Dive-Ops

-Yoda

Pennsylvania's Declaration of Rights

In these times, it is critical that every Pennsylvanian consider this language from our fundamental law, the state Constitution.

This is the entire text of Article I, Section 21. Note that it does not include any wishy washy language regarding a well-regulated militia as the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution does. Pennsylvania's language is more clear and concise.

In fact, our language pre-dates the adoption of the US Bill of Rights and its 2nd Amendment. The subsequent adoption of the US Bill of Rights did not render invalid Pennsylvania's similar, but different, Declaration of Rights (Article I).

While many believe the federal constitution trumps a state constitution, it does not prevent a state constitution from guaranteeing fundamental rights which are broader and/or more precisely defined.

Note also that Pennsylvania's Declaration of Rights is exactly that - a DECLARATION. The people of this Commonweath DECLARED over two centuries ago that the citizens right to bear arms shall not be questioned, as evidenced by reading 1) the constitution's preamble:

"WE, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance, do ordain and establish this Constitution."

and 2) the introductory paragraph to Article I;

"That the general, great and essential principles of liberty and free government may be recognized and unalterably established, WE DECLARE THAT--"

Article I then goes on to enumerate the specific rights which are being declared, including the right to bear arms. Every elected servant in the state has sworn an oath to support, obey, and defend this language regarding the right to bear arms.

They've also sworn an oath to support, obey, and defend the language of Article I Section 25, which also pre-dates the adoption of th US Bill of Rights:

"To guard against transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, we declare that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government and shall forever remain inviolate."

In other words, everything in Article I, including the very concisely defined guarantee of the citizens right to bear arms, are FOREVER INVIOLATE. No emotional appeal, situational happenstance, or public wringing of hands changes that.

Certainly, our state constitution can be amended, but not by mere legislative statute, nor by executive order, nor by judicial fiat. If hoplophobes and other "gun control" supporters wish to change the language of Article I Section 21, they are free to offer such a proposal and attempt to use the amendment process prescribed within Article XI of our fundamental law.

Set your emotions aside and consider the true meaning of Article I Section 21 again with a clear mind.

‪But on this most auspicious of nights, permit me then, in lieu of the more commonplace soubriquet, to suggest the character of this dramatis persona.

Voila! In view humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate.

This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the “vox populi” now vacant, vanished.

However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin, van guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition.‬
‪
The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous.‬
‪
Verily this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it’s my very good honour to meet you and you may call me V.‬

Warm weather brings thoughts of diving.

February showing signs of Spring.
Some skiing left, then thoughts of diving.

http://www.nbcnews.com/science/late-white-shark-seal-escapes-nose-8C11360578

Late white shark: Seal escapes by a nose - NBC News.com For a few precious moments, the fate of one seal hung in the balance ... as the seal itself balanced on the tip of a great white shark's...

http://www.westernjournalism.com/a-letter-to-michelle-obama/

A Letter To Michelle Obama Dear Michelle, On the day that your husband was elected, you said that you had never been proud of the United States until that day. For the last three and a half years, I have been observing your husband and you, and I feel that it is time I share my thoughts with you. The day your husband was elec...

You want to reduce the number of innocent people being shot? Ban "Gun Free Zones", and prevent Liberals and Democrats from possessing fi****ms. These two measures will help prevent the majority mass shootings.