The District of Columbia government on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to address only a single issue, if it agrees to hear the city’s appeal seeking to reinstate its flat ban on private possession of handguns. In a reply brief, found here, city officials contended that the only issue the Court need decide is the meaning of the Second Amendment as it applies directly to the city’s specific ban on pistols. This would involve an inquiry aimed at what the Amendment’s words mean, “construed in light of their history, purpose, and place in this Nation’s tradition.”
Amazing, the shameless contortions. I'll leave it to the legal pundits to analyze this latest tactical ploy--what strikes me is more basic: I'm sure we've all noticed how honest people posing honest arguments don't need to stoop to arcane and obscure twists and maneuvers to make their case. The DC government brought this fight upon themselves, and now they want to tie their opponent's hands.
If the District were an individual, what do you think that would say about his character?
[Via Paul Nelson]