as long as it is used in a lawful manner respectful of life and private property. I think that you would probably agree that the true issue is not the object, but rather the use of said object. Laws are already on the books in most states regarding capitol punishment (unless they've been amended, repealed, superceded, or ignored by the courts) for capitol offenses. This is one of two major divine establishment clauses which takes into consideration the life of the victim and family: This also is a deterant to those committing capitol crimes, not to mention lowers the recidivism rate.
The second major divine establishment clause in regards to this issue is that of self defense and that of one's family. The individual already has the God given right to defend himself with appropriate force. He also has the right of possessing the means (read weapon of choice) to carry out that right.
May I make a point which is philosophically different from most gun rights activist, but which is right in line with our ancestors who understood this. The CCW "might" be a step in the right direction, but it is FAR from just. A CCW "permit" is the government's way of giving an individual their "permission" to carry according to the govt. guildlines. The premiss on which they grant a CCW is that of a PRIVELEDGE, NOT AN INDIVIDUAL'S GOD GIVEN RIGHT. In my state, WV, this only applies to handguns, not to knives, sticks, or any other weapon.
There is only one legislator in the state house of representatives which is trying to introduce a bill, recognizing such a right and giving Vermont type of carry. The bill is denied entrance onto the floor for a vote because of one communistic committee leader will not allow it.
Why should we expect it to be voted on, much less pass in the state legislature, when even the gun/knife lobbies shoot for govt. permission? I've had NRA representatives paint me as an extremist for taking this point of view, as well as IPSC shooters; but what was a common point of view in one generation, is extremist ravings of today.
Three things are certain when it comes to good ol' *instant checks* (thank you NRA) and *CCWs*:
1. The government knows who you are.
2. The government knows what you have.
3. The government w/ probably try to remove the weapon that it LET you have and remove the PRIVELEDGE to have the means to defend yourself/ family someday.
I know that CCW seem like a good thing that will keep us out of legal trouble, if we are ever frisked by a cop, but my concern is regards to the possible, no, probable long term effects.
Maybe CCW for knife carry is a good step in the right direction. Unlike any other time in history, maybe we can regain liberty the way that liberty has been violated, through incrementallism. But then again, maybe we should study this matter from a Biblical viewpoint, that God has granted this right of defense. I just hope that there are enough men in society that can still make lucid decisions of justice, grace, and liberty to make a difference. This must be the case before any amount of activism even makes a dent for the cause of conceiled knife carry.
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." Luke 22:36 & John 3:18