Letter Opposing Gun Control Laws
12/3/1975
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The phrasing of the Second Amendment has led to different interpretations about who can own a gun. A long-standing argument is that the “right to bear arms” is a collective right that prohibits the Federal Government from disarming state militia. But the argument that is on the rise says it is an individual right guaranteed to every citizen. Charles Koch sent this letter to Congress opposing all laws limiting individual gun ownership, but expressing support for mandatory sentencing for criminals who use guns.
This document is featured in the primary source-based student workbook "Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test."
This document is featured in the primary source-based student workbook "Putting the Bill of Rights to the Test."
Transcript
Charles Kock
Rt 3 Box 32A
Floresville, Texas
78114
PUNISH CRIMINALS NOT GUNS
DEC 3 REC'D
Dear Congressmen:,
I want to voice my Strong opposition to all gun control laws. I do support mandatory jail sentences for all criminals who ues [sic] firearms.
Sincerely
Charles Koch
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION SAYS ABOUT FIREARMS
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." 2nd Amendment
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
TO OWN AN BEAR ARMS
THE RIGHT
TO
BEAR
ARMS
IS AN
AMERICAN HERITAGE
This primary source comes from the Records of the U.S. House of Representatives.
National Archives Identifier: 24824248
Full Citation: Letter from Charles Koch Opposed to Gun Control Laws; 12/3/1975; Administrative Files of the Subcommittee on Crime of the Committee on the Judiciary during the 94th Congress; Committee Papers, 1813 - 2011; Records of the U.S. House of Representatives, Record Group 233; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/letter-opposing-gun-control, April 20, 2024]Rights: No Known Copyright Learn more on our privacy and legal page.