Do you believe your right to vote is the same as your right to bear arms?

2017-05-09T12:12:01-04:00

There reason I ask is because I was recently chastised by someone when I told them I was not going to vote in the local mayoral election...I was told that it was our right as Americans and as an Army officer I should be ashamed of myself, but the catch is that the person giving me crap is a complete and total anti-gunner. Thoughts?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 12:13 PM

2017-05-09T12:13:52-04:00

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made May 9 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-05-09T12:18:49-04:00

I could make an equivalence between those two rights. I have both rights, I may or may not choose to exercise those rights, but if a majority of us Constitution supporting types, don't choose to vote, then we will likely lose our right to bear arms, and then potentially our right to vote. I vote every chance that I get, mostly because there are anti-gun, anti-freedom people out there, and I need to help to out vote them, or we will spiral into an ugly conflict.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-05-09T12:20:07-04:00

In theory the 2nd is supposed to protect the rest, so the 2nd would be much more important.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 12:22 PM

2017-05-09T12:22:23-04:00

Well people can lose their right to vote and own weapons if convicted of a felony...
I only vote in local elections in my hometown (since my residency is still in my home state and county) every four years when the presidential election happens because it's on the ballot. I honestly just vote for people's last names I recognize. I don't know who is qualified or not.

I don't think I've ever voted in a local election somewhere I'm stationed. Can we even do that? I feel like if people want to vote, they can. If they don't, they don't. I do my best to vote especially as a woman because I know how hard people fought so I could have the right to vote. I don't want to take that in vain. The only time a vote counts is for members of Congress or your local elections. It doesn't really matter for President.

What does someone being anti-gun have to do with anything? Did they say that you shouldn't have the right to own a weapon? You can be against guns and still support the Second Amendment. I'm not a fan of guns. I don't own any. I don't want to. I have no need. I didn't even fire a weapon until basic training. I just don't see the need PERSONALLY for one. If I would have had one in my home when with my ex husband, I would probably be dead now honestly. Or someone would have gotten hurt (he has a raging meth addiction and gets very abusive when withdrawing).

People can vote or not vote. That's their right to do either. People can own guns or not own guns. That's their right. I don't give people crap about it and no one else really should except if you're bitching about your Congresspeople and never voted.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 12:25 PM

2017-05-09T12:25:20-04:00

I see the two as very similar. Just like having the freedom of speech doesn't mean you HAVE to say what's on your mind, having the right to vote doesn't mean you HAVE to do that either. In fact one might say it's irresponsible if you aren't up to date on politics (see below) or if you aren't sure of what the truth is about the candidates. Just like you can buy a gun even if you don't know how to handle one safely. We all may be better off with you not exercising that right.

I don't vote very often for several reasons. 1. I don't keep up closely with politics so I don't feel informed. 2. I don't trust the news sources trying to "inform" me. 3. Politics stresses me out and I don't need more stress in my life. 4. I live in a state that votes red. Regardless of what side I'm on, we vote red so I don't really buy the whole "every vote counts" thing.

Response by SPC Johnney Abbott made May 9 at 2017 12:34 PM

2017-05-09T12:34:31-04:00

Yes, and should be revoked as the 2A is in certain instances

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 9 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-05-09T12:44:07-04:00

It is our right to vote, or choose not to as is the same right to choose whether or not we wish to bear arms.....or not to. To me, both are equally just as important as they grant us liberty.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 9 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-05-09T12:52:35-04:00

Unless you missed it, there isn't a Constitutional right to vote. The 15th Amendment merely stated that you cannot be denied the right to vote under certain circumstances. That means if there is something people can vote on, nobody can be denied due to race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Doesn't talk about religion, sex, sexual preference, etc. The Supreme Court in 2000 (Alexander vs. Maneta) stated the Constitution “does not protect the right of all citizens to vote, but rather the right of all qualified citizens to vote.” It’s state legislatures that wield the power to decide who is qualified. That States grant or withhold voting privileges. So the rights granted under the Constitution are considered foundation stones. Stuff granted by Feds/State/Local under legislation are the next tier down. There are a lot of Commissions, Boards, etc. out there where you can't vote on membership as they are made up by appointed people. So when we use the term "right", it's best to know what provides it.

Response by Cpl Chris Cargile made May 9 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-05-09T12:55:13-04:00

I believe that they are opposite sides of the same coin. Voting is offensive in that by installing your preferred candidate in office, you are attempting to exert your will over your fellow citizens. Gun ownership and, when necessary, use is primarily defensive in nature, keeping others from imposing their will on you and your family. Both have a large element of responsibility and should be exercised in a diligent and well-informed manner.

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made May 9 at 2017 2:49 PM

2017-05-09T14:49:09-04:00

I view the whole voting aspect as any other right granted under the Constitution. I realize that voting is not a granted right; however, being an American citizen I possess the opportunity to exercise my wish to vote. As the Constitution grant us unalienable rights such as the right to bear arms and free speech, the failure to take part in elections basically places those same rights we hold dear in jeopardy. Think for a moment if all of those who support maintaining those rights do not vote against those who want to strip us of those rights what happens? Those rights are lost. And we all know trying to get back a right is much harder than keeping it in place. So as to your initial question the 2nd Amendment is a right of all Americans if they so choose to exercise. Voting is not so much a right protected under the Constitution for those who are "unqualified". In any event I would say that one does not have to be a political science major in order to keep up with those issues where certain rights are threatened. Just be mindful of where you are and what is going on in your state and if issues arise where rights may be contested jump in voice your opinion.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 9 at 2017 2:55 PM

2017-05-09T14:55:07-04:00

Don't expect rational consistency from the left - they are emotion-based.

Response by CSM David Heidke made May 9 at 2017 3:49 PM

2017-05-09T15:49:18-04:00

It is... But there is a difference between a right and a duty... Do you have a duty to vote? That's for you to decide...

Slacker ;-)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 4:34 PM

2017-05-09T16:34:22-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member a right to decide includes a right to not vote. You are protected by the Constitution to have that right. The right bear arms is one of those things helping to protect all of your rights. I would probably just call them a hippie and walk away.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 9 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-05-09T18:32:45-04:00

I only vote if I have taken the time to educate myself about the issues and candidates on the ballot. I do not think highly of people who vote straight party or S.W.A.G. (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) voters who really don't what they are voting for or against. No matter what right you are exercising, you should do it responsibly.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made May 9 at 2017 8:38 PM

2017-05-09T20:38:18-04:00

Nothing says you have to exercise your right to vote but I believe we are diminished as a nation when our citizens do not exercise their right help determine our government through voting.

As an officer I would hope that you do everything that can be done to help raise our nation up and that includes voting. You are not obligated to do so and I won't chastise you if you don't but I personally hope you will, even if you vote the exact opposite as I do.

Response by SSG Mark Vandolah made May 9 at 2017 8:43 PM

2017-05-09T20:43:00-04:00

I believe that our constitutional rights are ours forever as a American. On the topic of both the right to bear arms and to vote, legally yes they are treated the same in the eyes of the law. But if you commit curtain crimes, namely crimes that are considered Felonies one can and will loose some rights such as the right to Vote and the Right to Bear Arms.

Response by SGT Eric Knutson made May 9 at 2017 9:24 PM

2017-05-09T21:24:22-04:00

well, for my thoughts here, I will restate what I was told growing up, The 2nd Amendment is a RIGHT, (kind of funny that, the second on the list of the Bill of RIGHTS) Voting on the other hand is a PRIVILEGE, they are similar in that you the individual can CHOOSES to exercise or not at your whim, however a Privilege is something that can be taken away for a variety of reasons, and benchmarks can be imposed on requirements to receive the Privilege, where as a Right can only be taken away under SPECIFIC circumstances (usually a felony conviction).
One of the things that I keep pounding my head on the wall over is the consistent misuse of the English language by people who are supposed to be educated to misinform the masses who, for a variety of reasons, are not educated in the basics anymore. The Declaration only says you have the RIGHT to LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT of HAPPINESS, (by the way, Pursuit means you can chase it, it never promised that you would actually catch it). After that, we have the Bill of Rights, and the other Amendments to the Constitution. THOSE are you RIGHTS, if it is not listed in there, then it is NOT A RIGHT. It is a privilege.
Thank you for reading my rant of the day and LTC Patrick Husted, you go right ahead and not vote (or vote) to your hearts desire and I will back your play without a problem.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 9 at 2017 11:28 PM

2017-05-09T23:28:52-04:00

Yes, I think the comparison is fair. You have the right to vote, but that does not mean you do not have the right to not vote either. The Second Amendment protects the citizens right to own and bear arms, but it does not mean a person MUST go armed at all times?
To the used toilet paper giving you the guff, I hope you did not face legal problems when you punched him, or her, in the throat?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 11:43 PM

2017-05-09T23:43:42-04:00

GOA George C. Marshall never voted for President. But he just planned and moved the AEF in WW I from one area to another, selected and mentored all the Army Generals who helped to win WW II, came up with and implemented the European Recovery Plan that saved Western Europe ... but what the f*** did he know about his responsibilities as an American.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2017 12:31 PM

2017-05-10T12:31:21-04:00

Both are rights, but there is one crucial distinction: only one (voting) is also a fundamental responsibility. We have a civic responsibility to play an active role in guiding our nation's future, by voting and by other means. We also have an ethical responsibility to ensure we are well-enough educated on the issues to make an informed decision with our vote. Most Americans fail horrendously at one, if not both. Now, crucially, a responsibility is not a requirement, so there is no legal compulsion to do so, but when you are chastised by someone for not voting (or for planning not to vote, or for being an uninformed voter) there is validity to the reprimand independent of whether you see the issuer as hypocritical, and attempting to parry the argument on those grounds is a Tu Quoque Fallacy (a type of Ad Hominem).

Response by SFC James Asbill made May 11 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-05-11T15:25:47-04:00

Where is the right to vote written down ?? I do agree it is an OBLIGATION of all citizens to vote .. However .. Those that care so little as to not inform themselves of the issues and character of the people running I thank for not voting ..

Response by MAJ Brad Friedlander made Jun 1 at 2017 6:12 PM

2017-06-01T18:12:06-04:00

From my perspective the right to vote is more basic and more important than the right to bear arms. No matter where one sits on the side of any political discussion, they should speak with their vote if nothing else. It is the only way to ensure that the rest of our rights are promoted and endorsed by the majority of our country and by those who lead.