The Supreme Court got this one wrong.
SCOTUS ruled 6-3 that people who carry guns can carry on private property with public access.
Arg. Complicated.
Lemme simplify.
SIGN SIGN EVERYWHERE A SIGN
Waffle House used to have a sign on the building. “No firearms allowed.” If you walked in with a gun, the WH folks could tell you to leave. If you did not leave, you could get arrested for trespassing.
SCOTUS says that is not allowed. If you are legally allowed to haul a hogleg in public, you can tote it into the WH.
You can tote that freedom seed dispenser into any privately owned place that has public access. Grocery store, appliance shop, bookstore, bank, auto parts shop. That heater has to be allowed.
The prohibition on toting a gun into government buildings is still in place. No guns in the courthouse, Post Office, school, library, etc.
So I restate - SCOTUS got this one wrong.
BACK UP
Lemme back this up.Before, if you walked in with a gun, the WH folks could tell you to leave. If you did not leave, you could get arrested for trespassing.
Do you see the problem?
M’k. I ‘splain.
INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS
Start with this. Individual rights matter.
I am hardcore on individual rights, gun rights, property rights, free speechifying and etc. I support the right of that gay married couple to use a full-auto, belt-fed M60 to protect their marijuana crop while holding Down With The Establishment signs.
At the same time, if I own it, I set the rules.
That couple just above? Their property, their rules.
You don’t like it? Here’s yer options. You can suck it up. You can leave. You can attempt to negotiate with me, up to and including purchasing my private property be that a gun, a business, my house, my farm, my truck, etc.
Aside, if you have a full-auto, belt-fed M60, you are welcome on my farm ANY time if I get to shoot it.
YOUR RIGHTS
You are now asking, “What about my rights? Do I surrender some or all of my rights the moment I step onto your property.”
Some. Yep.
Again, I own it, I set the rules.
I can tell you to leave my property and you have to do so. If you don’t, I call the local constabulary and they escort you off with a warning that if you show up again, you will be arrested and charged with trespassing.
This applies. Applies when and under what circumstances? It applies. Nuf said.
Do I need a reason? Nope. Reasons for this are good, but not necessary. I just need an excuse.
Me believing “yer ugly and yer mother dresses you funny” is enough to have you trespassed.
Waffle House can kick you out at any time.
BY ANY OTHER NAME
A skunk by any other name still stinks. In other words, tackle this from another direction with a different right.
You have the right to free speech. Yup.
I co-own several newspapers. I am not obligated to publish your letter to the editor. This causes immense consternation every so often.
I own real estate. I am not obligated to let you stand in my yard and share your opinions with the world at large.
Your right to free speech ends where my property begins.
My property, My rules still apply.
RIGHTS
You have rights. I have rights. Some of my rights trump your rights when on my property. Some of your rights trump mine when on your property.
Some. Not all.
You carrying a sign promoting your beliefs is one right you surrender if you are on my property. You walking onto my property with a gun is another right subject to my approval or denial.
Don't like it? See above.
SCOTUS simply got this one wrong.
