The Hidden History of Guns and the Second Amendment (The Thom Hartmann Hidden...

Considering the topic, and controversy, this book provides the information needed to understand why US citizens are experiencing tragedy after tragedy. I think the way we have dealt with human killing machines is a tragedy and proof of our ignorance.

Don’t let the long title scare you. It’s only 150 pages in the pocketbook form. Mr. Hartmann tells of the history from before the amendment came about to the present. He goes back to the second visit of Columbus to the Isle of Hispaniola. How the white man used guns to conquer this land. How the 2nd Amendment was included to appease the southern slave holders. They were afraid the Constitution would disarm their militias that captured runaway slaves and help keep the slaves in “their place”. Quotes from the writers of the Constitution and many other notable men makes it clear this book is not just his opinion. It is written in an easy to read style. He includes the why and how events came about. It includes this statement from Simon Chapman, professor at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health. “The results are clear. Gun deaths are a problem amendable to reduction like any other public health problem. International differences in rates between countries show this. The United States has the worst record of gun deaths of any [developed] nation, exceeded only by that in chaotic nations with massive law and order problems.” Our country has twelve times the gun deaths rate than ALL other developed nations. We mandate licensing and insurance for cars. It’s only sensible to do the same for guns. This book could radically change our country into a much safer place. I hope many will read it.

The actual history of the second amendment is brought to light. Very interesting fact as to the motives behind the language of the final draft that we see today. If you are a history buff, firearms enthusiast or just want to know what’s behind the ruckus, then it is a very quick read. Thom offers some solutions which have been brought to light previously. Spoiler the solutions are not about banning firearms.

Down to earth, straight to the point and easy to follow history lesson all wrapped up in 150 pages. I really wish they'd teach this in school, what's the point of thinking "we're the greatest country on earth" when all the other countries know the truth about America and the founders, frontiersman and political parties. If you didn't know our Constitution protects murders and genocide... This book is for you! I'm ordering the next couple of books from the series.

As a gun owner and I wanted to understand The Second Amendment which is one of the most misunderstood Amendments to the Constitution. I have read a variety of different analyst of it but this book brings to life the why's and the how it was written. Quite illuminating to say the least.I have read the Federalist Papers yet this book opened new doors for me in discussing it to those who walk the line regurgitation at a nausea pace the language in the Amendment without the knowledge of what was designed to do and why the language used is present. Highly recommend if you are open to the clarity it provides.

Here the author dermatologists find and reduced them to their true status, that of a tool, like an automobile. The regulation of guns is not a mystery, or a conspiracy of statists, but common sense. The comparison with automobile regulation is spot on. No need to take anyone's guns, but only to use the same legal regions as cars, train, test and license the driver and identify and register the car. Not hard, and working in many free countries.

I bought this book for my husband and he was fascinated with the book. Very educational.

Author provides an historic context to the audience and explains the reasons behind the often misunderstood second amendment. Mr Hartmann provides a well researched, well documented and well summarized history and purpose of the second amendment by the country's founders. Americans need to understand why the second amendment was originally enacted, continues to be misrepresented, and conveniently misused by many for self-preservation.