Consequences

It has been said that one of the great gifts to mankind is "consequences." Consequences teach us and mold us. Justice Steven Breyer dissented from the majority opinion in District of Columbia v. Heller, the case that confirmed what reasonable people have known for over 200 years - that the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitition protects an individuals right to keep and bear arms. Reports are that Justice Breyer was robbed by a "machete-wielding intruder" at his vacation home in the West Indies. I assume there is no constitutional right similar to the 2nd Amendment in Nevis, but perhaps Mr. Breyer may have a different opinion on the right to keep and bear arms after his ordeal. There are consequences to his votes. If one more justice had voted with him, the Supreme Court would have essentially deleted the 2nd Amendment from the Constitution. While it is unfortunate that Mr. Breyer had to go through such a harrowing ordeal, it might be a good reminder to him that our forefathers saw the need for individuals to be able to protect themselves against thugs such as the one who robbed Mr. Breyer. He should keep that in mind in the event he votes on a similar issue in the future.