“Gun Case Likely to be Landmark Ruling”

“Gun Case Likely to be Landmark Ruling”
LA Times
By David Savage

Summary: The setting of this gun rights debate is that of infamous Chicago. Officially, this case is dubbed McDonald vs. Chicago but it obvious that this ruling is not meant just for the effect of 76 year plaintiff Otis McDonald. This case represents the population of those who feel that gun restrictions or becoming a bit ridiculous and possibly becoming more harmful to society than the firearms themselves. According to the article, McDonald only covets his right for a handgun just in his home for his protection. However, police, backing the defense (Chicago) table, say that the “city’s ban on handguns gives them a legal basis for confronting gang members and drug dealers. With the laws in place, a suspicious bulge in the pocket can warrant an officer to “stop-and-frisk” potential thugs. They also say that lifting this ban would increase violence in the area. Both of these arguments have legitimate points, but the fact of the matter is, this case involving the 2nd amendment will set the stage for further debates and rulings. Although the effects may seem simple right now, they will last through generations due to the interpretation of the 2nd amendment.

Argument: I first want to bring up the point that this article is completely bias towards the population of the nation who believe the ban on handguns in Chicago is completely legal and warranted. Every single quote stated for the defense side villianizes the effects that could come from this overturned legislation. Savage even brings up the fact that the Wild West had similar bans. The fact of the matter is, however, that whether or not you support the Chicago side morally, this is a complete and utter disregard for our beloved 2nd amendment. The right to bear arms is a fundamental right which should be kept and guarded as much as our right to speech. I like to compare this situation to a crack in a car windshield. At first it may seem to be insignificant and not worth the money or time to replace or fix it. If, however, it is not replaced, the heat of the day and wear of typical driving will expand the crack so much so that it will span across the entire windshield. Similarly, if we allow one of the rights which our forefathers ordained for every American to retain to let be infringed upon, the Supreme Court Justices will continue to do so on even more precious rights. We need to stop the bleeding now.
Now for the effects of the actual lifting of the law. It is true that there is a certain risk in allowing for handguns to reach the streets, but it is not that much different than it is now. Illegal guns already plague Chicago just as illegal drugs are seen throughout the nation. A law means absolutely nothing to a criminal other than it is something else to not be caught doing. Sure, the “stop-and-frisk” policy will no longer be effective, but this will only cause for different strategies to surface. Instead of isolating the firearms, we can track them. When someone buys any kind of gun, they have to register it to themselves, thus making them easily available to be weeded out. This archive will aid police in associating weapons with their owners. If gangs try to surpass these safety legislations with the disregard they are infamous for, it is no matter. These particular shipments will be easier to identify and will be marked from the beginning all the way to their intended owners. Then we bust them. I want to equate this to the marijuana situation. Although I am not a believer in legal marijuana, the benefits are pretty much similar. The only difference is that guns are not addictive and depend on the individual.
This leads me to the good in actually lifting this constitutionally restricting law. As the 76 year old McDonald stated, guns are good for self defense. I guarantee that if there is a possibility that someone has a gun in their home, break-ins will be just a bit more limited. Nobody wants to attempt to a plasma TV when they very well know and middle age woman could send a hot bullet through their heart. Death isn’t really that sweet. This is definitely a turnoff to victimizing certain citizens. Also as a benefit to the release of handguns would be the economic points. New products means more jobs and more money in a depleted economy. It will add to the market and allow for growth on the personal level. It also opens an opportunity for local and state governments to place a tax on them, further allowing for revenue to reach the dried up accounts of our government. The beneficial consequences are astounding.
If for nothing more, we, as Americans, need to stand up and protect our rights. Don’t let the opposition falsely appeal to your emotions and evoke a hatred for firearms, but rather embrace its good and strive to fix society through the individual. Remember McDonald vs. Chicago because it will effect how we live today.