While the putrid economy, the war in Iraq and President Barack Obama's first 100 days in office continue to dominate the news cycle, one story slipped in under the radar this week.

Arguably, it was to me - as it should be to you - the most important story of the week.

The Obama administration is hoping to reinstate the assault weapons ban that was started in President Clinton's term and that expired in 2004, during the previous administration.

While, on the surface, it seems reasonable - who wouldn't want to keep "assault weapons" out of the hands of the general public? - when you dig just a bit deeper, the truth starts to come out.

For instance, what qualifies a firearm as an assault weapon? Is it a firearm that is fully automatic or semi-automatic? Is it a weapon or magazine that holds 10, 20 or 30 rounds?

Or is an "assault weapon" anything the government wants it to be?

The second amendment to our Constitution states that "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."

Some left-leaning members of our government have tried to belittle the Second Amendment, stating that when the Constitution was written well over two centuries ago, the world was a different place.

Besides, they argue, the amendment was written to arm militias, not common citizens.

And that's where those left-wingers are wrong. The first 10 amendments to our Constitution - the Bill of Rights - were written to protect individuals' rights, not group (or militia, in this case) rights.

That's why this slippery slope - a so-called assault weapons ban - needs to be avoided like the plague. We're already on the cusp of becoming a socialist state, complete with nationalized banks and the government-financed automotive industry. We simply cannot let the government put more restrictions on our gun ownership.

Ultimately, the government has no place telling us whether or not law-abiding, tax-paying citizens can own and protect their home and families with a gun.

It's one of my favorite bumper stickers, but no greater truth on this matter exists than this: "Fear the government that fears your gun."

Bryan C. Hanks' column appears every Sunday in The Free Press. Bryan can be reached at (252) 559-1074 or at bhanks@freedomenc.com. Check out his blog at http://bhanks.encblogs.com.