Quote:
Originally Posted by TaxPhd
Are tests required to exercise our other Constitutional rights?
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First of all, let me acknowledge that it's a good idea to understand how firearms work, and be trained in their use before using them.......that being said, I too have always wondered why some of our constitutional rights guaranteed come with more restrictions, others not so many.
Should they perhaps be called "limited rights" ?
Do you have a right to have one gun or 1000 guns, or any amount in between ? Can the government demand you take some training, register your purchase and/or pass a test to own a firearm ?
Do you have an absolute right to free speech ? Well, sort of as long as it's not libelous speech, and you're not yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. We all know speech can be very damaging and hurtful....perhaps everyone should be "tested" to make sure you know how to use your right to free speech properly before you can use it ???
Do we have an absolute right to vote ? Yes, but some states think accuracy is necessary and that you need to prove who you are (voter ID) before you can vote. Does it really matter who you are unless someone using the same name has already been marked as having voted in that precinct ?
We have a right to privacy......well, not so much anymore. That one seems to be under attack as much or more than any other right. Law enforcement/government can do pretty much anything these days using one twisted maneuver or another to get what they want. While they generally cannot break your door down and search your home without probable cause.....they can put (this one is currently under dispute....but has been done none the less) GPS trackers on your car with out legal probable cause to see IF you do something suspicious or wrong....and then gain probable cause to go further. They can beam your house with an infrared gun to see in some cases how many people are in your living room.....or if perhaps you have pot grow lights on inside.....all without any legal probable cause.
I got a "survey" from the census bureau a while back.....they tell me under penalty of law I need to tell them, among dozens of other things, how many bathrooms I have in my home....lol. Does anyone really think that is any business of the government in a free society ?????