Supes strike down D.C. handgun ban
June 26, 2008 at 11:08 am by Joe Bardi
The Washington Post is reporting that the Supreme Court voted 5-4 along ideological lines to strike down Washington D.C.’s 1976 ban on handgun ownership. This marks the first time since 1791 that the Supreme Court has ruled on the second amendment or tried to sort out if gun ownership was tied to being in a “well regulated militia.”
Though some are sure to fears chaos in the streets, it is important to remember this simple fact: Though you have been unable to own a handgun in D.C. for the last 32 years, shotguns and rifles were still allowed. You read that correctly. Handguns, No way! Shotguns and rifles? A-OK. I take that to mean this decision will not result in immediate mass killings on the National Mall.
Best quote from the WaPo story:
The issue caused a split within the Bush administration. Vice President Dick Cheney supported the appeals court ruling, but others in the administration feared it could lead to the undoing of other gun regulations, including a federal law restricting sales of machine guns. Other laws keep felons from buying guns and provide for an instant background check.
Cheney needs to reconsider. If the people can get their hands on machine guns, ol’ Dick’s ass might be in some trouble.
(Photo Credit: Dubswede)
