If Chicago were serious about bringing its violent crime problem under control, it would recognize the constitutional right of residents to use firearms to protect themselves.

The city's troubles are so extreme that a pair of state lawmakers are calling on a fellow Democrat, Gov. Pat Quinn, to deploy the National Guard to help restore calm. The latest figures show that Chicago had racked up 122 homicides for the year, exceeding the 116 killings over the comparable period in 2009, a very bad year. Among the top 10 U.S. cities, Chicago is within shooting distance of advancing from second place to win the dubious distinction of being the U.S. murder capital. It's no coincidence that the Windy City is already the U.S. gun-control capital.

Read the rest of this editorial at The Washington Times.
 

With the U.S. Supreme Court about to decide what may be the Court’s most important decision ever regarding the Second Amendment, one of the world’s leading experts on gun control, John Lott, will highlight a dinner May 27 in downtown Chicago from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

John Lott, Ph.D., whose new edition of the 1998 landmark “More Guns, Less Crime” is due from the University of Chicago Press later this month, will address a special dinner sponsored by The Heartland Institute, the Chicago Federalist Society, and the Lincoln Legal Foundation at Petterino’s restaurant, 150 North Dearborn, Chicago.

Dr. Lott will make his presentation as the homicide rate in Chicago soared in recent months, and the city and state are grappling with how best to respond.

“For some reason Mayor Daley isn’t learning from his past mistakes,” Dr. Lott said. “Will Mayor Daley notice that DC’s murder rate fell by 25 percent after the Supreme Court struck down its handgun ban and gunlock requirement?”

Despite 12 years of attacks by gun-control advocates, Dr. Lott’s data-based conclusion remains intact: More guns mean less crime. Comparing crime statistics and right-to-carry laws, Dr. Lott challenges liberal assertions about the relationship between guns, crime, and violence.

Other legal experts also are expected to present at the dinner. Their names will be announced as they confirm their participation.

Price of the sit-down dinner is $45, including taxes and gratuity, at Petterino’s, 150 North Dearborn (enter on Randolph Street side). Valet parking is available for $10.

Make your reservation by calling Tonya Houston at (312) 377-4000.

This event is also posted at The Heartland Institute.