This #podcast episode is a fascinating look at how the Second Amendment went from being a relatively sleepy amendment to rocking our politics today. I was surprised to learn that a pivotal point in the “gun rights storyline” occurred in the 1960’s when Black Panthers took up arms as an individual right, showing up armed at the California Legislature. The response to that was both surprising and not.
Then, the NRA did a pivot in the 1970’s, changing from an organization largely focused on teaching gun skills, to one focused on lobbying efforts, with individual gun ownership rights a core tenet.
The most recent kicker is the 2008 Supreme Court Heller decision stating ownership is an individual right (versus strictly a “militia” right). The individual ownership right was decided, but it also said the right is not unlimited and gun ownership could be regulated.
More Perfect is a great show highlighting interesting and important Supreme Court cases. Created by Radio Lab’s Jad Abumrad, it’s a unique look at an important governmental body that makes decisions affecting our lives.
- Podcast Link: More Perfect
- Episode Link: The Gun Show
- Host: Jad Abumrad
- Date: 10/11/17
- Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
More Perfect is “a series about how the Supreme Court got so supreme.”
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