I’ve penned a new op-ed at Counter Cultured on the freedom to carry–constitutional carry–in all 50 states.
Last week, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states by citing the 14th Amendment as justification for this. While this ruling was disappointing – government has now redefined marriage – we must promote a culture of marriage without quick legislative fixes or government intervention.
If one positive thing has come out of this ruling, it gives the 14th Amendment license to be applied to gun rights with respect to the right to carry. Section I of the 14th Amendment reads:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
Bob Owens of Bearing Arms notes the due process clause in the 14th Amendment can also be applied to gun rights. He wrote:
Using the same “due process clause” argument as the Supreme Court just applied to gay marriage, my concealed carry permit must now be recognized as valid in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Constitutional carry, or concealed carry reciprocity, is the legal carrying of a handgun, whether openly or concealed, without the need for a government permit. Many states offer both open and concealed carry, while several don’t.
Why should you support the freedom to carry? Here are three reasons:
1) Guns are the great equalizer
Regardless of one’s gender, social status, ethnicity, income level, etc., guns have the power to make us equal against attack. Criminals are equal-opportunity offenders who target innocent people of all stripes. Those especially residing in crime-ridden cities would also benefit from having the right to carry. An equal opportunity to protect ourselves is an inalienable right afforded to us in the Constitution. Why is our government attempting to deny us this right?
2) We have a constitutional right to keep and bear arms
Unlike other countries across the globe, especially those who’ve endured and/or rejected collectivism, the United States is unique for boasting a constitutional right to keep and bear arms against any threat of tyranny. (The Second Amendment is truly a blessing.) It enumerates: “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.” Anti-gunners will continue to deface and defile the Second Amendment, but won’t succeed because it’s enshrined in our laws. Molon labe.
3) More guns, less crime
The presence of more firearms has lead to the steady decrease in crime. More Guns, Less Crime by Dr. John Lott lays out statistical evidence supporting this claim. Much to the chagrin of the media and anti-gunners, the presence of more guns by law-abiding gun owners leads to a decrease in crime. An April 2015 Pew study highlighted the upsurge in support for gun rights despite rhetoric from anti-gunners and their surrogates:
Why public views on crime have grown more dire is unclear, though many blame it on the nature of news coverage, reality TV and political rhetoric. Whatever the cause, this trend is not without consequence. Today, those who say that crime is rising are the most opposed to gun control: Just 45% want to see gun laws made more strict, compared with 53% of those who see crime rates as unchanged or dropping.
…
A 2013 Pew Research survey showed that protection is now the top reason gun owners offer for why they choose to own a gun (in 1999, hunting was the top reason). And among the public at large, the latest Gallup survey finds that 63% of Americans now say having a gun in the home makes it a safer place compared with 30% who say it makes a home more dangerous. Fifteen years ago, more said the presence of a gun made a home more dangerous (51%) than safer (35%).
I’m glad to live in a state – Virginia – that allows me the right to carry (open or concealed). I sincerely hope Americans in states that have yet to enjoy greater gun rights will have the freedom to carry soon.
More of Gabriella’s articles ranging far beyond the 2nd Amendment can be seen at her home site: thegabriellahoffman.com
Send this to friend
