July 3, 2010

Independence Day Reflections

Happy Independence day.  Mostly....  On  this fourth of July weekend I would like to reflect on just what the declaration of independence meant, what it means today, and compare the first hundred and forty odd years years since the signing, and the years following.  Our great nation was built on some very simple yet at the time, and even today, radical ideas.

Rights:  First and foremost the declaration of independence affirmed that man has natural rights.  Rights, not given to him by any worldly entity, but rights by simple reason of mans existence.  Your natural and individual rights,"God given rights"are yours by virtue of your birth.  No King, Government, nor any person gives you your rights. Ask yourself  "Do I believe this?".  If so are you willing to act accordingly? 

Capitalism:  The United States, from it's inception has grown and shortly led the world in Freedom, Prosperity, Wealth, Technology and Social Mobility for most of it's existence.  Why?  The answer is simple. Capitalism.  Capitalism is the only means of  wealth exchange that is moral and fair. (All others at some point wind up with the muzzle of a gun pointed at you) In the years prior to WWI , the American way of life could be defined as unfettered capitalism.  Our nations growth was unmatched.  Growth, and prosperity sored.  The world looked at us with envy.  What changed and why?  Why do we not defend capitalism any more?  Why do our "Conservatives" , politicians and laymen,  dare not speak the word, much less defend it?  True conservatism is to be a Capitalist, but many who call themselves conservatives,  cite God, the Flag, Tradition and  "Our Troops" but never speak of the true virtues of Capitalism.    Why do "Conservatives" surrender this ground to the enemy unchallenged? 

Freedom:  Are we free today?  Please discuss. Bueller?.......
Bueller?........

How about liberty?.....

Bueller?......................

June 28, 2010

Justices extend gun owner rights nationwide

Justices extend gun owner rights nationwide.

By MARK SHERMAN


The Associated Press

Monday, June 28, 2010; 10:46 AM


WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court held Monday that the Constitution's Second Amendment restrains government's ability to significantly limit "the right to keep and bear arms," advancing a recent trend by the John Roberts-led bench to embrace gun rights.

By a narrow, 5-4 vote, the justices also signaled, however, that some limitations on the right could survive legal challenges.

Writing for the court in a case involving restrictive laws in Chicago and one of its suburbs, Justice Samuel Alito said that the Second Amendment right "applies equally to the federal government and the states."

The court was split along familiar ideological lines, with five conservative-moderate justices in favor of gun rights and four liberals opposed. Chief Justice Roberts voted with the majority.

Two years ago, the court declared that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess guns, at least for purposes of self-defense in the home.

That ruling applied only to federal laws. It struck down a ban on handguns and a trigger lock requirement for other guns in the District of Columbia, a federal city with a unique legal standing. At the same time, the court was careful not to cast doubt on other regulations of firearms here.

Gun rights proponents almost immediately filed a federal lawsuit challenging gun control laws in Chicago and its suburb of Oak Park, Ill, where handguns have been banned for nearly 30 years. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence says those laws appear to be the last two remaining outright bans.

Lower federal courts upheld the two laws, noting that judges on those benches were bound by Supreme Court precedent and that it would be up to the high court justices to ultimately rule on the true reach of the Second Amendment.

The Supreme Court already has said that most of the guarantees in the Bill of Rights serve as a check on state and local, as well as federal, laws.

Monday's decision did not explicitly strike down the Chicago area laws, ordering a federal appeals court to reconsider its ruling. But it left little doubt that they would eventually fall.

Still, Alito noted that the declaration that the Second Amendment is fully binding on states and cities "limits (but by no means eliminates) their ability to devise solutions to social problems that suit local needs and values."

Your Right to Own a Gun. (FoxBusinessNetwork)

I was listening to Fox News on my XM radio the other day and happened to listen to John Stossel promoting this piece.  What surprised me is during the promo interview John gave a quick background on himself.  He stated that he is a former/recovering liberal who has developed libertarian view because he truly investigated issues and strives to be intellectually honest with himself and the world.



Related post: The gun is civilization