What's Next for Gun Rights?

Opinion Journal ^ | 12/11/2001 | MICHAEL BANE

[Pokey78]

As America bears arms, let's protect our right to keep them.

We've heard a lot lately about supposed wartime threats to civil liberties. But one constitutional right--the right to keep and bear arms--is likely to become more secure in the wake of Sept. 11.

[SW6906]

Awesome column!! I must forward this to all of my friends!!

[SW6906]

BTTT

[Redcloak]

Normally, I'm not in favor of Washington DC stepping in and telling States how to run their affairs; however, I like the idea of a National CCW. For example, the law for concealed weapons in Nevada ought to be written by Nevadans. New York laws ought to be written by New Yorkers. But there is a limit as to what manner of laws a State may write.

We have certain liberties guaranteed in the Federal Constitution. Per the 14th Amendment, the States cannot tread upon those rights. And while some States can be trusted to respect those rights, others cannot be. My home State of California is just such a State. Our political class is determined to strip the People of their 2nd Amendment rights. And while the People of Nevada may have the right to write their own firearms laws, the Federal government has to protect the rights of individual citizens in abusive States like mine. Just as some States could not be trusted to protect the civil rights of freed slaves in the 19th Century, States like California, New York, or Massachusetts cannot be trusted to safeguard the rights of gun owners today.

The 14th Amendment places the same limitations on the States as are upon the Federal government when it comes to laws that transgress basic freedoms. National CCW would fit within that framework. While it imposes upon some States, it limits abuses by others. It would be an example of the 14th Amendment put into practice.

[white trash redneck]

Mike Bane is a good man. President of the US Practical Shooting Association, IIRC.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

Good article

[Drew68]

Is it just me or does the *bang_list not seem to be working tonight?

I've always gone to find articles and replies and typed in to:bang_list and it would pull up a bunch of recent gun-related articles. Now it says, "no posts found in *** seconds."

Just curious. I've been doing this the same way for months now.

[TERMINATTOR]

There is a new search engine at FR, so a new bang_list bookmark is necessary. Click and bookmark. Delete your old BL bookmark.

[Drew68]

Ahh! Thanks Terminattor. Jeez! I'm always the last to know. (I still miss the old way though.)

[m1911]

The timing on this article would have been very good last week, before Ashcroft went before Congress. But since then, the antigunners have mobilized in a BIG way. The push is on and I suspect that HR2377 and S.890 will pass SOON.

Ashcroft's Refusal to Allow Use of Background Check Records Means Records Will Be Lost (BARF)

'Don't Put a Handgun Under the Christmas Tree this year' (BARF!)

[CONNECTICUT] Gun-Law Loophole Cited In Shooting

Eight Amendments, but Only the Second Seems Safe (** Innumerate Barf Alert **)

Bill Offered to Give FBI Access to Gun Records

Ashcroft Has Finally Gone Too Far (sniveling major gag alert)

Police Official says Ohio (Gun)Ban Can Help Prevent Crime (Brady/Govt Lies Against Your Gun Rights!)

California: 3 years later, state still doesn't trace crime guns

And more - bookmark this: Free Republic Bang List

And get in contact with your reps TODAY.