Column from U.S. Senator Russ Feingold Victory for Gun Owners July 18, 2008 Gun ownership and hunting are an important part of Wisconsin’s rich culture and history. Wisconsinites across our state share a strong commitment to protecting the rights of the millions of Americans who safely own firearms for sport and self-protection. Throughout my career in public service, both in the Wisconsin State Senate and the U.S. Senate, I have believed that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms. As a State Senator, I was the lead cosponsor of a state constitutional amendment to establish the right to bear arms in Wisconsin. In Congress, I have opposed measures that seek to unreasonably limit this right, including gun licensing requirements and handgun bans. That is why I was pleased by the recent Supreme Court ruling that the Second Amendment grants an individual right to own and possess firearms, regardless of whether the owner belongs to a militia, and to use that firearm in any legal manner. This decision struck down as unconstitutional the Washington, D.C. law prohibiting the sale or possession of handguns and semiautomatic weapons and limiting the possession of certain types of gun ammunition. The Supreme Court also recognized that some gun-related restrictions are reasonable and will be upheld. I believe it will be possible, following the Supreme Court’s decision, to pursue a moderate course that is faithful to the Constitution and to the realities of modern society. The decision should not prevent common-sense measures, such as ensuring that child safety locks are sold with every handgun, that do not infringe on gun-owners’ rights. This decision will be remembered as a major victory for our nation’s law-abiding gun owners. My hope is that now that the Court has made clear that there is an individual right to bear arms, the two sides of the debate will end divisive and unproductive political fights and focus on crafting laws to address gun violence while showing the proper respect for our citizens' constitutional rights.