Reply #7: A few thoughts..

[X_Digger]

Waiting periods ...- constitutional

What is the 'compelling government interest' that would be served? (If we're talking about the 'judicial scrutiny' required to rule an infringement constitutional.)

Every American citizen, ex-felon or not, should be able to legally own a gun.

Euromutt said it much better than I could-

Back in the 18th century, the standard punishment for a felony (which at the time were almost entirely mala in se, rather than mala prohibita like growing hemp or providing false information to a government official even though the government official is an undercover federal agent) was either death or banishment; either way, as a convicted felon, you ceased to be one of "the people." Along similar lines, the insane weren't considered to count as "people" either.

As for guns themselves, I tend to think there should be NO restrictions on what kind of weapon you buy. Shotgun, small pistol, machine gun, Uzi, etc....all should be permitted.

Now when it comes to what weapons you can conceal and carry (if you have a CCW) or open carry - that can be regulated and controlled.

I'm curious as to your distinction between the two. 'Keep and bear' seem to be side by side, so I'd love to know your reasoning for giving a different level of scrutiny between them.