Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
The Libertarian Podcast, with Richard Epstein: “The Second Amendment and Gun Violence”
For those who need a reminder that there’s no one out there quite like Richard Epstein, we present the newest episode of The Libertarian podcast: one in which Richard argues that the Supreme Court got its famous Second Amendment in decision in District of Columbia v. Heller wrong, but also that the gun control measures usually advocated for by the Left are essentially useless. This one will get people talking. Listen in below or by subscribing to The Libertarian through iTunes.
Published in Guns, Podcasts
One of the few issues where Richard is just irredeemably wrong. Heller is correct.
Based on comments and posts over the past few years, I presume Mr. Epstein is “anti-gun,” which makes me wonder if “The Libertarian Podcast” is the correct name? It is an interesting take on the 2d amendment jurisprudence.
I don’t know that he’s anti-gun as much as he doesn’t want to have anything to do with it personally. That’s my impression having listened to LawTalk over the years.
I haven’t listened to the podcast yet, but I always thought that guns rights might have a unique position in the District of Columbia as it is not a state and the location of various places that have to protected. For example, those who live there are not represented by a voting representative and two senators like essentially all other citizens.
When looked at in the context of what constituted the militia at the time,
should leave no doubt the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right that cannot be infringed.
I hate to get into “elitism”, but the gun issue does have a tendency to bring it out in the Republican Party. There are those who believe, along with their friends, that guns are “icky” and people that enjoy firearms are low-class and rednecks. These are the Republicans who just wish the issue would go away. These same Republicans would have been quite comfortable listening to Obama’s “Bitter Clingers” speech. It’s as if they’re embarrassed by the whole Second Amendment. My guess would be that Americans will lose their gun rights through attrition. The schools will do their part and parents will no longer teach their children the importance of firearms to our freedoms and one day the will to fight for gun rights will be lost without a shot being fired. We will end up one step closer to dependence on government for everything. Even our self defense. I hope I’m not around to see America become a “Nation of Cowards.” (A must read essay by Jeffrey Snyder.)