Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions

“Should We Publish Gun Owner’s Names and Addresses?”

The Journal News, a New York newspaper, published the names and addresses of people with gun permits in Westchester and Rockland counties. It featured an interactive map where citizens could find the exact location of gun owners. Information was acquired by accessing public records.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified December 17, 1791, with the other nine amendments that make up the Bill of Rights. It has very concise wording, and its exact meaning remains in contention today.

United States Constitution, Second Amendment – Bearing Arms

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Directions

1. Review The Huffington Post – Several news items on Journal News Gun Maphttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/journal-news-gun-map/
2. Review a few of the follow up articles:
   • New York Senator Greg Ball: Journal News Gun Map ‘A Public Safety Nightmare’ (Video)
     http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/07/greg-ball-journal-news-gun-map_n_2424784.html
   • New York Newspaper that “Outed” Gun Owners Hires Armed Guards, by NBC News and Reuters
     http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/02/16305432-ny-newspaper-that-outed-gun-owners-hires-armed-guards?lite
   • County Wants to Keep Gun Owners’ Addresses Secret for Their Safety by Adam Martin, Daily Intelligencer
     http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/01/county-wants-gun-owners-kept-secret-for-safety.html
   • Review legal opinion on the meaning of the Second Amendment – Right to Bear Arms:
     • Find Law for Legal Professionals
       http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment02/
     • Legal Information Institute, Cornell School of Law
       http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/second_amendment

     Questions: Post your thoughts on a newspaper’s decision to publish the names and addresses of gun owners to the Discussion Forum Should We Publish Gun Owner’s Names and Addresses? Do citizens have a right to know if neighbors own guns as well as their names and addresses, or do you think they’re entitled to own weapons without being publicized? Your post must be substantive.