Submitted by Robert Firriolo, Aug 4, 2008 08:57

Ms. Fong's need to travel outside New York City to practice target shooting is all the proof one needs that the City's gun control laws are draconian to the point of absurdity. Keep that in mind the next time we hear Mayor Bloomberg repeat his hollow mantra that he's only opposed to "illegal guns." I think he and the City Council want all guns to be made eventually illegal, except those in the hands of a few privileged elites. Gun permits fees are continually raised to punitive and prohibitive levels, and the fees, along with the bureaucracy involved in getting a permit, discourage all but the most intrepid from acquiring one. Now there is hope, however, since the United States Supreme Court has reaffirmed, in the District of Columbia v. Heller case, that gun ownership is a fundamental, constitutionally protected right of individuals. Just as the government cannot charge exorbitant fees for a parade permit, or license printing presses, gun ownership cannot be unduly burdened to the point of what amounts to prohibition. New York's gun control scheme is already being challenged in the courts in multiple cases, and more will surely follow. It is only a matter of time before the effects of Heller trickle down to New York.

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