In a fit of common sense, the Republicans are attempting to lift the gun ban on Washington DC
It is one of the benefits of being a politician. While handguns are banned for citizens in Washington, D.C., congressmen are allowed to have a gun for self-protection on the Capitol grounds. Well-known liberal politicians such as Senators Chuck Schumer and Ted Kennedy have armed bodyguards. The wives of politicians, such as Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle's wife, Linda, also have bodyguards. Undoubtedly, these politicians and their families have extremely good reasons for this protection, but many other Americans, especially those living with the high crime rates in D.C., also feel the same way.
Later today, the U.S. House of Representatives will finally vote on whether to overturn D.C.'s handgun ban
I agree that people should be allowed to carry weapons for defense. I occasionally carry one, and have that right afforded to me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a Shall Issue state.
But I disagree that Congress should be making the decision. It would be just as bad or worse if Congress tried to make Pennsylvania ban guns. As a soverign territory or state, that governing body should be able to make their own decisions.
Though I applaud the effort to lift the gun ban, I disagree with how it's done.
