The 2nd Amendment is now safe, even in emergencies

With the passage of H.R. 5013, the "Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act of 2006", Congress has affirmed that Constitutional rights are not conditional, and not subject to suspension upon declaration of a disaster. Makes sense, really, when one looks at the definition of the word "unalienable." It makes sense for more reasons than that, of course. The chaos and anarchy inherent to the immediate aftermath of a major disaster can make the possession of firearms the difference between life and death for law-abiding citizens.

Another concern is the possibility that officials could get a little loose with the definition of "disaster." Is it inconceivable that a governor with a rabidly anti-gun agenda could declare that an "epidemic of gun violence" constitutes a disaster? Unlikely, sure--but not inconceivable. If the confiscations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina had gone unchallenged (or unsuccessfully challenged) I have little difficulty envisioning a gun-hating governor looking for the opportunity to implement his or her own "emergency" confiscations.

It's unfortunate that the 2nd Amendment needs this protection, but since it clearly does, Congress has taken an important step in making Americans, and liberty, safer. Now all that remains is for President Bush to follow the lead of Congress, and to sign this essential bill into law.