The Baseball Writers' Association of America's rule 3E states clearly, "Any player on Baseball's ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate." In 1989 without admitting guilt, he agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball stemming from allegations that he bet on baseball games, therefore making him ineligible to be on the Hall of Fame ballot (note: he later admitted in 2004 that he did in fact bet on baseball games in which he managed).
Even though Pete Rose is baseball's all-time hits leader, I am of the opinion that - based on current rules - he should not be in the Hall of Fame. Why? Because of Rule 3E. If you want Pete to be in the Hall of Fame, the eligibility rules must be amended or he must be removed from baseball's ineligibility list.
Most people who want Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame let their emotions overlook rule 3E. The same can be said for people who want to limit, water-down or overlook the second amendment.
The Second Amendment to our Constitution, which is one of 10 rights given to the citizens to protect us from a tyrannical government states, "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." (infringed means: to encroach upon in a way that violates law or the rights of another).
The United States Constitution confers to its citizenry a right to have guns. Taking it one step further, we have a right to protect ourselves and our families.
The President and Congress, when elected to office, take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution - the whole Constitution. In effect, they are taking an oath that they will protect and defend "...the right of the people to keep and bear arms..." Any removal, watering down or overlooking of this inherent right means that these federal officials are breaking their oaths of office.
The gun control fight in the U.S. on the federal level is a fight for freedom. Once the arms are taken away from the citizens, then nothing stops the government from taking other freedoms away, such as the right to free speech, the among others. Let me be clear - the government looks to control us. Do not allow yourselves to fall into the emotional trap of giving away your rights because of some horrific tragedy. Be careful what you ask for or want.
The Constitution, through its amendment process, allows for changes. If you believe in gun control, amend the Constitution. If you believe that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame, then fight to have rule 3E amended.
Yes, it's that black and white.
Believe - in the Constitution and your right to defend yourself
Act - by doing your homework about the founding of this nation in order to come up with your own conclusions
Serve - each other by having honest, open and non confrontational discussions about the second amendment
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