A quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson says, “When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

I fear that many today believe that the Second Amendment was instituted to protect “hunters.” In his second presidential debate, President Barack Obama said, “I believe in the 2nd Amendment. … We’ve got a long tradition of hunting … sportsmen…”

Many politicians on the other side of the political spectrum make similar statements.

The truth of the matter is, the Second Amendment was not instituted to protect hunters. Our guaranteed right to bear arms is there to protect us against tyrannical government.

Every American citizen without a felony record should own a firearm. The more citizens are armed, the less likely government will become tyrannical. A nation of armed citizens is also far stronger against foreign threats. That was the belief of the founders.

I urge readers to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right and own firearms and ammunition. As part of the patriotic tradition of our forefathers, it is our privilege and duty as Americans.

Jeremy Hiltz

Chelsea