2nd Amendment

"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." For the first time in 70 years, the Supreme Court is hearing what could be a far-reaching case addressing 2nd ammendment rights. The primary argument of the opposition is that the second amendment is only one clause- essentially, that the issuance or allowance of arms is only for the intent of an organized militia. (No private ownership/use was meant to be allowed). This is a dangerous sentiment that could have national implications if the Court assents to this argument. They would essentially be holding that the District of Columbia (and other states if they wished to follow suit) could Constitutionally ban the ownership of previously legally owned firearms. The GOOD NEWS: For the most part, so far it seems that the Justices lean toward the "Individual Rights" and that's a good sign. Audio of the Oral Argument can be heard at:

http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2007/2007_07_290/argument/

The transcript of Oral Argument can be read at:

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/07-290.pdf

Socially, it's my opinion that the majority of Americans that are in favor of stricter gun control laws aren't aware that the legal ownership of firearms by responsible gun owners is actually BENEFICIAL to their safety.

Politically, it's my opinion that we need to be well aware of these issues as they come up.

Mafia turncoat, Sammy "the Bull" Gravano: "Gun control? It's the best thing you can do for crooks and gangsters. I want you to have nothing. If I'm a bad guy, I'm always gonna have a gun..."


Just ask the Australians- after a MASSIVE gun ban in 1998, the one-year statistics showed an INCREASE in crime- Homicides up 3.2% overall, assaults up 8.6%, armed-robberies up 44%. (yes, FORTY-FOUR PERCENT), homicides involving firearms up 300%
This after Australia had previously seen a steady, 25 year DECREASE in armed robberies and gun-related homicides. These are just a few of the statistics after just a year of their gun ban.