Submitted by Carl in Chicago, Nov 22, 2007 12:51

Mr. Goldstein wrote: The gun control debate cuts most cleanly along the urban and rural divide.

At first glance it would appear to do so. However, I reside near, and work in, Chicago. Although at issue here is a fundamental right that is not (should not be) subject to majority vote, my need to carry a defensive handgun is arguably greater than someone living in a rural environment. It is precisely where firearms are the most heavily regulated that they are needed the most. The "urban v rural" split regarding firearms specifically highlights the reason we have rights in the first place. While the legislative arm of government protects the wishes of the majority via the democratic process, the judicial arm protects the rights of people, usually against the wishes of the majority, when laws are enacted that infringe on the rights of the people.

At long last, this issue — one of the most important and specifically enumerated rights of the people — stands boldly before the Supreme Court of the United States.

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