Given recent Supreme Court rulings during an epidemic of gun violence, many talk about Second Amendment rights. But few know the Second Amendment actually says: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Back in 1789, when this amendment was adopted, our fledgling country needed a well regulated militia because, unlike today, it had no standing army. It depended upon militias from the 13 former colonies to defend against the very real threat of attack from European powers. It was necessary for folks to have their own guns because, unlike today when recruits are issued weapons, 18th century militiamen brought their own muskets.

There was nothing automatic about these muskets. Back then a well-trained soldier might manage 3 or 4 shots per minute. Today most anyone, including gang members and fanatics, can own and carry semi-automatic assault weapons that can fire over 100 rounds a minute.

Over two centuries ago, men wearing powdered wigs used quill pens and parchment paper to write our Constitution. A remarkable document, it begins “We the People” and lists these goals: “to establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.”

The current Supreme Court’s originalist interpretation of our Constitution does not further any of these goals. Instead its rulings imperil domestic tranquility, harm our general welfare, and take away the blessings of life and liberty from gun violence victims.

I’m not a legal scholar advocating an esoteric judicial philosophy. Nor am I an ambitious politician pushing the interests of wealthy corporate contributors. I am, like you, just an average American citizen.

You and I – We the People – have a responsibility to vote. This November restore common sense to our democracy. Vote for level-headed Democratic candidates!