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D.C.’s Gun Control Travesty
I couldn’t say it better than David B. Kopel and Robert A. Levy so I won’t even try. Here is a link to their Wall Street Journal op-ed on the District of Columbia’s new oppressive, unconstitutional gun law. An excerpt:
The Supreme Court ruled in June that provisions of Washington, D.C.’s gun laws are unconstitutional. Unfortunately, the city has responded with new regulations that are a flagrant attempt to circumvent the court’s decision.
It’s time for Congress to use the power granted to it in the Constitution to “exercise exclusive legislation” in the District and uphold its residents’ constitutional rights. It can do so by passing the District of Columbia Personal Protection Act now pending in Congress, with a few adjustments. This bill, introduced on July 31 with 57 cosponsors, would prevent D.C. from passing regulations that discourage the private lawful use of firearms or otherwise suppress residents’ Second Amendment rights. It is the result of a compromise between the National Rifle Association and House leaders.
To ensure broad-based, bipartisan support, we propose four modest congressional actions that would preserve some home-rule authority while erecting a commonsense framework for restoring the right to self-defense in our nation’s capital.
First, Congress should change how D.C. processes gun registrations. Currently, residents must complete an application form, submit photographs, prove residency and good vision, pass a written test, pay a fee, be fingerprinted, and have the gun ballistics tested. The entire process can take months.
Congress should mandate a more streamlined process for D.C. based on the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which is already required by federal law for all retail firearm sales. Background checks are usually completed within a few hours.
Congress has every right and is constitutionally empowered to set D.C. right. The right to bear arms is a constitutionally enshrined civil right that Congress is supposed to protect.