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In a recent address to the audience at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito emphasized the burgeoning threats to the First Amendment—our cherished right to free speech. This discourse, though focused on the First Amendment, resonates profoundly with another fundamental cornerstone of American liberty: the Second Amendment.

As an advocate for constitutional rights and a firm believer in the sanctity of the Bill of Rights, I find Justice Alito’s insights particularly alarming and a call to vigilance for all supporters of the Second Amendment. The crux of his warning lies in the growing disdain for free speech, especially in academic circles, which traditionally have been bastions of free expression.

This decline is not just an academic issue but a beacon of what could transpire with our right to bear arms if we’re not careful.

Much like its First Amendment counterpart, the Second Amendment protects individual liberties against government overreach. Historically, courts have attempted to apply various levels of scrutiny—strict, intermediate, and rational basis—to determine if the government’s need to regulate a right is justified enough to override constitutional protections. This method, however, poses a significant risk as it essentially allows courts the leeway to determine which rights can be diluted in favor of governmental interests.

Let’s break this down: if the First Amendment can be circumvented under the guise of protecting public interest, what stops the government from doing the same with the Second Amendment? The answer is nothing but our vigilance and insistence on strict adherence to constitutional texts.

Justice Alito’s speech sheds light on a critical issue: the manipulation of judicial standards like ‘tiers of scrutiny’ to potentially weaken our rights.

The recent movements against free speech are indicative of a broader trend that could affect all rights, including our right to keep and bear arms. It’s essential to recognize that any erosion of these rights, whether through judicial activism or legislative overreach, is an erosion of the very foundations of American democracy.

As Second Amendment advocates, our duty extends beyond protecting just the right to bear arms. We must uphold all constitutional rights with the utmost respect and precision. This starts with understanding the interconnectedness of these rights. The erosion of one right invariably weakens others.

Today, it is the First Amendment under siege; tomorrow, it could very well be the Second.

So what is the Take Away?

Justice Alito’s warnings are not just about the present but a foresight into what could become a broader dismantling of constitutional safeguards. As proud and informed citizens, we must stand vigilant against any efforts that undermine our rights. The battle for the Second Amendment is not just about guns—it’s about maintaining the integrity of our entire Bill of Rights. Let us heed Justice Alito’s cautionary tale and reaffirm our commitment to defending the liberties enshrined in our Constitution.

I urge you to engage, discuss, and educate others about the importance of every amendment and the role they play in safeguarding our freedoms. Remember, the strength of our rights lies in our understanding and our unwavering resolve to protect them.

Thank you to Mark Smith at The Four Boxes Diner for highlighting this concerning speech by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.

About Tred Law

Tred Law is your everyday patriot with a deep love for this country and a no-compromise approach to the Second Amendment. He does not write articles for Ammoland every week, but when he does write, it is usually about liberals Fing with his right to keep and bear arms.