Gun control advocates seek to protect the rights of people from being violated by gun violence. They seek to protect people's right to life, happiness, and safety. Thus, it is understandable why they are confused when accused of being anti-rights by anti gun control activists.  Often, these activists seem to be so narrowly focused on what they perceive to be their rights that they are unconcerned about the rights of others.  When deciding on gun control policies it is best to choose policies that best protect the rights of all rather than policies that protect only the interests of a certain group. The Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 recognized this principle when it stated:

"Government is instituted for the common good, for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people, and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government, and to reform, alter, or totally change the same when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it"