Willing to bear arms?

[rsn 135]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Being a bully does not make you a good American. You're quite versed at repeating clinches, but America certainly does not need any more robots.

Edited November 30, 2009 by rsn

[NickD 203]

As an almost 40 yr old mother to 3 - doubt I'd be subjected

My issue is more that I would be lying and I take the issue of guns seriously

That is your decision to make, but not only that question, it's also part of the oath you are required to take to become a USC. As a natural born USC, really question the oath I was forced to take when I was drafted as a kid, if I didn't take it, would either have to run off to Canada when you could or go to jail. How legal can that oath be? But we still have free speech and cannot get into trouble by expressing our views in a peaceful manner. And as a USC, you will also have the privilege. As a veteran of a foreign war, and you can ask the same question to any veteran, defending this country is the last thing on your mind, it's survival that is all that is on your mind, yours and those of your buddies. Ironically over the years with work and school, those are the only buddies I kept in contact with.

Key problem with this country and for a democracy to work is that way to many people are not paying attention to their government. When my wife saw her country turn from a democracy to a dictatorship, she has taken a very strong interest in our government and doesn't want to see that here.

I do believe that you would bear arms to protect your kids and you can easily look at that word country as being you. Regarding other N-400, how many do you think would answer yes to that question, did you ever commit a crime you were never caught at? That questions goes strongly against our fifth amendment. Can only wonder what idiot wrote that question.

I was totally unaware of immigration until I happened to meet my wife, and yes, it was a very humiliating experience for a veteran to be told by idiotic young kids what you can do or not do. But was nice and sweet, because I love my wife and wanted her to be with me. Also took strong exception that I was automatically guilty of fraud until I proved myself innocent, just backwards from our US Constitution. I also vehemently object to the huge number of agencies that have been created in the last 35 years and tend to express this view repeatedly to my congressman.

Without you or me, or millions of others like us, there would be no country, we are this country, and we would bears arms to protect ourselves. So when you read that word, country, think of you and me, well not me, but your kids.

[Boiler 46,059]

Think of it as alms rather than arms.

In CO it is very easy to buy arms, a lot more so than alms, just need ID and the money. Or credit.

Edited November 30, 2009 by Boiler

[Redneck-NOVA 1]

Because I'm not fan of guns or war does not indicate that I will be a poor American and therefore not willing to protect my country of residence. There are plenty of naturally born Americans with the same opinion.

I DO NOT think that not liking guns makes you un-American. I DO, however think that actively fighting against gun rights is un-American.

After all, it is a basic Constitutional right. But, just like with any other right, it's your choice whether to exercise it or not. Constitution doesn't oblige you to bear arms, but it does reaffirm your natural right to do so. I respect your opinion on guns and I respect your choice not wanting to bear them, but I do expect the same in return.

As for the old debate about gun violence...it is certainly a huge problem, but it has little to do with guns and a lot with violence. Violence can be fuled by criminal intent or phycological issues or something else. In either case, gun is just a tool. Violence exists due to poor morals and absence of basic values, not due to availiability of guns. If you don't believe me, look how most of gun violence (per capita) happens in large cities where gun rights are heavily restricted, and yet in many rural and semi-rural areas, where virtually every household has guns and kids learn to shoot from early age it's pretty calm and safe?

I see you live in Centreville, VA, very close to me. You know that next door, in Manassas alone, along Rt 28, there are 3 rather large gun stores within 10 miles of each other? And they are always busy, always sell a lot and it's very easy to get a gun in VA. And yet (knock-on-wood), you rarely hear about shootings happening in the area. In the neighbouring DC though, where getting a gun is much harder than crashing a White House party, there's a new shooting virtually every night.

Again, not trying to convince you otherwise and not trying to change your mind on guns. Just giving you food for thought. Guns are not evil - they are just tools, inanimate objects that can be used in a variety of ways. To explain the "evil" part, you have to look at the operator and his motives...

[Scott and Mhay 57]

Wow, i guess i never thought of the oath for naturalization/citizenship. Although, I would have to agree stuff would really have to hit the fan for the citizens to do so. I honestly think this oath was meant for circumstances of old though. Just like one of my friends has said about the oath of the military services......when does "against all enemies foreign and domestic" apply to politicians?

Edited November 30, 2009 by Scott and Mhay

[Udella&Wiz 325]

No worries- I am neither swayed by your opinion nor offended that you have your own right to use them. I have a healthy respect for them and my dad and uncles hunted when I was younger...I only wish all people had more reverance for them and knew their power and respected them.

Yah I know about the stores - cripes you can buy them at Walmart...kind of weird imo, but that's how it is.

I'm sure we could have spirited discussion about the right to bear arms....i understand why it as there in 1776, I have trouble in 2009 though. All the cowboys and the revolutionaries died a whiile back...I'm not expecting them to come busting in the door anytime soon.

DC just scares me - total proof that the gun control law they have or had didn't work worth sh*t. It scares me because people are rasing their children in that environment where they think that is normal....but that's another discussion

Because I'm not fan of guns or war does not indicate that I will be a poor American and therefore not willing to protect my country of residence. There are plenty of naturally born Americans with the same opinion.

I DO NOT think that not liking guns makes you un-American. I DO, however think that actively fighting against gun rights is un-American.

After all, it is a basic Constitutional right. But, just like with any other right, it's your choice whether to exercise it or not. Constitution doesn't oblige you to bear arms, but it does reaffirm your natural right to do so. I respect your opinion on guns and I respect your choice not wanting to bear them, but I do expect the same in return.

As for the old debate about gun violence...it is certainly a huge problem, but it has little to do with guns and a lot with violence. Violence can be fuled by criminal intent or phycological issues or something else. In either case, gun is just a tool. Violence exists due to poor morals and absence of basic values, not due to availiability of guns. If you don't believe me, look how most of gun violence (per capita) happens in large cities where gun rights are heavily restricted, and yet in many rural and semi-rural areas, where virtually every household has guns and kids learn to shoot from early age it's pretty calm and safe?

I see you live in Centreville, VA, very close to me. You know that next door, in Manassas alone, along Rt 28, there are 3 rather large gun stores within 10 miles of each other? And they are always busy, always sell a lot and it's very easy to get a gun in VA. And yet (knock-on-wood), you rarely hear about shootings happening in the area. In the neighbouring DC though, where getting a gun is much harder than crashing a White House party, there's a new shooting virtually every night.

Again, not trying to convince you otherwise and not trying to change your mind on guns. Just giving you food for thought. Guns are not evil - they are just tools, inanimate objects that can be used in a variety of ways. To explain the "evil" part, you have to look at the operator and his motives...

[Boiler 46,059]

DC has extremely strict gun control laws.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Haven't you heard? When you arrive in the US they check you at the border for guns. If you don't have one, they assign you one.

[toma1 10]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Haven't you heard? When you arrive in the US they check you at the border for guns. If you don't have one, they assign you one.

Um, no that's Switzerland...

[NickD 203]

The question the on the N-400 and also repeated in the oath, "If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms on behalf the United States?", does not have anything to do with the 2nd amendment right to bear arms.

This involves bearing arms, if the law requires it, which at this time, it does not and hopefully for the defense of this country. Until Bush came along it has been for defense, not offense such as in the case of Iraq. South Korea, Cuba, Viet Nam, El Salvador, Iraq, and Afghanistan are highly debatable president only decisions to aid other countries to prevent the spread of communism, Cuba was certainly a threat to the USA and perhaps justified and apparently the crazy leader of Venezuela is following the same route. And in studying our US Constitution, really hit me hard as to how are recent leadership has deviated from it.

Even that neighbor army captain and I talked my step-daughter for enlisting in the NG, even with all the promises of a good free college education as I do not believe it is right what we are doing there. We are creating a war and turning many people against us. And it looks like the new guy is also bending into pressure by those that want it. But if we are attacked by a nation, would certainly bear arms to defend my little country. And so would my wife that hates guns. I did take her to a shooting range and it turns out, she is a very good shot.

[bartonr3 0]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Snide comments aren't helpful Bartonr3 - but on the topic, becoming an American is a convenience for me rather then a necessity. Since I intend to live here the remainder of my life, with my USC husband being a citizen only makes sense so that I can vote and participate fully in daily life. Because I'm not fan of guns or war does not indicate that I will be a poor American and therefore not willing to protect my country of residence. There are plenty of naturally born Americans with the same opinion.

Redneck - i really appreciate your POV on those who voluntarily enter the Armed Forces. Very good point I guess in the back of my mind, I know this scenario will never play out.

I find some of their questions on the form somewhat antiquated...this is one of them I suppose. They should add some details surrounding it I think

Just saying, "Love it or leave it"

[Old Dominion 26]

The question is quite out of date. As a natural born citizen, I would do anything to help the USA defend herself -- but would not bear arms.

[sjr09 155]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Yeah I agree! Don't become an American!

Just stand up and take the bullet, and get it over with.

[rsn 135]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Yeah I agree! Don't become an American!

Just stand up and take the bullet, and get it over with.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Just curious - I'm a year away....but I consider myself a peaceful person. I have no intention of ever touching a gun, let alone using one. No matter who it's for.

This seems like such an antiquated question, no?

Don't become an American if you are not willing to stand up and protect this nation!

Yeah I agree! Don't become an American!

Just stand up and take the bullet, and get it over with.

You guys are ridiculous. Really.