Reply #213: Something everyone needs to think about. [View All]

[Boomer 50]

This case means much more to our lives than just the right to keep and bear arms, no matter what side of the issue you fall on.

Core to this decision is something that few people seem to notice. This case revolves around the context of the 2nd Amendment and whether its an individual right or a collective right. To argue this point, the key part of the phrase in question is "the people". Anyone with an understanding of law will point out that in a legal document, a word may not have more than one meaning. This is to clarify and protect the document, the intent and the execution of the matter at hand. This standard goes back centuries, far longer than the United States has been a nation.

So, let us surmise that the USSC decides in favor for DC. This changes the meaning of "people" in the entire United States Constitution. It will effectively nullify ALL civil rights and change the face of the nation in ways we do not want to think about. Our right to free speech (including seeking redress of greivance), our right to assemble, worship in our own way and even our right to privacy will be at great risk.

The notion of cutting off ones nose to spite his face comes to mind here. We are supposed to be progressive thinkers but on this matter, many seem to lose all rational thought process and forget the consequenses of our actions. While we all do this on one matter or another, we cannot afford to jump the tracks on this issue. It will end up costing all of us dearly in the future if we do.

I sincerely hope that DC loses this case and the USSC rules in favor of Heller very strongly and broadly. In order to protect our other civil rights, I hope that the USSC also incorporates the 2nd under the 14th to secure all of our rights and to finally put to rest the destructive battle that is raging on firearms. If they don't, I shudder to think what people like Bush and Cheney and McCain and others may do to our rights. Personally, I don't want my home searched and my family terrorized because the right to privacy is a collective right that is enjoyed by the state only.

And remember, should that happen, we won't have the right to seek an audience with our elected officials to complain. DC made it quite clear in their brief that they do not think that we have that right even now. I don't want to find out how bad it could be if the USSC agrees.