The "right to keep and bear arms" is a fundamental right. Going armed isn't a privilege that can require a license, like driving a car on the public roads.
We can't be required to get permits to publish our opinions. What if you needed a permit to publish a newspaper or a book? To paint a picture? Civil libertarians would howl.
Nobody needs any kind of permit to exercise their right to keep and bear arms. Don't let anyone tell you so.
“A state may not impose a charge for the enjoyment of a right granted by the federal constitution.” Murdock vs. Pennsylvania
Hey, you don’t have to tell me. I’m a strict constructionist. I don’t believe the government- local, state or federal- have most of the “powers” they have usurped already.
Also, I refuse to apply for a CCW, purely on the reasoning that there is no Constitutional power to force me to. But I’m not stupid enough to carry all the time without one and get my a** put in jail and have to fight the harassment of a bogus charge though.
I do have a driver’s license for the same reason, although I don’t feel that the state has the power to require me to have one, and I will explain that til I’m blue in the face to those who think driving is a privilege.
I have just learned that discretion is the better part of valor unless you have more money than brains or are a lib connected politician who is above the law.
While a strict constructionist, I’m also a realist. ;^D
While I sympathize with that view, that doesn't hold up in court. I don't recommend that you, I, or anyone else be the test case on that. Risking court costs and attorney fees even if I win and jailtime, a felony or high misdemeanor, major fines, and being kicked out of my profession if I lose is not worth that price - at least to me when I can get the CCW permit.