I figured this thread deserves the text of the second amendment so we can discuss it in context rather than bits and parts.
Quote:
"A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed."
Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
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If you ask me, who is not a lawyer nor profess to be some expert, the 2nd amendment give both the right to bear arms AND the directive to "well-regulate" them.
In other words gun control is not only constitutional, a lack of gun control is unconstitutional and at the same time blanket bans are not allowed unless for the purposes of well-regulation. I interpret "well" in this instance to mean laws that make common sense, are fair and are effective.
Banning handguns here in the U.S. would be inneffective, would make no sense, and would not be fair to honest people wanting self-defense for long, long time- not to mention political suicide.
There are simply too many handguns available, with millions upon millions manufactured every year. It would take generations for handgun supply to dry up and the sustained crime caused by the gap during disarmamnet would drive up demand from both criminals and ordinary folk looking for protection.
Indeed prohibition would breed an artifical blackkmarket just like the drug war. Street prices might increase, but not alot considering just how many freaking guns are available in the U.S.A.
Before all this could happen, we would probably have a swift change in government and a repeal on any law put forth and signed that outright bans guns. Guns would be legal and cheap once again and all would be well...unless you happen to get shot.
[ 05-29-2005, 06:52 PM: Message edited by: Chewbacca ]