[Jay W]

There really cannot be any "collective" rights, as a collective cannot think, act, or be, except by definition. Rights can only exist for people, which is the word actually used in reference to them in the Constitution. "The right of the people" always meant each and every person, as that is the only "collective" whose definition and membership criteria is not in doubt. Only an individual can exercise a right. Only an individual can have his or her rights either defended or taken away.

I shudder to think that for decades it was official policy that a common right of the people was viewed as a "collective" right, not an individual right. I am glad that the Bush administration has reversed this long-standing policy, but worry how long it will last.

[The KG9 Kid]

"... I am glad that the Bush administration has reversed this long-standing policy, but worry how long it will last."

At the longest, it will last until the next Attorney General of the US rescinds the policy or until the current Attorney General changes his mind.

At the briefest, it will last until the next US citizen is prosecuted by the US Justice Department for non-violent firearm-related crimes -- namely, sometime this afternoon.

This 'change in position' by Ashcroft that we're all supposed to be celebrating to the heavens means absolutely nothing.