The government, particularly the courts, wields too much power. When you delve into how the government can mandate a paid concealed carry permit, you’ll discover that the right to bear arms, as protected by the Second Amendment, is not considered absolute. Supreme Court decisions like District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010) have clarified that while individuals have the right to possess firearms for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense, this right can still be regulated in ways consistent with the historical tradition of firearm regulation in the U.S.

The phrase “this right is not absolute” is particularly concerning to me, as it seems to open a slippery slope. Notably, these landmark cases reference decisions from Chicago and Washington D.C., cities known for their liberal and progressive policies, which might bias the interpretation of these rights.

Moreover, the concept of “public safety” as a justification for these regulations feels misguided to me. Criminals are unlikely to apply for permits or provide truthful information, making the policy somewhat ineffective against crime.

The Tenth Amendment also raises alarms for me. It grants states powers not explicitly given to the federal government or prohibited by the Constitution, allowing state-level regulation of firearms, which explains the variation in gun laws across states. However, this amendment seems too broad, potentially leading to abuses of power.

The legality of concealed carry permits has been hotly contested in courts, which have generally upheld these laws provided they do not excessively burden the right to bear arms. However, the details of these laws—fees, training requirements, and discretion in issuing permits—are often debated. Recent cases like New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen (2022) have further clarified that regulations must align with historical firearm regulation traditions.

I question why courts get to define what constitutes an “overly burdensome” restriction on our Second Amendment rights. Personally, it feels overly burdensome for me to take time off work, complete paperwork, travel to Greensburg, PA, wait in line, undergo questioning, and then pay a $20 fee for my right to carry concealed.