Amendment 2A, an Amendment to the Second Amendment.

There is something, among other things, that really cheezes me off no end. Each and every time there is a mass shooting in the USA, politicians of both stripes are heard that "with profound sorrow do I hear about this terrible happening. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the victim and their families."

Neither the victims nor their families need the politicians' "thoughts. Certainly not their prayers"

What the world, and in particular the citizens of the United States of America need are some actions, not mealy-mouthed utterings, but truly hard fisted actions, in the direction of "Gun Controls"

Right away, the defenders of unlimited possession of firearms, including fully automated machine guns will come screaming:

"Second Amendment.. Second amendment... waving the American Constitution in their powder-burnt little fists.

Yes, in saying:

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the Security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed,"

the writers of the Constitution included the word "regulated" right along side Militia,

Please look with me at the word: "regulated."

It surely means that the Militia shall be subject to certain regulations. For instance: A member of the Militia must not be certifiably insane, must not have a criminal record, must have reached a certain age, must be formally well instructed in the use of such firearms.

Why can it not also be necessary that "the People" must comply with all the above, plus have documents of recommendation from a responsible person etc etc and must demonstrate their technical and psychological preparedness for such possession.

There simply must be a narrower set of conditions for the "right to bear arms" other than being a member of "the people".

My neighbours grandson is 5 years old. Should he have a right to bear arms? I know of a man who was just released from jail where he had served 5 years for armed robbery. Should he have a right to bear arms? I have 100 such questions. You know what I am talking about. Don't you?

It is regrettable that the framers of this Constitution left this rather skeletal assurance without a more detailed explanation.

I can hear the complaints about the political strength of the NRA,

the National Rifle Association.

I am certain that the NRA is not more powerful than "the people" and if "the People" want serious restriction be placed upon the ownership of firearms, such restriction will be placed.

I am aware that whatever restriction may be placed, they will not completely eliminate the actions of some, (see:Norway's Anders Breivik) but they may substantially reduce the possibility of some frustrated teenager going on a manhunt.

Existing Legislation regarding the possession of firearms, from a single shot hunting rifle to a fully automated machine gun and everything in between is simply inadequate, does not protect the people, but, in fact, endangers them.

Since the Constitution of the USA came into force in 1789 it was amended 27 times, conforming to the needs of a growing and changing Nation.

Well, the need to carry a weapon was different in 1789 than it is today.

So, come on, America, let's do something to improve a seriously flawed situation.

Let's write "Amendment 2A!"

an Amendment to an Amendment.