The American Spectator

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p> RIGHTS AND WRONGS br> Re: Lisa Fabrizio's Rudy Redux : /p>

Ms. Fabrizio's argument that originalists cannot condone any restriction of the liberties listed in the Bill of Rights is mistaken. Prohibitions against public profanity are still in force in many states. This manner of speech is certainly abridged contrary to the First Amendment. A "Fabrizio" originalist (and the ACLU) would hold the right to profanity to be guaranteed. James Madison and George Mason would probably disagree with this interpretation.

The Second Amendment does contain the word "regulated." Unfortunately this opens the door to restriction, some reasonable, many not. Most people agree (NRA included) the prohibition against convicted felons possessing firearms is a reasonable regulation for a militia to follow. Other reasonable prohibitions for firearms possession are illegal aliens, fugitives, and drug addicts. The Brady Bill was a counterproductive regulation that defies the phrase "well regulated" and should have been ruled unconstitutional on those grounds. The good news was originalist Supreme Court Justices Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas eventually ruled part of this bill unconstitutional on Tenth Amendment issues and it has since expired on it own accord. The Brady Bill did not affect the decline in crime rates in New York and I attribute the decline to Rudy Giuliani's tenacity in fighting crime. He was mistaken to support it.

When Rudy Giuliani ran for mayor he promised to reduce crime and taxes in New York City. He did both. His track record for keeping campaign promises (AKA "his say-so") provides a sound foundation when he promises to appoint originalist judges. When he sticks to his campaign promises to send more originalist judges to the courts, then we can rely on the judiciary to correct the occasional lapses of judgment like supporting Brady.

The media currently love Mr. Giuliani because his views are contrary to their perception of the Republican Party. He did not enjoy their love prior to 9/11. His law enforcement efforts were often described as Fascist, a favorite media insult of all good Republicans. If elected, someone should set up a pool to see how long it takes the New York Times to refer to him as Fascist again.

If the media were as clever as Ms. Fabrizio believes they are, they would be supporting John McCain. He is despised by almost every conservative I know (Phil Gramm being the lone exception.) His nomination would truly divide the party. While many of us disagree with Mr. Giuliani on certain issues, he is not despised.

p>The first primary is almost a year away. It is too soon to award the nomination to anyone, especially this year. Finally, those words (President Clinton) are a recurring nightmare and should be an issue to be considered, among others, when selecting a nominee. br> -- Donald Parnell br> London, United Kingdom

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Taxes, Education, John McCain, Religion, Constitution, Law, Supreme Court, Iraq, NATO