I am active discussing political issues on Facebook. I started using Facebook after the election of 2016 and I do confront others who offer political views that differ from my own. I try to do this in a fact based and respectful manner, but I refuse to back away from engaging others when I believe their arguments are flawed and inaccurate.
Some of my core believes involve issues such as gun control. This often comes down to the interpretation of a short segment in the constitution that mentions the maintenance of a militia and the right to keep arms. My objection to military weapons is often at the crux of these arguments. Obviously, the constitution was written at a time when arms meant muzzle loaders and militias were locally supported. There is clearly nothing in the constitution about specifics such as AR15s and AKs or what a militia would imply today. The Supreme Court interprets the constitution, but the bases of these interpretations vary and are clearly politically linked.
What to do as an individual?
In response to a Facebook comment I received (Read the constitution), I have decided to offer this suggestion. I have actually recently read parts of the constitution that bear on recent political issues. The individual engaged in a discussion with me was not accurate in this attack. My openness to information actually leaves me more frustrated that informed. I have concluded that this is a political issue at heart and to argue otherwise is misguided. However, being informed at least allows we as individuals to think through the issues.
A decent source should one want to explore the depths of constitutional issues is the Interactive Constitution. You will not find clear answers to any question of depth you have, but the site does offer useful presentations of competing ideas.
I learned of this site while listening to someone respond to the question of what educators can do in responding to the types of political questions students are now likely to raise. Kids must receive an educated perspective on important issues and this was the expert’s recommendation.