What is a right? [View All]

[TPaine7]

Part of the vast divide between those who support the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed right to keep and bear arms and those who oppose it is the definition of a right. I think if we discuss this difference of opinion on that the basic term means, we will make headway towards understanding each others' viewpoints.

There are at least two schools of thought on what rights are:

1) A right is something to which one is entitled or which one one is owed. In this view, you have a right not to be attacked, not to be stolen from, not to be falsely defamed and the like. You would also have the right to goods and services which you have honestly contracted and paid for.

2) A right is something which one needs or desires. For instance, since people need food to survive, we are entitled to food regardless of our behavior. The same goes for healthcare. But this applies not just to needs but to desires. If something you do unsettles me, I am entitled to have you not to it. If something you fail to do unsettles me, I am entitled to have you do it.

To me, the need or desire school is not far from the criminal mindset. "I need new tires, therefore the store owes them to me"--thief. "That woman mustn't reject me because it will impact my self esteem and I have a right to feel good about myself"--abuser, rapist. "You believe something I strongly disagree with therefore you owe it to me to change your mind"--terrorist, fascist, inquisitor, religious right wing fanatic. "I don't approve of contraception, therefore it should be forbidden"--fascist right wing nut. "I don't like guns, therefore you can't possess them in my company in public places"--anti-gun extremist.

I obviously tend strongly towards one of these schools, so I may not have represented the other school correctly. I invite people who have issues with the poll to select "other" and explain their positions.