Writer’s thinking on Founders is all wrong

Mr. Richard Gideon, in a letter to editor on Aug. 2, wants us to believe that he has an inside track on the thinking of our “Founding Fathers.” He implied that the muzzle loader is equivalent to today’s assault weapons. He stated that the Founders wanted all citizens to be armed, and if they could not afford it, weapons would be provided. He did not say by whom, since the NRA did not exist at that time.

Mr. Gideon stated that the Founders (including Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Washington) wanted everyone armed so that they could protect themselves from the elected officials (which would have included Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Washington). Mr. Gideon wrote that the Founders “did not trust elected officials.” So he essentially believes the Founders sought to protect themselves from themselves — an example of circular thinking.

Mr. Gideon should realize that the Founders were all wealthy landowners — primarily merchants, lawyers, farmers and judges — and did not wish to give male non-landowners (and women) the right to vote, yet alone arm them, and to possibly revolt against the duly elected officials.

John Ostberg

Mount Prospect