Crowded Theater

I try so hard to keep it inside
So no one will hear
--Til Tuesday

Several times now, I have heard or read an argument from those in favor of gun control that goes something like this. "Nearly all of our freedoms are restricted in some way. Take freedom of speech, for example. You can't yell 'fire' in a crowded theater."

The analogy is meant to support restrictions to the Second Amendment right to bear arms.

First, we should observe that you can rightly yell 'fire' in a crowded theater. For instance, if you smell smoke or see flames then you might choose to alert others to the danger. Some people might suggest that you have the moral obligation to do so under the circumstances.

What you cannot rightly do is to yell 'fire' to deceive or harm. This is wrong because you have intruded on the pursuits of others. Not only have you interrupted the right of others to enjoy a movie that they voluntarily contracted to view (i.e., you are interfering with free trade and property ownership), but you might jeopardize their physical well being as people scramble to exit the theater.

In a free society, people can pursue their interests as long as they do not invade the interests of others. When you yell 'fire' when there is no fire, you have forced your way into the pursuits of others. You have initiated violence--done them harm with your words.

All legitimate restrictions on freedom share this principle. You are free to pursue your interests unless you invade the pursuits of someone else. It is wrong to initiate violence on others.

Deceptively yelling fire in a crowded theater is not analogous to restricting gun ownership. Individuals who purchase semi-automatic pistols or assault rifles are doing no harm. They are engaging in trade. Although the objective may be to acquire self-defense capacity, the reason for the trade does not matter. The right to own property without explanation is the right to be free.

Owning a gun does not invade the interests of others. It does not initiate violence.

On the other hand, employing government to restrict ownership of guns does invade the interests of other people. If you are in this camp, then you are initiating violence toward others.