Chicago’s Mayor Richie Daley, son of the late Mayor Richard J. Daley, indicated on June 25th, that he is poised and ready to act if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the strict hand-gun ban that has been in effect. The ban is expected to end, as it did in Washington D.C., two years ago. Daley says guns don’t solve problems; they kill people.
On June 17th of this year, 2010, The National Rifle Association scored another victory in its efforts to provide guns to Americans. At that time the Congress of the United States eased regulations on background checks in gun purchases, allowance of concealed weapons in National Parks and Wildlife refuges, and most noteworthy perhaps, the Congress blocked legislation to forbid gun purchases by those on the government terrorist watch list. 
The NRA has acknowledged spending two to three million dollars on lobbying since the beginning of 2009. The NRA plans to spend an additional twenty million dollars in political spending this year.
Newt Gingrich, Republican former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has over the years staunchly defended gun ownership, and second amendment rights; the rights of Americans to bear arms. In a recent address to the NRA, Gingrich said that "No tyrant may take the guns from the people; neither can these tyrants place the population in a concentration camp, nor kill the population." He said the right to bear arms is "a political right".
Nevada’s Barbara Angle has taken the cause a step further; she suggests that the time to use firearms to remove the Democratic administration in Washington is soon to be upon us. She indicates a willingness to "take out" her opponent, Harry Reid, incumbent. The Tea Party seems obsessed with the option for a violent overthrow of the money spenders in Washington.
We in Chicago find difficulty in accepting that any responsible person or group can accept easily acquired gun ownership. In Chicago, NBC news last weekend announced that 52 people were shot, that at least 8 died. Police superintendent Jody Weis said most of the shootings were gang related. A one year old girl was grazed on the ear on West Hastings Street, four men were shot in that incident. That same evening, a drive-by shooting over narcotic drug 'turf' near South Kolin Avenue resulted in five people being hospitalized in serious to critical condition. Then 10 minutes later police were called to Humboldt Park, a short distance from where a Puerto Rican Day Festival was in full swing: two men were shot there, on West Division Street. The shootings were said to be gang related, occurring during a fight. Then, shortly after 9 PM, a fifteen year old girl was shot in the hand on West Evergreen Street.
Article comments
1 - Krutic A
Wait, are you saying that all the criminals will now buy guns and Chicago will have over 400 murders, and 50 shootings per weekend, and a child will die practically every week in crossfire - because the gun ban has been lifted??
I think you may have overlooked a minor little detail..
The shootings, kids being shot while doing home work, and the 400+ murders happening every year are happening while the strictest gun ban in the country IS in place.
Interesting how you don't mention the amazing effectiveness of the current ban (in place for over 2 decades) anywhere in your article.
Daley would be proud.
2 - Ryan
Let me get this straight..Over 400 people were arrested in Toronto at the G20 summit, one couple with explosive material with the intent to use it, and this "journalist" has the gall to say it's The Tea Party "obsessed with the option for a violent overthrow" of our politicians?
Something just doesn't add up. Nice try though, I am sure your approach started unbiased. Maybe next time.
3 - ZF
This opinion piece is a perfect example of the success of our public indoctrination, whoops, I mean education system. It completely lacks nuance and engages in a steady stream of confirmation bias. Krutic A hits the mail on the head - the author's very arguments for the ban form the indictment against it. All of the examples mentioned are of criminals committing crimes. What about the recent use by law abiding citizens in defending their families? These crimes were caused by pathological community attitudes that promote bad behavior and irresponsibility. Why is it okay for city aldermen to carry guns but not okay for a single women to own one in her home? My friend, YOU DO NOT speak for Chicago or me.
4 - John Lake
A thorough re-reading will reveal that I cited statistics involving persons with guns in their homes protecting themselves.
As a child living far from the city lights, I hunted Ducks, Geese, Pheasants... all with a shotgun and a dog. But living in a city, parts of which are steeped in drug crime, is a much different situation.
Gun fire in some areas is so rampant as to go unreported. Bullets travel beyond intended targets, maiming or killing young children. This happens nearly on a daily basis.
The United States Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787. The world at that time was a much different place. The Supreme Court decision which was announced yesterday, Monday, June 28, won't immediately make guns available to any individual with the energy necessary to obtain them; in fact the ruling will be returned to a lower court. If that court disallows the ban on handguns Chicago will pay the price. One doesn't need to be a Rhode Scholar to perceive that the killing and violence will escalate to an unprecedented level.
To take the gang-bangers off the street is expensive and they are soon replaced. The drug trade in cities is profitable and glamorous.
We hope the lower court, with perhaps less fanfare then the current Supreme Court, will assist this city in the fight against pointless death and pain.
5 - Dimensio
That a number of criminal individuals have ignored various laws and committed crimes with the use of illegally possessed firearms does not justify maintaining unreasonable restrictions upon Constitutionally protected liberties. Suggesting otherwise is an appeal to irrelevant data.
6 - Dave Nalle
In Chicago, NBC news last weekend announced that 52 people were shot, that at least 8 died.
Does this not make any dent in your preconceptions? This high gun violence toll is WITH the harshest gun control in the country. Don't you think maybe it's time to admit that gun control doesn't work and try something else?
Dave
7 - John Lake
From Fox News:
[In Chicago] A ten year old boy was shot by a man on a bicycle last night; the boy, Syed Chapman, is now at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. His wound to the thigh is not life threatening. Chapman found himself in a crossfire on 77th Street in the Gresham Park neighborhood. A witness described the sound of what she first believed to be fireworks. Brenda Gaines who summoned police said: "I seen a boy come on by. He had the gun; he [was] on the bike. He had the gun laying right here. Then I seen him come by the middle; he shot again."
Police recovered a weapon and are interviewing a person of interest.