Well, after generations of refusing to touch the issue, the Supreme Court ruled, in a majority opinion written by Justice Scalia, that the DC gun law is an unconstitutional violation of your 2nd Amendment rights. I’ll leave the penetrating analysis to constitutional law scholars, but the implications are far-reaching. Equally stunning was the sharp rift between in the court. There was no middle ground on this issue – just as in the country at large. Four of the nine justices believe that the 2nd Amendment does not guarantee the right to bear arms and believes it can and should restrict personal liberty.
Why now? Could it be that the nation is likely to see a decidedly more liberal court in the coming years? We will certainly see several judges step down in the next decade. The current 5 / 4 court will likely tip the other direction – perhaps decidedly so. However, ruling on this now sets a precedent that may stand for a very long time.
So who wins? Well clearly those that support the 2nd Amendment, strict interpretation of the Constitution, and personal liberty are celebrating. However, the celebration should be tempered by the swing to the left noted above. Twelve months from now this could clearly be a 5/4 opinion in the other direction.
Those on the fence about John McCain should take heed. The next President will hold sway over several Supreme Court appointments. If you value civil liberties, think twice before handing them over to far-left-center liberal thinker. Sadly I doubt the inept leadership of the McCain campaign will properly utilize this gold plated opening.
{ 0 comments }
