WHY do we describe any person as stupid? It is when they obviously appear irrational in the light of facts and realities which face them. They are either too dull to understand the facts, or convince themselves that “the facts are fake, or, non-truths”.

Modern science teaches us the process and methodology for any search and discovery of truths. When done properly and based on well conducted sample studies, they allow generalisations. Usually, the generalisation can be with a 95% certainty, but never statistically 100%.

Sampling is the starting step in selecting the right category for an identified population to study a specific problem statement. Then, the actual grounded research is conducted; i.e. data gathering from the stratified sample section of the whole population.

The final step to the truth definition process, based on the research findings, at least within the world of material science, is the generalisation about these truth findings.

Allow me to apply such a similar analysis of the American Second Amendment argument against gun violence.

Irrational argument

The Second Amendment (Amendment II) to the United States Constitution protects the right of their people to keep and bear arms and was adopted on December 15, 1791, as part of the first ten amendments contained in the Bill of Rights. There are a total of 33 amendments.

Allow me now to make the case why and how I have a problem with US Second Amendment. If we review it, the change was done within American history and therefore the past; the time-frame being 1791. Independence was only achieved in 1776, after two sides and a Civil War; but, it was done 25 years after their so-called independence! Slavery was alive and well, as Abraham Lincoln only became President in 1861-65, another 74 years later!

My question to all Americans therefore is: what was the original context of that amendment? What was really happening in US then? Were not Blacks still without freedom? Abraham Lincoln had not yet signed anti-slavery laws. Who actually owned the guns, and what type of guns were you all talking about? AR 15 rifles for mass murder? Please do not become stupid about individual rights! One’s right to shoot stops when it is aimed at school children.

Dear Americans, are you a people in a free nation-state? Are you not as civilised as the rest of us? While America is still held in high regard, globally, please let not your systemic stupidity redefine the rest of world’s perception of you. Please value all lives and do not wait for more carnage before you act. Please vote and make the change needed to “stop this carnage and wasteful abuse of human lives for white-male personal ego-trips about guns”.

Public interest is priority

It is a false and decadent worldview that makes primacy of one person’s preferential interest for guns greater than the public interest or common and priority interest to be safe! Only ‘idiocrats’ can choose to buy the logic of the trees above that of the whole forest.

It is said that a society’s decadence sets in when the truths about life and liberty are ignored for the benefit of a select few! Moreover, Lincoln brought forth the Thirteen Amendment to abolish slavery; it was a denial of human dignity of others.

Within all logic systems, there must be growth and maturity as we progress, i.e. the later the amendment, the more mature the worldview. Slavery is 11 amendments and 74 years after the second one. Why do you still need guns to bully those without it?

Today, as a fact, the biggest victims of gun violence are blacks and the underclass; i.e. the people “liberated” by Abraham Lincoln to enjoy an equal quality of life.

The facts above are there staring at any Public Policy individuals or Congressional Representatives, but obviously, stupidity rather than reason drives the white American mind-set and reality today.

May they overcome such a stupidity mind-set by year end, or please kick them out. That is my hope and personal prayer! – March 6, 2018.

* KJ John worked in public service for 32 years, retired, and started a civil group for which he is chairman of the board. He writes to inform and educate, arguing for integration with integrity in Malaysia. He believes such a transformation has to start with the mind before it sinks into the heart!

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.