Quote:
Originally Posted by Land O Lakes
Fair point.
As pointed out, the 2A was written in very different times when weaponry was very different. The amendment, in and of itself, isn't what is preventing federal legislation to make every state similar to the regulations in NYC. It is, however, going to ensure, for better or worse, that guns in some form are here to stay.
Fair enough. Unfortunately, it seems like the existence of the amendment, and what a lot of people think it stands for, is a huge barrier to said legislation. Not from a legal standpoint, but from a political one. But just the same, constitutional change isn't a realistic path. And if there was enough political will to change the constitution on this issue (which is an EXTREMELY high bar, especially in today's political climate), then stricter federal legislation would already exist.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lagtight
In my opinion, the freedom of states to set their own regulations and laws is one of the great strengths of the USA. (Not talking specifically about gun regulations; just in general.)
I know that said freedom is a big deal to a lot of Americans, and that's a much bigger discussion. I see pros and cons. But absent federal legislation, it certainly leads to to greatly varying laws across the country, and gun control is one area that sees a great deal of this. Unfortunately, it tends to blunt the usefulness of stricter laws in some states, as those with the will and means to buy whatever guns they want will have no trouble going to a different state to do so.