Tick (Gun Control Laws) (Viewpoint Essay‪)‬

What's that ticking sound? It's the clock on restrictive gun control--at least in its most absurd forms--ticking away the time that it has left. I've tried very hard not to get too overly optimistic, even after D. C. v. Heller (2008), but some of what is happening in the courts just leaves me utterly thrilled. The case that has me giddy with excitement is Peruta v. County of San Diego, currently under way in federal court in California. For those of you who are fortunate enough to live in most of the United States, let me explain that in California, if you apply for a concealed weapon permit, even if you have a completely spotless history, and good reason to carry a gun, there is no requirement that the sheriff issue you a permit. The sheriff has nearly unlimited discretion as to whether to issue you a permit--and generally, if you live in one of the California counties where carrying a gun for self-defense might be a good idea, there is little chance that you will get a permit.