Chicago Mayor Daley Correct On Gun Issue

The 5-4 decision over a constitutional case regarding guns in the Supreme Court was a victory for the lowest common denominator in our country.  Now those who have a responsibility to insure public safety are rightly concerned, and face added questions about the effects this decision will have on people such as firefighters and mail carriers.

One of those asking the questions, and fighting back is Chicago Mayor Daley.

If the nation’s highest court says it’s OK to keep guns in your home for self-defense, what’s to prevent those guns from being used against police officers and firefighters who respond to a domestic quarrel or other emergency, the mayor said.

“What does a policeman do when there’s a domestic battery [call] and they’re both armed? Do they enter the home or apartment or do they wait outside? … How ‘bout the neighbors? How ‘bout the postman — all the other issues that go with people coming into your home or close to your home? … Whose responsibility is it when your son takes the gun outside and police come by?” Daley told reporters at a senior citizen development in Roseland.

“You have to look at a new ordinance in order to protect firemen and policemen going to the scenes of people who have armed themselves in their home. … We serve and protect. We’re not supposed to lose our lives … Morton Grove can do anything they want. What I’m saying is you have to look at the first- responders and how it’s gonna jeopardize their lives.”

The mayor’s laundry list of questions does not stop at the safety of first-responders. He wants to know just how far the Supreme Court is prepared to go to protect the 2nd Amendment.

“It’s just not allowing people to arm themselves. How many guns do you have — 50, 60? Can they have a .357 Magnum? Can they have ammunition that will go through a wall? What is the liability of the owners? … Do you have to have insurance if you have a gun? How much ammunition can you have if there’s a fire? If a fireman is going to your home and you have 40 weapons and 1,000 rounds, do we have a responsibility to notify all the neighbors?” Daley said.

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