Over the past two weeks, I have been trying to square my own personal views on gun possession--both viscerally and legally--with the glut of illegal handguns that seem to be committing the majority of violence in this City. While I believe firmly believe in the Second Ammendment, my conclusion has largely been that we cannot continue to turn a blind eye to gun violence for fear of retribution from the NRA. I am a gunowner, but I believe a lot of what the NRA says to be outright advocacy for gun manufacturers, and for that reason, am not a member.

This is why I thought taxation of handguns, similar to cigarettes was such a good idea. However, I understand that the majority of illegal sales would not be affected. Enter today's Daily News opinion section.

As many are aware, and as has been well documented by Phillyskyline.com, the National Park Service plans on erecting a $2 million eyesore in Independence Mall in the name of protecting “our National Treasures from terrorist attacks.” This is part of a large scale effort by the Bush administration to buttress our beloved icons of freedom with forbidding security measures in order to convey a hands off message to all potential terrorists.

For those who have not yet heard, the current plan bisects Independence Mall with a seven foot high wrought iron fence, currently replacing the double bike racks along the back of Independence Hall. In addition, all visitors of the building, as well as the Liberty Bell next door will be screened with metal detectors.

The overwhelming reaction by communities and community leaders has been justified outrage. In addition, Mayor Street, Rep. Fattah, Senator Specter, and Governor Rendell have all been on record admonishing the Dept of Homeland Security for placing a barrier where its not wanted, and more importantly, where one is not needed.

One of my favorite aspects of our city is how it can provide us with a microcosm for issues in play on the national stage. This is not a diatribe against commodifying our icons as symbols, or an attack on the Bush administration. Those are arguments on different sites. This is rather an observation about the local reaction to the culture of fear.