I have not seen any substantial progress in this area.
And instructed John Ashcroft to make the gov't official position on the 2nd Amendment to clearly state that it is an individual right.
This is a given. This is not something that any subsequent political entity can grant or subtract. You seem to think it is a new privalege granted to you. Why?
I do not think the 2nd amendment is a new priveledge for me or you, unless you consider 1789 to be new. But the feds, under a multitude of Presidents have left it purposely vague whether it was an individual or a militia right. Bush has cleared the air, and I am grateful. It was a ballsy thing to do, and one of the first things he did in office. Do you not recall the gnashing an wailing from the press and the left?