Chicago City Official Found with Handgun

Unfortunately for average citizens of Chicago, the possession of handguns has basically been banned since the early 1980’s. However, if you live in the Windy City and would like to own one for personal protection or target shooting, there is an avenue available to you: Become a City Alderman!

Apparently, these Chicago officials are part of an elite ruling class that can exercise their innate and (supposedly) protected right to keep and bear arms while forbidding you to do so. I was not aware of this discriminatory and despicable policy until I read an article from The Chicago Tribune reporting on a criminal raid of Chicago Alderman Arenda Troutman that resulted in the discovery of her legal .357 revolver.

Believe it or not, but this blatant hypocrisy is not what upset me most about this story. Sam Adam Jr., Troutman’s lawyer, defended his client’s need for owning and carrying a concealed handgun:

Adam said Troutman needed protection in the economically depressed area where she lives and serves. Her home has been broken into in the past…

"She didn't go up to the North Shore to run, or to the southwest suburbs among the affluent to make things better," he said. "She's right there in the 'hood."

No kidding? She felt the need to carry a handgun for personal protection? I bet she is not the only one out of millions of Chicago residents that live in one of our nation’s most crime-ridden cities.

So… will the criminal raid affect her political future?

Troutman said Thursday the charges do not deter her from running for another term in the Feb. 27 election, but opponent Willie B. Cochran called on her to resign Friday.

I understand her hesitation about becoming a lowly commoner now that she is used to a lifestyle befitting a privileged ruler. She would be forced to relinquish her special permission to defend herself and have to try and survive like everyone else on the dangerous streets of Chicago.

Originally published here.