An Oath to Defend

[BillK01]

Got this email from my representative - Daryl Metcalfe - today. Thought some might enjoy it. (I've edited out the non-2A content as it may be too political for this forum)

On January 1, 2013, I was sworn into my eighth term of service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. I am reminded of the first time I raised my hand and took the oath to defend the Constitution at the age of 17 when I joined the U.S. Army. Many veterans still embrace their original oath. I believe that it is important for every patriotic American to embrace the duty of defending our Constitution.

.....

I also introduced House Bill 357, the Right to Bear Arms Protection Act. It would create a felony offense for anyone who attempts to violate the rights of any Pennsylvania citizens by enforcing any new federal gun control measures that might be advanced by Obama’s executive orders, Congressional action or judicial activism. Article 1, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution is an even stronger affirmation of our right to bear arms than the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It reads, “The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.” As the federal government continues to violate the trust and rights of our citizens, it is the duty of the states to stand up for the people and defend our constitutions.

...

I will continue the fight to defend our constitutions, our liberty and the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.

[Steve in Vermont]

The 2nd A was written in 1791. 14 years earlier, in 1777, Vermont wrote its own Bill of Rights which included Article 16 clearly spelling out citizens rights to guns for "the defense of themselves and the State". And this applies to anyone in Vermont, visitors or residents alike. When other states call themselves "gun friendly" I wonder....why the permitting process? so many restrictions? And to think we are bordered by the (not so gun friendly) states of New York and Massachusetts.
Perhaps we're so small (New York City has 10 times the total population of Vt) no-one notices us.