Well folks, I got another opinion, seems to be few and far between... Anyways the Supreme Court may choose to hear an appeal dealing with the Washington DC gun laws which basically ban the ownership of handguns. From what I have read this law is by far one of the strictest gun laws in existence in this country, yet D.C. has a HUGE violent crime factor - it could almost be considered independent from the law. The concern here is not whether you should be able to carry a weapon, more to the point of ownership and the restrictions place on them. In essence its my belief that the Second Amendment was drafted to ensure the perseverance of the First Amendment. Let's face it, some of the worse governments in existence started out by disarming their populaces. It ensures that there is less of a chance of armed resistance to what amounts to enslavement in those governments. Now that that opinion is in the open - what does that have to do with America? I believe that the Framers of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution placed the Second Amendment where it is to accentuate the fact that freedom is not free, that the people will have to defend it. By people I mean individuals, I do not mean the National Guard which is not a militia. The Second Amendment ensures that I have the right to arms to protect my life, liberty and pursuit of happyness. "=-)" That does not mean I need to own a firearm to use my other rights, instead it means I have a right to own a firearm if I want to, or feel the need to.
I always look at it this way, if there was a major breakdown in basic services, whatever the reason (think Katrina), the people would be responsible for themselves. This means that those who are unarmed would be subject to those armed. By armed, I don't necessarily mean firearms. Machetes, clubs, 2x4's and many other blunt or edged weapons could be used. This did happen in Katrina, many stories are flying around that said that neighborhoods that were cut off managed to raise militias of their own, those with weapons defending those without. This is a good example of what militias are, normal people rising to arms to defend their homes from a threat, yet free to leave at any time.
Now we will see if the Supreme Court agrees with me. If they do, I predict the amount of "gang" controlled guns will not increase greatly, seeing as if your breaking the law already - why not go all the way? - instead those who walk the streets, doing their jobs, have a right and a choice to defend themselves how they see fit.
Personally I like a S&W 40 caliber.