I’ve always been a big fan of Chicago’s mayor Richard Daley. Since he took office in 1989, he turned a dying industrial city into the premier destination in the Midwest. Sure, he runs the city like he’s a king. But he does it well. He, unlike a lot of mayors, knows what’s best for his city. And I say his city because it is his city. And I’m honored to call his city my hometown.
One of the things the mayor takes pride in is trying to protect the residents of his city. For years, Chicago has had a ban on owning handguns. But all too recently, the Supreme Court said such a ban was unconstitutional. Other cities around Chicago – including Morton Grove and Wilmette – are ready to roll over. But not Chicago. And not Mayor Daley.
Mayor Daley is vowing to fight to keep Chicago’s ban in place. And more power to him for it. The second amendment was designed to allow for a militia to protect a given territory or state. The modern-day equivalent of a militia is the state national guard. The second amendment was not designed to allow anyone who wanted to arm themselves. It was designed to allow people in a well-regulated militia to keep and bear arms to protect the citizens. I’m not against allowing law enforcement officers, national guardsmen and members of the military to have handguns in Chicago – at least not while they’re on duty. But the average person does not need a handgun.
Now, whether Mayor Daley will ultimately win his battle to keep Chicago’s gun ban, I don’t know. But he should be applauded for trying.
