So all the gang-bangers in Chicago that have violent felony rap sheets a mile long should be allowed to legally carry weapons once they're released from jail?
On what planet?!
If they've served their time, as mandated by the courts, along with any probation/parole they get. Once that is complete, they should have all rights restored. Now, let's talk about why these violent offenders are released time and time again. If they can't be trusted with a firearm once released, why then, are they being released? That is the real issue.
Absolutely. Please demonstrate or explain how barring them legally from having weapons keeps them from having weapons. Using those weapons to commit crimes is already illegal and punishable by severe sentences. How does barring possession affect anything at all other than to negate the RKBA? Should felons be forever denied a driver’s license because they might use a car in the commission of a crime? Should they be denied food because it strengthens them and makes it easier for them to commit crimes? The crimes are already constitutionally illegal and punishable! Denying felons the right to possess firearms is ultimately denying you and me the right to possess firearms. If you allow one exception to the RKBA that is NOT in the Constitution then you allow all exceptions ultimately. If you think it is necessary to make it illegal for felons to possess firearms then the Constitution provides the means to do that constitutionally. It is called the Amendment process. If you think well that is too slow or it is impractical so we just have to amend the Constitution on the fly as some judge sees fit then that argument extends to the entire Constitution and the Constitution to you is actually meaningless or means whatever you think it ought to mean which is is the same thing.
How has making it illegal for felons to be armed affected the violence in Chicago? How would actual observance of the Constitution increase the carnage?
My own view is that once you are out on the streets, you are entitled to defend yourself, that is, provided you have completed your sentence. That is to say, if you are out on parole, be careful and avoid dangerous situations.
Now, I won't try to defend this position. There are other reasonable positions including why, or why not, ex-cons should be able to carry a weapon.
This is mine.