Over the past few years, there has been renewed debate over the Second Amendment, especially after the school shootings our country has seen. Combine this with an increasingly dominant federal government and efforts by the United Nations to curb gun rights, and we are now faced with the dilemma of legislating reminders of existing rights.

On Aug. 5, voters will see Constitutional Amendment 5, which asks one simple question:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to include a declaration that the right to keep and bear arms is an unalienable right and that the state government is obligated to uphold that right?

Unfortunately, there were some people who tried to block this amendment from making it onto the ballot. A judge heard arguments regarding the ballot summary, and whether or not it contains all pertinent and accurate information. The judge has since decided the original summary is fine, as is. This having been said, an appeal may still be filed, which would push the uncertainty even further down the road.

There is nothing new about whether or not the Second Amendment remains valid in the modern day. In his original draft of the Bill of Rights, James Madison had the right to keep and bear arms as the Fourth Amendment. It was through debate and compromise in all of the states that changed the order of the amendments and moved this from fourth to second. The thinking at the time was, where the First Amendment protects citizen’s right to free speech and assembly, the second is important in defending the first — above all other rights.

The Second Amendment has been revisited a number of times in our country’s history, from the Civil War to the modern day, each time with the question asked if it is still valid in today’s society.

In response, I ask, “Are the First, Third, Fourth, etc., still valid today?” If the Second Amendment only applies to muskets and muzzleloaders — as gun rights opponents claim — then does the First Amendment only apply to quill pens? The very same opponents will — without question — say no, that the freedom of the press applies to bloggers the same way it does to the oldest-surviving newspapers. If one is still relevant, why is the other not?

I am very much in support of Amendment 5. As we continue to highlight the ballot questions that will be decided in the August primary, I invite everyone to educate themselves on these matters and be informed before Election Day comes on Aug. 5.

Also this week, I would like to congratulate a couple of residents of the 18th Senatorial District on their recognition as two of the 2014 50 Missourians You Should Know. They include John Briscoe of New London and David Doctorian of Macon. Congratulations to you both.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.