Right to carry is fundamental one

The murder rate has been steadily declining since 1993, and the number of guns in American households has increased by several million every year, peaking at more than 14 million in 2009. Handguns do top the list for murder, but banning handguns is not an option. So where does that leave us? Everyone should be aware of the changes that have occurred surrounding this issue.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right to possess and carry arms, including handguns, for the purpose of self-defense and is binding on the states. Legislators should limit the scope of gun laws to those persons who by their actions have been convicted of violent crimes or have been adjudicated mentally ill. The last 25 years have ushered a return of people’s rights as more than half of the states have rolled back laws in conflict with the right of self-defense.

It is aberrant to require government permission to exercise a fundamental right. Permits to carry are just that, state permission slips. Would permits to vote, publish a paper or submit viewpoints be tolerated? If I cannot afford the required fees to get a permit, am I excluded from the exercise of my right to armed self-defense?

Fundamental rights should be the same in all states. Illinois refuses to recognize your carry rights and considers the practice a felony. At times exercising a fundamental right may be socially awkward, but under any circumstances should never be a crime. If you unlawfully threaten or use arms against another, that is the crime, not the mere fact you possess a tool.

The phrase “fundamental right” cannot be stressed enough. All laws should be held to a standard that will not burden or apply a prior restraint on this fundamental right.

Jack V. Forbes Jr.

Elgin