Political Quotes

“we wish to enter into a discussion this afternoon about a very critical issue in this confirmation process, and that is the second amendment and the right to keep and bear arms as provided for in our Constitution; the threat that now exists to that right that is plainly stated in the Constitution, and why we think it is worthy of serious consideration. I will say that most Americans are totally unaware, perhaps, that the second amendment and the power of the second amendment hangs by a mere thread. Two five-to-four decisions recently have affirmed the second amendment, but had that vote been different--one Justice voting a different way--the second amendment would not apply to the District of Columbia. It would not be considered a right that would apply even to a Federal Government entity such as the District of Columbia as a result of the Heller case. A more recent case in Chicago, McDonald v. the City of Chicago, dealt with whether the second amendment actually applies to the States and does it only apply to the Federal Government. That was a big deal. If it does not apply to the States, then any State in any city--and many cities are perfectly willing to do this--would have the power to ban firearms entirely, even though the Constitution plainly says you have the right to keep and bear arms.”