Supreme Court and the Second Amendment

On the Trail with Mark Kayser

POSTED BY: Mark Kayser
June 28, 2010

Citizens in Chicago concerned about their safety and lack of legal ability to defend themselves due a nearly three decade ban on handguns, found some solace. The Supreme Court voted five to four today to uphold the right afforded by the Second Amendment and confirmed those rights for all U.S. citizens, including those living in Chicago. Municipalities will still have the option to impose laws governing firearm safety and without doubt those will likely face future challenges, but at least for now the fundamental right to bear arms is safe. Or is it?

Why was there a split in the Supreme Court over one of the first amendments our founding forefathers thought important to add to the Bill of Rights? Five to four? What's that all about? If there's a question about the right to bear arms what's next? Are they going to question the First Amendment regarding the freedom of speech?

Although this was definitely a victory, it was also an eye-opening vote on just how close we are to losing our firearm rights in this country. What's even more amazing is how the mainstream media doesn't realize how important this close vote is when it comes to a right afforded to citizens. Would they be as lackadaisical about a close vote on freedom of speech? I'm beginning to think the media, many Americans and our lawmakers are so far removed from the principles of our founding fathers that even a close vote on freedom of speech wouldn't raise a red flag.

Your rights are safe for now. How long "now" will last is anyone's guess.

I'll keep my right to bear arms and my right to freedom of speech. Thank you very much.

Comments

By Slim_J Monday, June 28, 2010 4:22 PM

An interesting (or frightening...) fact on this 5-4 vote is that D.C. v. Heller in 2008 was also a 5-4 vote. So if one seat changes position (as we're seeing in progress now...) then both of these could go the other way - which is simply unbelieveable in both cases!
Those attacking the 2nd Amendment have an agenda - and this is just one of the more-obvious targets. Mark makes a great point - if this was related to the 1st Amendment, would the lame-stream media and people in general be so quiet about such a close vote? It's a scary prospect that either of these cases weren't voted 9-0 in favor of EVERYONE's constitutionally valid right to bear arms. Just goes to show how delicate some of our rights may become under this administration.

By gtk Monday, June 28, 2010 4:45 PM

I lived in Chicago as a youngster ,teenager ,and young adult, before and after the law mayor Daily pushed to get in.I have family and friennds that are policemen and women and they tell me it is very easy to get a firearmin the city, you just have to have the money. I don't think the criminals recieved the memo about the law that passed almost three decades ago. I think this is a change for the better since the criminals now have to think is this citizen have a firearm in the house that I am about to break into. Most criminals don't care about the law or police or the average citizen that has worked , fought in a war to preserve our freedom in this country.

By leetrumbull Tuesday, June 29, 2010 8:50 AM

Our rights won't be safe until we get rid of Obama, slick Willie and the brady bunch , Hillery clinton, Schumer and the rest of that bunch. There will be a revolt in this country if this doesn't happen before they get the constitution changed the way they want it starting with the first and second amendments, its time for some serious action.

By stephenwells Thursday, August 19, 2010 6:33 PM

Please get involved in teaching hunting, fishing and shooting. It is a great way of having fun with your family and friends.
I teach hunting and firearm safety at the range and it is great fun to see someone who has never fire before qualify and smile.
When my co-workers find out that I shoot and shoot alot, they tell me that I don't look like a shooter; my comment is "What does a shooter look like?". Please get involved in teach the art of shooting and hunting.

We need to set a example of enjoyment.
But don't forget to keep your powder dry.

Skipper

By nmcginty Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:42 AM

I belive in the right to bare arms in this country because we need guns to protect our familys and to kill food with them. so obama n

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