The 2nd Amendment and Iran
posted at 8:47 am on June 23, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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Josh Kraushaar appears mystified by a Twitter message from Marco Rubio, the GOP Senate candidate, about the uprising in Iran. Noting that a few politicians have managed to embarrass themselves through the use of the social-networking platform, Kraushaar manages to embarrass himself by misunderstanding the nature of the 2nd Amendment and its place in American history:
Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio is the latest to make his own curious comparison drawn from the Iranian demonstrations — that the protesters would have more success if they had a constitutional right to bear arms.
“I have a feeling the situation in Iran would be a little different if they had a 2nd amendment like ours,” Rubio tweeted on Sunday.
Not sure if Rubio was advocating an armed uprising from the otherwise peaceful protesters, but his follow-up tweet was a bit more dovish: “Hoping police and military in Iran will refuse to attack unarmed civilians if ordered to do so.”
Wouldn’t it be just awful if an armed citizenry overthrew a tyranny by force and established democracy and liberty? That never turns out well. Oh, except for that one time when we did it, of course.
Besides, Rubio quite obviously means that an armed citizenry would not allow tyranny to be imposed in the first place. That is one of the reasons that he founding fathers of this country included the right to keep and bear arms in the Constitution, right after the right to free speech, religious practice, and peaceable assembly. In fact, it meant to guarantee that Americans could expect those other rights to continue unmolested — rights that the past week proved yet again that the Iranian people do not have under this regime of mullahs.
Rubio was being glib, of course. (Can you be anything else in 140 characters or less?) However, his meaning was pretty clear, and hardly controversial or “curious”. Supporters of the 2nd Amendment offer these reminders whenever oppression makes itself obvious in the world, to help Americans recall the value of the Bill of Rights and the exceptional place it has in human history.
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i see nothing controversial in rubio’s remarks, tyrants have been depriving the citizenry for thousands of years of arms in order to keep their rule established, do libs really want people helpless?
weewilly on June 23, 2009 at 8:51 AM
Thanks, DC Republicans, for shunning Rubio. Geesh. I can’t believe they’re trying to stick us with Crist and not him. (Well, I can believe it. But, y’know.)
It's Vintage, Duh on June 23, 2009 at 8:51 AM
My basement is chock-full of the 2nd amendment, in fact I ordered 4,000 extra 2nd amendments from Cabela’s just yesterday.
Bishop on June 23, 2009 at 8:51 AM
i have my guns & i’m keep ‘em.
kelley in virginia on June 23, 2009 at 8:52 AM
I think libs know full well the original intent of the second amendment–they just don’t like it. They want to remake America and know an armed populace means they will eventually meet resistance on the road to creating the socialist hell they envision.
flyfisher on June 23, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Isn’t that the only way to justify their existence?
flyfisher on June 23, 2009 at 8:53 AM
I was thinking the same thing over the weekend. If the citizenry could fight the oppressors with weapons besides rocks, maybe two guys on a moped wouldn’t be such an instrument of terror.
Nethicus on June 23, 2009 at 8:53 AM
It also sounds like Kraushaar thinks the dissidents are only be worthy of support or sympathy so long as they are unarmed sitting ducks with no chance of surviving.
myrenovations on June 23, 2009 at 8:54 AM
It goes beyond the protests…I don’t think the Basiji would have been quite as eager to make their midnight-to-4am visits to certain houses had they thought the residents were armed.
JohnTant on June 23, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Unfortunately I have to agree with you. The current Iranian situation is exactly why we have the 2nd Amendment. Also liberals don’t see socialism as hell – they see it as utopia for your own good because big government always knows best.
MidWestFarmer on June 23, 2009 at 8:54 AM
Rubiuo is spot on … The difference between Iran and America is the people will not be slaughtered in the streets … It’s not about ducks, it’s about tyranny and freedom.
And yes you can impose slavery by excessive indebetedness.
tarpon on June 23, 2009 at 8:55 AM
I met with Rubio in Orlando earlier this month and I am supporting his run against Crist for the 2010 Florida US Senate race.
He is a very sharp,young, conservative and I think he will give Crist a good fight.
He is currently the underdog but he is already starting to get some attention. I believe that Laura Ingram will be doing a campaign stop or two for him.
Nelsa on June 23, 2009 at 8:57 AM
The Iranian thugs who break into people’s homes & dorms to do mayhem would have 2nd thoughts if they had a 2nd amendment.
jgapinoy on June 23, 2009 at 8:57 AM
And the exact reason some want to take away that right. When people get really pissed off at Congress and the runaway spending president, God forbid they are actually armed!
katablog.com on June 23, 2009 at 8:58 AM
yes
right2bright on June 23, 2009 at 8:58 AM
I hope he was. I certainly advocate an armed uprising against the thuggish tyrants in power in Iran.
rbj on June 23, 2009 at 8:59 AM
You forgot Ireland, Ed. They succeeded, too.
MadisonConservative on June 23, 2009 at 8:59 AM
Note to Josh Kraushaar, if they’ve started throwing rocks and setting shit on fire then its not peaceful any more.
/buy a clue
bluelightbrigade on June 23, 2009 at 8:59 AM
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. – Jefferson
warden on June 23, 2009 at 8:59 AM
The fact that we have the right to weapons for self defense is the only thing keeping this country from being a dictatorship. Why else would the democrats be pushing for gun control so hard?
MobileVideoEngineer on June 23, 2009 at 9:00 AM
It’s fools like Kraushaar that inject ignorance into the body politic.
Hey dipshit-
The “protesting” has been violent. Throwing rocks and setting fires is not peaceful.
What they are is unarmed, which is the foremost reason that the regime in power had the confidence to quell the protests by force, rather than meet the demands of the public for an open and monitored recount or do-over.
Saltysam on June 23, 2009 at 9:02 AM
The way to defeat the Democrat Party is to keep the Second Ammendment in the forefront, and point out their attempts to remove the right from American citizens.
The Democrat Party has become more secretive since the Clinton years and have tried to avoid any direct conflict over the Second Ammendment. They might have learned, at least in the near term, that any direct attack on this very important right is the quickest way to lose an election.
I do believe that President Obama and his lackeys are trying to restrict or even repeal this right through treaties.
Rode Werk on June 23, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Hey folks get your heads out not only is it dark up there but it smells also.
The Lib’s are slowly but surely going after your guns. Just watch these 4 years with “O” Dumbo ears.
Rick007 on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Hope you invite me over when the s__t hits the fan, Bishop. I want everyone around me armed to the teeth.
zeebeach on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
I have that same feeling… :dunno:
ballz2wallz on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Somewhat OT: Last night, I sat down to complete a NRSC (Cornyn’s committee) survey. At the end, it asked for $11 to “process” my survey.
I wrote that I wouldn’t financially support the committee’s work because I blame, among others, Senate Republicans for creating an environment making Obama appealing to voters. Beyond that, I critized those turds for endorsing Crist over Rubio in Florida.
BuckeyeSam on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
well that, plus some help from the French
jp on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Read the politico piece, and Ed’s piece twice. Don’t see what was glib about Rubio’s remark.
JiangxiDad on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Only way to control the peeps
blatantblue on June 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Anyone else loving what we are seeing of Rubio lately? Um…cause I am. Can he just skip that whole senate thing, thought and run for POTUS? C’mon, could ANYONE be LESS ready or experienced than what we already have?
Mommypundit on June 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Hey if they had a recount than “O” Dumbo would have sent Jimmy the idiot over to watch it.
Rick007 on June 23, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Um…no, I’ll be keeping my guns, thank you very much.
ladyingray on June 23, 2009 at 9:06 AM
I’m with ya….won’t give them dime…will be supporting individual campaigns instead….
cmsinaz on June 23, 2009 at 9:07 AM
The Second Amendment will not keep tyranny from enveloping America, since we HAVE a Second Amendment and we HAVE a tyrant that is determined to take away our rights.
Waco/Weaver have proved that American soldiers will kill American citizens when ordered to do so. So the 2nd Amendment point is moot. You can’t defeat an M1A2 with a Remington 870.
Jeff from WI on June 23, 2009 at 9:07 AM
The Dems are, in fact, making an attack on the 2nd Amendment right now. See http://www.akti.org and/or http://www.kniferights.org
Sneaking through using Customs they’re trying to re-define switchblades to be pretty much any knife that folds so that they then can be regulated just like switchblades.
Need to spread the word about this sneak attack.
KCSteve on June 23, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Liberals somehow find that a dead victim of crime or oppression is morally superior to someone who defends himself with a gun.
Liam on June 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Rubio was being glib, of course. (Can you be anything else in 140 characters or less?)
Yes, you can. There is a lot of glibness out there but a whole lot more stupidity and inanity.
highhopes on June 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM
Neda was unavailable for comment.
Kid from Brooklyn on June 23, 2009 at 9:10 AM
Fixed.
highhopes on June 23, 2009 at 9:10 AM
Clearly. Yes.
iurockhead on June 23, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Hope you invite me over when the s__t hits the fan, Bishop. I want everyone around me armed to the teeth.
zeebeach on June 23, 2009 at 9:03 AM
Come on over, I got extra.
Miracle of miracles, Cabela’s has primers as well as Dot and Accurate pistol powder available, all of which have become as rare as a smile on Michelle Ogabe’s face.
I ordered so much stuff that my credit card actually fainted from the stress I put on it.
Bishop on June 23, 2009 at 9:14 AM
?? a weapon is just a tool, the circumstance drives the choice of the tool. I often chose the 870 over my A2 when we were kickin in doors. I belive the concept of having the right to keep and bear those tools is the point here and the differentiator. No beef, dude, just sayin.
Alden Pyle on June 23, 2009 at 9:14 AM
Dude,
That is absolute bullsh!t, and you know it. American soldiers didn’t kill anyone at Waco or at Ruby Ridge. Both of those were police actions.
I don’t know a single veteran who would have obeyed orders like that, especially in those two situations.
AW1 Tim on June 23, 2009 at 9:14 AM
True. But someone else later can shoot the crew when they leave the tank, if it comes down to that.
Liam on June 23, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Rubio crushed Crist in a a straw poll this weekend held by the Pasco County GOP (73 to 9).
Mig on June 23, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Only ACORN should have guns.
faraway on June 23, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Don’t confuse an “incident” with a policy.
American soldiers will not “storm troop” our citizens.
Waco was terrible, but don’t paint all of our soldiers with a broad brush that they will kill citizens upon the first order.
You do a great disservice to our military men.
It was a 50+ day stand-off against an accused child rapist who thought he was God. These self proclaimed living prophets end up destroying the people they are leading.
right2bright on June 23, 2009 at 9:17 AM
When Conservatives are more Libertarian than Libertarians
jp on June 23, 2009 at 9:17 AM
That was a rhetorical question? Right?
Of course libs want the masses to be helpless. According to liberal thinking, the masses are too stupid to have any part in their governing. Part and parcel with that, is a belief that the masses have no right to object to anything that govt wants to do to them.
MarkTheGreat on June 23, 2009 at 9:17 AM
I hope it turns out well if we have to do it again.
Daggett on June 23, 2009 at 9:18 AM
I will always be able to shoot back.
easyone on June 23, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Rubio has been identified by the left as someone for them to fear so look for more attacks and some manufactured scandals.
peacenprosperity on June 23, 2009 at 9:19 AM
I often chose the 870 over my A2
If I had to grab only one gun on my way out the door, I’m taking the 870 Wing, hands down the best survival weapon there is.
Bishop on June 23, 2009 at 9:19 AM
That’s a rhetorical question, right?
Daggett on June 23, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Only ACORN should have guns.
faraway on June 23, 2009 at 9:16 AM
your name fits, go away far away….
SHARPTOOTH on June 23, 2009 at 9:19 AM
Agreed, and hopefully Jeff will get the picture…the military, in a free country like America, is our friend, not our foe.
right2bright on June 23, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Democrats don’t gove a hoot about the Second Amendment or the protesters in Iran. Their relative silence the past couple of weeks pretty much speaks for itself. They’re more “outraged” by an innocuous comment from Rush Limbaugh taken out of context.
JammieWearingFool on June 23, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Well said.
jmarcure on June 23, 2009 at 9:20 AM
Amen, dude! As things in this country continue to spin out of control, more and more people are taking notice of the “patriots” in Iran. Yes, we ARE thinking about the 2nd Amendment and how important it is! We will rely heavily on it in the coming few years!
HomeoftheBrave on June 23, 2009 at 9:21 AM
The north vietnamese basically had small arms and held off the French and the americans for over 10 years.
Small arms plus lots and lots of people spells big trouble for any government when done internally.
You can definetly defeat a baton weilding thug with a shotgun or when these people tramp inside your home in the middle of the night.
It ups the ante for the other iranians in a postion of power like a police chief or security boss etc.
You go from beating people to killing people and for some that would be to much. They could not do it.
kangjie on June 23, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Do they come eight to an en bloc clip?
tgharris on June 23, 2009 at 9:22 AM
Heck, I thought he was perfectly clear, and I re-tweeted his comment.
stoutcat on June 23, 2009 at 9:23 AM
With the little word on future Tea Parties, I have to wonder if the American people have it in them to demonstrate for freedom like the iranians. The left is good at getting thier zombies out for stuff but most of them are unemployed, half get paid to show up and the rest are delusional. Even the seemingly rational in this country seem to live by the mantra, “It can’t happen here.” Most people think it’s just about election cycles and pendulums swinging. I think when it does happen it will be all over but the crying by the time most people realize what’s going on.
peacenprosperity on June 23, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Unless the govt incinerates them first.
MarkTheGreat on June 23, 2009 at 9:24 AM
They also had our Democrats, which helped them quite a bit.
myrenovations on June 23, 2009 at 9:24 AM
Millions of American’s listened to Obama during the marathon campaign season leading up to the elections of 2008. As a result of Obama’s victory, millions of American’s loaded up with guns, ammunition, and powder in preparation for what we are now witnessing. Montanans have prepared… Based upon the sales of guns, ammo, and accessories around the nation, it would appear that Montanans are not the only ones who have prepared to defend the rights of every citizen.
Our politicians are making habit of passing legislation without reading the contents of the bill; without appropriate debate; without appropriate disclosure to the public. I can’t help but to wonder if our politicians have even read the Constitution and or the Bill of Rights.
Obama swore to uphold the American Constitution, then he breaks the very law he himself helped sign into law. Now I admit having grown-up during the 70’s, where partying reached new heights & new levels of brain damage; however, I was lucky enough to get out of the 70’s with most of my brain in tact. Even for a 70’s guy, it boggles my brain how an American president can openly break the law, and our media looks right past this as if it’s just part of normal business.
Oh well, silly me…
Keemo on June 23, 2009 at 9:25 AM
You may be right, but I believe in the old saying “Beware the wrath of a patient man.”
Liam on June 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Dude. You used your credit card? You are already on napolitano’s list. You better have all that stuff in a safe house.
peacenprosperity on June 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM
First of all, that force was primarily ATF, FBI and local law enforcement. Know what you’re talking about.
Second, guerrilla warfare was a large part of the original way this country was fought for. You apparently underestimate its ability to strengthen a smaller force and demoralize an enemy. With the arsenal currently in the hands of the citizens, we’re the most well-equipped populace in the world, surpassed maybe by Switzerland.
MadisonConservative on June 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM
“An armed populace are citizens”
“An unarmed populace are subjects”
broker1 on June 23, 2009 at 9:31 AM
i see nothing controversial in rubio’s remarks, tyrants have been depriving the citizenry for thousands of years of arms in order to keep their rule established, do libs really want people helpless?
weewilly on June 23, 2009 at 8:51 AM
It sure appears that way. I hear all the time, guns are bad they kill people ,typical BS blame the tool not the human behavior. Makes you wonder how many of them were dropped on their head at birth?
LSUMama on June 23, 2009 at 9:32 AM
That was one of my first thoughts when I saw photos of those huge crowds–if only 5% of them were armed, the government wouldn’t be able to stop them.
Bob's Kid on June 23, 2009 at 9:33 AM
The protesters in Iran don’t need guns. Obama’s inviting their oppressors over for a cookout. A couple burgers, some cold beer, and a joint passed around the firepit, and all will be well again in the world. And, I hear Biden makes a mean guacamole.
Bruce in NH on June 23, 2009 at 9:34 AM
If guns are outlawed, only the Basiji will have guns.
year_of_the_dingo on June 23, 2009 at 9:36 AM
Yeah because throwing rocks and blowing up gas lines is “peaceful.”
It’s just the liberal’s idea of “peaceful” whereas those icky guns, ewwww.
amkun on June 23, 2009 at 9:37 AM
Rubio continues to prove that he’ll be one of the best senators in the senate when elected!
jencab on June 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM
I noticed an odd thing this weekend at Cabelas. Not only were they short on almost every kind of ammo, with signs up saying they were out of most of the favorite calibers, they were also completely out of all of their .454 and .457 round balls. I was going to pick up another couple of hundred for my 1860 Colts but they were flat out. They have never been out before.
Johnnyreb on June 23, 2009 at 9:38 AM
I’ve read several reports that claimed that one of the reason’s why the Japanese never considered an attack on the American mainland was because they were afraid of having to fight not just the army, but an armed populace as well.
MarkTheGreat on June 23, 2009 at 9:39 AM
The last thing I want in my guacamole is too much Biden.
MarkTheGreat on June 23, 2009 at 9:40 AM
I have a feeling the situation in Iraq would be a little different if they had a Bill of Rights, no theocratic system of government, and free and fair elections.
YYZ on June 23, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Speaking of guns and bullets–and chutzpah, MSNBC is reporting that Iranian officials are charging families of protesters who have been killed a $3,000 “bullet fee.”
“Salt meet Wound.”
BuckeyeSam on June 23, 2009 at 9:41 AM
The FBI used overwhelming deadly force against the men, women, and children on the day of the assault, including crushing escape routes with military vehicles and saturating the buildings’ interior with chemical gas that had been banned for wartime use by international law!
Federal law enforcement officers fired machine guns into areas known to contain people while the buildings were burning to the ground.
Law Enforcement, National Guard, Regular Military…What’s the difference when Posse Comitatus has been eroded to mean nothing.
Jeff from WI on June 23, 2009 at 9:45 AM
I have no problem doing that with child molesters, and “church leaders” who commit statutory rape of young girls…a common theme with “living prophets”.
right2bright on June 23, 2009 at 9:46 AM
hmmm…wouldn’t it be nice to return all those weapons and explosives our forces confiscated from the Iraqi insurgency to their rightful owners…the Persian people?
Kid from Brooklyn on June 23, 2009 at 9:46 AM
And yes, this is the ultimate Democrat Plan. When your govenment ends up owning your car, your house, and your health care, your gun becomes a worthless relic and your ammo will be nothing but paper-weights.
Rovin on June 23, 2009 at 9:47 AM
+1
After we get the kiddies settled in college, we plan on going down to help Rubio. I strongly believe in this young man, and I fiercely believe we need to support him in order to prove to the GOP Establishment we Conservatives mean business. IF Rubio can beat Crist, there is a chance come 2012 we will not have a RINO running for POTUS.
Yes, I would vote for him as POTUS.
Clue to Libtards, you want to see what will happen if you want to take the role of the mad mullahs, my Dad is a former Marine, and all his girls are better shots than he is. We can provide our own land version of Shock and AWE! Clinging to our Bibles and guns very bitterly in the good ol’ U.S.A.!
freeus on June 23, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Hey Kraushaar, man of man could you pass that pipe you’re smoking on to rest of the hash smoking community please. I don’t know how to spell the descipting words of an inhaling sound but the intake of his uptake should be considered and outtake. Say that three times in a row for practice.
Americannodash on June 23, 2009 at 9:48 AM
M.E. Not ready for Second Amendments
Iranians cheered and supported the revolution that got them Komeanie, Khameani, Amenjihad, Rafsanjani, Mouseavi and the rest of them. The palestin-jordanians-gazans selected hamas for themselves, and the list goes on of JimahCarter inspired peoples American flag burning hostage taking movements. Polls and Reality shows ME residents (outside of Israel) respect and prefer someone who will torture their neighbor and promise nuclear nirvana while granting them a few royal bones. A second amendment wouldn’t garuntee anything over there except giving them the ability to US easier. Small arms however would help to stir the pot, as long as we keep them contained within their own borders. They need the first amendment and the rest of the rules of civil society before it can work.does anyone any good. We do need it here though, we can’t leave it to idiots like Rubio to protect our freedoms from the Great Ones who would issue dictats if they could!
Reality Check on June 23, 2009 at 9:48 AM
America overthrew tyranny and established democracy by force MANY times, not just the one.
And as far as the Iranian protesters go, how does getting your head caved in by a guy with a truncheon qualify as PEACEFUL?
logis on June 23, 2009 at 9:50 AM
I believe that the U.N. holds that the right to self defense belongs to nations but not to individuals.
Obama is on record as stating, early in his career, that there is no right to bear arms.
I, for one, am not impressed by many of the positions held the U.N. and / or Obama.
Laurence on June 23, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Hmmm…
Apply that as
Koresh is to Branch Davidians as obama is to followers.
crom on June 23, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Since this very thing is happening here, I guess it just depends on how the tyranny is imposed.
katy on June 23, 2009 at 9:51 AM
Listen, you made a mistake…own up to it, you look foolish defending your position.
This was not a military operation, they did not use the military…get it? It was the ATF, not the FBI.
You can’t come on here and start lying about how the military “takes down” citizen like these dictatorships do.
You do know the difference between military and police?
And yes, the police do have “military type vehicles”, yes the FBI has “military style vehicles and weapons”, but they are not military.
Now tell me who the military commanding officer was?
Koresch was no “hero” he was a living prophet, doing the work of God, and had convinced his people that it was time to die to reach salvation.
He was a child molester, and a rapist.
If you want to honor him, then you have very low standards…but don’t drag the military through your mud…
Now if you were a “man” you would apologize for dissing our military.
right2bright on June 23, 2009 at 9:53 AM
I’ve read several reports that claimed that one of the reason’s why the Japanese never considered an attack on the American mainland was because they were afraid of having to fight not just the army, but an armed populace as well.
MarkTheGreat on June 23, 2009 at 9:39 AM
Yamamoto said it would be folly to attempt an invasion of the U.S. because there would be a gun behind every blade of grass.
Bishop on June 23, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Boot licking slaves love the smell of their master’s leather. I wonder what new questions will be asked in next years head count by ACORN and the New Black Panthers or maybe the Nation of islam. Take heart patriots those that come are cowards at heart and will cry when their own blood runs in the gutters!
“Let everyman be armed” Patrick Henry
nowhiners on June 23, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Exactly! Only in this case Koresh has the weapons
Jeff from WI on June 23, 2009 at 9:54 AM
Who needs guns when the tyranny is imposed, slowly, painlessly, incrementally with a smile by a very “cool” guy.
katy on June 23, 2009 at 9:55 AM
Wow. Just wow.
MadisonConservative on June 23, 2009 at 9:56 AM
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