# Kamala owns a gun "for personal safety" **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [April 12, 2019, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465 "2019-04-12T22:54:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/81 "2019-04-13T19:29:24Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > We’re going to disagree about what is Constitutional. I interpret the 2nd as saying that you may own a gun WHILE YOU ARE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZED MILITIA, which in these times means the National Guard. You can interpret the 2nd however you like. Your interpretation means fuck-all, of course. Come back with your interpretation when you land a seat on SCOTUS. Failing that, come back with your interpretation when you get a SCOTUS ruling that agrees with it. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/82 "2019-04-13T19:58:30Z")
I don’t blame her. If I found myself in the US I might carry one too.\* I’m willing to believe that I’d eventually find it useful for nothing but weighing my pants down, though. It’s not a symbol of my individuality and belief in personal freedoms, it’s a tool I may or may not prefer to have when surrounded by people whose seem to center a good chunk of their lives around their little guns. \*A Walther PPK or some variation of same. I don’t need to punch fist-sized holes in people with it, I just need to change their immediate plans. It would be black with green trim and I would name it ‘Buttercup’ because I’m a grownup and we’re allowed to do such things. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/83 "2019-04-13T20:00:56Z")
> [@Scumpup](#): > > You can interpret the 2nd however you like. Your interpretation means fuck-all, of course. Come back with your interpretation when you land a seat on SCOTUS. Failing that, come back with your interpretation when you get a SCOTUS ruling that agrees with it. If only someone had wagged their finger like that at the NRA in 2003. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/84 "2019-04-13T20:04:43Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > And before then, it _wasn’t_, like it or no. > > You say “She said that gun laws that were unconstitutional were perfectly OK.” Was she doing that when they were unconstitutional, or when they weren’t? Yes, and _slavery_ at one time was perfectly Constitutional. What’s your point? Her law was ruled UnConstitutional by the Supreme Court. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/85 "2019-04-13T20:10:22Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I don’t get the joke. Harris is doing something that (I presume) is perfectly legal. Very few Democrats\* have taken the position that keeping a legal handgun in your residence for personal protection is, or should be, illegal. > > \*I am unaware of any, but I won’t say “none” because there could be an outlier or two. Harris has taken that very position. Sure her owning a gun is legal, but she is/was in favor of banning all private handgun possession. Thus hypocritical. We make fun at “Family values” GOP candidates with six divorces, and call then hypocrites. Even tho six divorces is legal, isnt it? So thus, Harris is being hypocritical. But yes, despite _her attempts_ it is legal to keep a handgun in your residence for personal protection. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/86 "2019-04-13T20:12:54Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > We’re going to disagree about what is Constitutional. I interpret the 2nd as saying that you may own a gun WHILE YOU ARE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZED MILITIA, which in these times means the National Guard. The Supreme Court and the US Congress disagrees, since all white males over 21 are members of the militia. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/87 "2019-04-13T20:25:31Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > You’ve definitely missed it. For example, this was posted yesterday: …the same question to you again: whats your thesis? begbert2 said something. In a Great Debate. How does what begbert2 say relate to your OP? How does it relate to Harris? And in context the thing that begbert2 looked mightily sarcastic. Do you not understand the context? Does context not matter to you? ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/88 "2019-04-13T20:27:52Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > The Supreme Court and the US Congress disagrees, since all white males over 21 are members of the militia. I’ve seen that argument. I don’t consider it any more valid than I do deeds that forbid sales to minorities. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/89 "2019-04-13T20:32:03Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …the same question to you again: whats your thesis? begbert2 said something. In a Great Debate. How does what begbert2 say relate to your OP? How does it relate to Harris? > > And in context the thing that begbert2 looked mightily sarcastic. Do you not understand the context? Does context not matter to you? There were a couple of posters in that same thread that advocated banning all guns. One suggested banning everything but single shot shotguns, bolt action rifles and single-action revolvers. Banning all semi-automatics is the current catchphrase. So, yeah, there are people who want to ban all handguns (Harris)or all semi-automatics and yes, a few that want to ban all guns. But this is getting to be a hijack. I think we can agree that only a few people want to ban \*all \*guns. But about 25% of American want to ban a large and significant number of them (all handguns, all semi-automatics). ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/90 "2019-04-13T20:34:10Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I’ve seen that argument. I don’t consider it any more valid than I do deeds that forbid sales to minorities. There is a federal law that says that. It hasnt been repealed. I concede it is a bit outdated. But maybe we can get back to Harris and her gun, not discuss what SCOTUS has already settled (that Militai does not have anything to do with owning a gun for self defense). That’s the current law of the land. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/91 "2019-04-13T20:35:39Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > There were a couple of posters in that same thread that advocated banning all guns. One suggested banning everything but single shot shotguns, bolt action rifles and single-action revolvers. > > Banning all semi-automatics is the current catchphrase. > > So, yeah, there are people who want to ban all handguns (Harris)or all semi-automatics and yes, a few that want to ban all guns. > > But this is getting to be a hijack. I think we can agree that only a few people want to ban \*all \*guns. But about 25% of American want to ban a large and significant number of them (all handguns, all semi-automatics). …again: what does any of this have to do with the OP of this thread? How does it connect? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/92 "2019-04-13T20:36:16Z")
I _knew_ that pledging an oath of fealty to **begbert2** was bound to come back and bite us all on the ass. I just didn’t know it would be **HurricaneDitka** delivering the killing stroke. Oh well. We had a good run. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/93 "2019-04-13T21:01:31Z")
> [@Lance\_Turbo](#): > > If you wanted to pit **begbert2** , why didn’t you just pit **begbert2** instead of this weird half assed non-pitting of people who might post like him? > [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …the same question to you again: whats your thesis? begbert2 said something. In a Great Debate. How does what begbert2 say relate to your OP? How does it relate to Harris? … The **begbert2** quote was not in relation to the OP, at least not any way but very tangentially. **Procrustus** was apparently unaware of Dopers wanting to ban guns, so I was being helpful and providing him a handy example, from yesterday: > [@Procrustus](#): > > That could be true and I’ve just missed it. But the “anti-gun” sentiment I’ve seen around here is more aligned with “let’s have sensible gun laws,” not “let’s ban personal possession of handguns.” That’s why I, you know, quoted that post. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/94 "2019-04-13T21:07:05Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > So, yeah, there are people who want to ban all handguns (Harris) Cite for the parentheses? ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/95 "2019-04-13T21:15:02Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The **begbert2** quote was not in relation to the OP, at least not any way but very tangentially. > [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > Various Dopers have, in the past, argued that guns don’t actually enhance one’s personal safety and are actually a detriment to it. Who are the various Dopers you are trying to argue with here? We can cross **begbert2** off the list. Why not call them out directly instead of this semi-pitting non-put thread? ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/96 "2019-04-13T21:16:16Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The **begbert2** quote was not in relation to the OP, at least not any way but very tangentially. **Procrustus** was apparently unaware of Dopers wanting to ban guns, so I was being helpful and providing him a handy example, from yesterday: …but you’ve taken that quote out of context. I read it _in_ context, and it reads mightily sarcastic to me. Which is why cherry-picking statements from other debates is a poor set-up for a thread like this. Is begbert2 one of the “various dopers” that you talked about in the OP? > [@](#): > > That’s why I, you know, quoted that post. So that still leaves my initial question to you unresolved. What is your thesis here? What is your argument? Whats the debate? You are perfectly free to hijack your own thread. But as your OP specifically talks about “various dopers”, and it appears that begbert2 is one of the “various dopers” you were talking about, then I don’t think its a hijack at all. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/97 "2019-04-13T21:23:57Z")
> [@Banquet\_Bear](#): > > …again: what does any of this have to do with the OP of this thread? How does it connect? You quoted me, but seemed to miss "But this is getting to be a hijack. " ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/98 "2019-04-13T21:28:46Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Cite for the parentheses? She was the DA of SF when this was put on the ballot: > **[San Francisco Proposition H (2005)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Proposition_H_(2005))** > > Proposition H was a local ordinance on the November 8, 2005 ballot in San Francisco, California, which gained national attention for its banning of most firearms within the city. The measure passed with a yes vote of 123,033 to a no vote of 89,856. The proposition was later struck down in court. > Proposition H sought to restrict handgun possession among San Francisco residents within city limits to police and certain security professionals, and to ban the manufacture, distribution, sale and trans... As DA she had to sign off and approve any proposition for the ballot as legal. She supported it in public. ---
**Author:** ![Banquet\_Bear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banquet_bear/32/373_2.png) [@Banquet\_Bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banquet_Bear)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/99 "2019-04-13T21:34:48Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > You quoted me, but seemed to miss "But this is getting to be a hijack. " …you quoted me, but you seemed to miss that I was entirely on-topic. ---
**Author:** ![sps49sd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@sps49sd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sps49sd)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2019, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465/100 "2019-04-13T21:51:55Z")
BobLibDem \>We’re going to disagree about what is Constitutional. I interpret the 2nd as saying that you may own a gun WHILE YOU ARE A MEMBER OF AN ORGANIZED MILITIA, which in these times means the National Guard. The amendment doesn’t even read that way (organized), that clause is a justification not a requirement, the Supreme Court disagrees, and you appear to believe that the older and less fit among us- who arguably need it more- have no right to possess a firearm for self defense. Okay! Procrustes- In the version of the item on [CNN.com](http://CNN.com) it is mentioned that she keeps it locked up in a safe place, which implies she does not carry it on her person. It might be in her car, but we don’t know. LHoD \>First, of course cops have laws that apply to them differently. They’re tasked with enforcing the state’s monopoly on violence. There’s nothing at all remarkable about that. Bull. They are private citizens, civilians, just like I am. If all other law abiding citizens are forbidden standard magazines and pistols not on California’s ‘approved’ list, they should be subject to the same laws. They are not even supposed to exceed the speed limits, either, but they rarely enforce that on each other. It still isn’t right. \>As for Harris, though, what specific rights do you think she has that you do not? Are you allowed open carry in the same places she is, for example? Open carry (and closed carry) is illegal in California, so I am not allowed carry anywhere here. But as one who lives where Kamala was AG and DA, I contend that the laws she and others use to get votes do not apply to them. Feinstein is an example, and I am sure Gavin Newsome is either armed or has armed bodyguards. And in addition to her California positions, she led prosecutors in supporting Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban. Good thing she didn’t live there. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kamala-owns-a-gun-for-personal-safety/832465.md?page=6)