Do we travel a road long ago predicted?

Rep. Brad Miller

Brad Miller is a Democrat and a congressman from North Carolina. He also seems to express a lot of confidence in the capabilities of today's big government. In a story on the gun control debate after the Aurora shootings, Miller was quoted Sunday by the Greensboro News-Record:

“Given the power of the military now, the weaponry available to the military and the powers of the government, the idea that armed citizens are an important check on government just seems unrealistic.”

Want to hear something crazy? Congressman Miller's assessment echos the thoughts of Patrick Henry, who in 1788, warned of giving the federal government too much power:

"What resistance could be made? The attempt would be madness. You will find all the strength of this country in the hands of your enemies; their garrisons will naturally be the strongest places in the country."

Patrick Henry

The difference between Miller and Henry is that Miller seems to embrace the concept of superior government force. In 2007, he was among cosponsors in an attempt reauthorize a national assault weapons ban, a move that would presumably tipped the scales ever farther in government's favor in terms of monopoly of force. Pat Henry, on the other hand, referred to people who back such moves as the nation's enemies who lead us down the road to "absolute despotism."

In 1788, Mr. Henry had a question regarding the end to such a journey. It still deserves consideration today. "What will then become of you and your rights?"

As for Congressman Miller, his time in Congress is coming to an end.  Last year's legislative redistricting put him in a district with another long-time Democrat, and Miller chose not to see reelection.