Herbert T. Abelson
2nd Amendment
I am okay with a well-regulated militia and
the right of the people to keep and bear arms
so long as there is acknowledgement that these
words are charged and their meaning long debated in
high places and among the American people.
Since one half of the American people don’t believe anything
said by the other half, I would ask a simple, fundamental
question—does this amendment apply to everyone or only to
certain whites?
Are people of color, queer people, poor people, recent immigrant citizens
or those practicing non-mainstream American religions
covered and protected by this amendment? So for instance,
it seems to me that a packing, black, homosexual Muslim
would be instantly shot if encountered by certain of the
American people—and without permanent consequences to them.
The laws (courts), Constitution and the Bill of Rights are not blind
to application, so we must watch our step, travel with caution, speak
carefully, stay with the herd and if we must protest, numbers
are critical and body armor a must.
Herbert T. Abelson’s poems have appeared in Pharos, The Silkworm, American Academy of Pediatrics Senior Bulletin and What Rough Beast. He is a retired academic physician widely published in scientific journals. He is also a husband, father, grandfather, pinhole photographer, cook and car collector.
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