It’s time for gun rights in Iowa Constitution

Discussing legislative efforts to add gun rights to Iowa's constitution, a Feb. 11 Gazette editorial said, “The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution already guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms, but supporters say it's not enough.”

Why is it not enough? The Gazette answered that question with another pronouncement: “And although we support gun rights, we also believe that Iowans should have the ability to propose, discuss and enact common sense limits on the possession and use of firearms.” The U.S. Second Amendment states that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. What part of the word “not” don't some liberal politicians and media types understand?

Forty-four other states already have similar clauses in their constitutions. It's past time for Iowa to join them.

Another similar intrusion on constitutional rights has been in the news. The Obama administration tried to force religious institutions to provide contraception and abortion services to their employees, despite their theological opposition. The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

These are just two examples of why we need to safeguard our rights at the state level. D.C. politicians are always trying to undermine them.

Dean Varner

Cedar Rapids