Opinion
In the tragic wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder, public discourse has, unsurprisingly, pivoted to the weapon rather than the perpetrator. The focus has intensified around the so-called “ghost gun” found with suspect Luigi Mangione—a term laden with sensationalism and utilized by those eager to stigmatize one of America’s foundational freedoms.
The narrative spun by mainstream media and certain political circles paints ghost guns as a dire threat crafted solely for criminal enterprises, yet this perspective glaringly omits the broader context of individual rights and governmental overreach.
The insistence that these firearms should be regulated like those purchased in stores overlooks a critical aspect of American liberty—the right to self-made guns.
Contrary to the claims of some, ghost guns aren’t a loophole in legislation; they are a testament to American ingenuity and the enduring value of self-sufficiency. Building a firearm from parts or kits is not an endeavor of the shady or unscrupulous but is a legitimate exercise of freedom under the Second Amendment. The ability to assemble a firearm at home empowers law-abiding citizens, enhancing their sense of security and self-reliance.
Moreover, the vilification of ghost guns as untraceable instruments of crime ignores the statistical rarity of their use in violent crimes. The vast majority of firearms used criminally are acquired through traditional—and traceable—means.
Focusing on ghost guns may make for sensational headlines, but it does little to address the root causes of violence.
The Biden administration’s push to regulate these home-assembled firearms infringes on personal freedoms without real justification. Regulations demanding serial numbers and registration for homemade guns serve more to encroach on personal privacy and freedom than to curb criminal activity. It’s a misdirected effort that burdens the law-abiding without deterring the lawless.
The looming decisions by the Supreme Court and potential policy shifts under the returning Trump administration provide a critical moment to reaffirm the rights enshrined in our Constitution. It is time to resist the overreach of federal regulations and defend the liberties of all Americans.
As debates continue, we must remember that the foundation of the United States rests on individual freedoms, not government constraints. The right to build, own, and use firearms is a significant part of that foundation. Let’s focus our efforts on fostering a society that respects freedom and addresses crime through effective, targeted measures—not through broad, rights-restricting regulations.
Make murder illegal. Oh…..wait….
We tend to forget that the Bill of Rights is about what government is prohibited from doing and not what the citizens are allowed to do. Endowed by their Creator is the operative directive.