DEAR EDITOR:

Last Sunday a writer posed a question about the Second Amendment and a remark by Congressman Matt Gaetz that inferred citizens “must have the arms available to them to overthrow a government they feel is not acting in their best interest.” The writer asked, “Where in the world do we get those words?” Here is a possible answer: The Declaration of Independence.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

Fortunately, thanks to another important founding document, the Constitution, we have a strong and vibrant political system in our country, and respect for law is the guiding principle. Hopefully it will never again be necessary take up arms to secure the blessings of liberty, but if that is ever the case, it is the Second Amendment that makes it possible.

As we approach the 4th of July, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it’s appropriate to reflect upon this remarkable document that led to the creation of this great country.

MARK E. MUNROE

Boardman