“Trump Has Already Said He’ll Eliminate the Constitution”: Lauren Boebert Rages About AR-15 Gun Ban

Gabriel RomanNov 9, 2023

Minute Read

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made a significant decision recently. They said that Illinois is allowed to have a ban on guns called “assault-style” weapons and magazines that hold a lot of bullets. This was a big deal because not all the judges agreed, but two out of three said the ban was okay.

Representative Boebert’s Fiery Response

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Rep. Lauren Boebert from Colorado is known for speaking up for gun rights. She didn’t agree with the court’s decision. On X, she made it clear she thinks guns like the AR-15 should be allowed. She reminded everyone that the Constitution says our right to have guns shouldn’t be messed with.

Court’s Comparison to Other Rights

Judge Diane Wood, who was involved in the decision, said that all our important freedoms have some limits. Just like you can’t shout “fire” in a crowded place when it’s not true, there are rules about guns, too. She thinks the Second Amendment, which talks about guns, isn’t different from other rights with rules.

The Tragedy Behind Illinois’ Ban

Illinois decided to have this gun ban after a recent tragic incident. In July 2022, during a parade, someone used a gun to hurt a lot of people in Highland Park. Seven people died, and many others were hurt. This is why the state wanted to have the ban to prevent an incident like this from happening ever again.

Examining the Right to Bear Arms

The decision in Illinois to ban certain firearms has ignited a fiery debate on the Second Amendment. Critics argue that the law infringes on the “right to keep and bear arms,” a cornerstone of American freedom. They question the constitutionality of such bans, asserting that the Second Amendment doesn’t limit the types of firearms citizens can own.

A Nation Reflects After a Tragedy

The sorrowful event in Lewiston, Maine, where an individual used an AR-15 in a mass shooting, has revived intense conversations on the nation’s gun regulations. The Gun Violence Archive’s count of such incidents paints a grim picture of the current state of affairs. This has led to calls for action from various sectors of society.

Boebert’s Stand on Gun Legislation

Rep. Lauren Boebert has vocally opposed the imposition of further gun control measures. On X, she expressed her frustration, stating, “I’m not going to be lectured about gun safety by people who think the ‘AR’ in AR-15 stands for ‘assault rifle.’” Her quote underscores her belief that there is a lack of basic knowledge about firearms among some of those advocating for stricter gun laws.

The Origins of the AR-15 Design

The AR-15 has a history dating back to the 1950s when ArmaLite first engineered it. Its name, often misconstrued as representing “Assault Rifle,” actually signifies “ArmaLite Rifle,” after the company that created it. The design was later sold to Colt, which helped popularize the firearm, leading to the widespread recognition it has today.

Advocating the AR-15 as a National Emblem

In a move that sparked much conversation, Rep. Boebert, alongside fellow Republican legislators, proposed the AR-15 as “the National Gun of the United States.” They champion the rifle as an icon of American heritage. They stressed its historical significance and prevalence in American culture and called for its recognition as more than just a tool but a symbol of liberty.

The Second Amendment’s Language

The discussions on social media reflect a profound national confusion about the Second Amendment’s language. One pointed comment from the debate was, “A well-regulated militia, being necessary for a free state. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

The Constitution’s “Well-Regulated Militia” Scrutinized

Critics argue supporters of expansive gun rights tend to dismiss this clause in the Second Amendment. A social media user highlighted, “Why does the Right always forget/conveniently overlook the ‘well-regulated’ description of the militia when preaching Second Amendment rights?”

Reactions to Trump’s Constitution Remarks Intensify

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A provocative statement about former President Trump’s alleged stance on the Constitution has provoked a fiery debate. One commenter sarcastically remarked, “Trump has already said he’ll eliminate the Constitution if he gets the chance. Why is she concerned about a Supreme Court that won’t even be necessary? MAGAs are stupid.”

The Misconceptions About “Semi-Auto” Explained

The term “semi-auto” is a point of contention and confusion for many in the debate over firearm mechanics. Clarifying this, a statement on social media reads, “Fools do not understand the word ‘semi-auto’ as it stands for rifles. The AR is a rifle that has semi-auto capabilities.” Some people have misconceptions about semi-automatic rifles being like machine guns, which they are not.

Ban Advocates Face Accusations of Ignorance

Some argue that those pushing for gun bans are not fully informed. A critic of the ban stated, “This ruling reveals a couple of things about the advocates for bans like this. They remain ignorant on firearms but won’t let that ignorance stand in the way of their quest for more control.” Some users feel knowledge about firearms is a crucial component of the gun control debate.

Second Amendment’s Protection of Arms Questioned

The exact protections offered by the Second Amendment sparked intense debate. One reaction focused on the precise wording, saying, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Can anyone tell me just where the arms themselves are protected? I can only see where the right to keep and bear arms is.”

The Debate Over “Weapons of War”

The discussion about whether civilians should have access to military-grade firearms is a controversial one. Reflecting this concern, one user said, “Weapons of war shouldn’t be allowed. After all, I can’t go buy a grenade launcher to use for home defense, so why should I be able to buy a machine gun?” This suggests that some feel there should be clear boundaries on the firepower available to the general public.

Defining the AR-15

The identity of the AR-15 fuels ongoing arguments. One passionate defender of the rifle asserted, “Listen close, short bus… AR-15 is not an assault rifle. It’s made to look like one.” This is a direct response to the frequent classification of the AR-15 as an assault rifle. This user stressed that people need to understand the specific characteristics and origins of firearms in the debate.

The Role of Handguns vs. Assault Weapons

The discussion about gun violence often focuses on the type of weapon used. One person brought attention to this, saying, “Well, over 90% of violence using guns comes from pistols.” This statistic is used to argue that the focus of gun control efforts might be misdirected toward assault weapons instead of handguns, which are statistically more commonly used in violent acts.

The Breadth of the Second Amendment’s Authority

The extent of the Second Amendment’s reach is a hot topic, especially regarding state versus federal power. One individual stated, “Dear Lauren. The 2nd Amendment only says the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT can’t ban AR-15s. States can.” This touches on the complex federal structure of the United States, where states often exercise their own powers independently of the federal government.