Constitutional 'rights' and felons

[Rainier42]

The following issue was brought up on a State firearms related site that I frequent:

I got into a 'theory' discussion with a family member, and the topic of constitutional rights came up. We both were wondering if a felon has done his/her time, why are only _some_ of their constitutional rights restored? For example, free speech seems to be restored, but RKBA is not (or is it? Doesn't _seem_ to be so). In any event, why would the 2nd NOT be restored (politically incorrect as it may sound)? If the 'rights' are selectively restored, shouldn't rights be an all or nothing proposition, if the system deems someone has done their time?

What are your thoughts on this?

[The Rifleman]

I agree that if someone has been punished their rights should be restored (that is if the system has worked properly).  Otherwise they are still being punished by not having their constitutional rights. I can see that some such as serial murderers/rapist shouldn't have their rights restored, but then again they shouldn't be free any how.  I believe Florida several years back passed a law giving ex-felons their rights back, but not sure what all it entails.

[chiuszeto]

No less distorted then the minimum drinking age situation... At 18, you can vote, you can serve or be forced to serve (when the draft is enabled), but you cannot have a drink... Go figure...

Oh, technically at the Federal level, you're not suppose to be able to own a pistol either...

My wild guess is that too many of our laws and government overall has been twisted into serving special interests (a.k.a corporations), instead of its original charter and intentions of the people (general public).

[armoredman]

For many years, rights restoral was commonplace and normal. Application is done at the appropriate level, and if the ex-con qualified, boom, all back. Then some weenies in Congress noticed that ex felons were getting thier 2A rights restored, OH NO! So they defunded ATFE from that function. The process is still there, but no money for it. Other civil rights can be restored at the local/state level, but 2A is fed only.

[75Plus]

I recently read "The Founders' Second Amendment: Origins of the Right to Bear Arms". Even while the Bill of Rights was being debated it was mentioned that misuse of a firearm could cause loss of the right to "Keep and Bear".

BTW, if you haven't read that book you should!

Joe