The article centers on the recent announcement mandating Real IDs for domestic air travel, sparking significant public outcry. While the author expresses ambivalence, they highlight the selective outrage, pointing out the financial burden on poorer Americans.
A key argument presented is that those complaining about the Real ID burden for air travel should also address similar difficulties faced by gun owners, particularly in states like California and New York with stringent permit requirements. The author emphasizes that while there's no constitutional right to air travel, there is a right to bear arms, and current regulations restrict this right disproportionately.
The article argues that the government's regulation of private entities like airlines is an established practice, highlighting the contrast between the restrictions on air travel and the greater burden on exercising Second Amendment rights. It points out that obtaining a Real ID is simpler than obtaining a permit for many firearms in several states.
The piece also critiques Fred Guttenberg, a prominent gun control advocate, for his remarks on the issue, highlighting his apparent lack of understanding of firearm purchasing regulations, which often require similar identification.
In essence, the article uses the Real ID debate to highlight the perceived hypocrisy in the treatment of different civil liberties, arguing that the burdens on exercising the Second Amendment far outweigh those related to air travel.