Earlier this week, the 31st Circuit Court of Milwaukee County took a huge step in the direction of giving Wisconsinites their much-deserved right to carry a concealed weapon. As the story goes, pizza delivery driver Andres Vegas from the Milwaukee area was mugged and beaten on four separate occasions while on his delivery route. After the first time, Mr. Vegas decided to carry a weapon. It's a good thing he did because the second time he was threatened at gunpoint. He shot one of his assailants — not lethally, mind you — and lived. He was not charged with carrying a concealed weapon because he acted in self-defense, but nevertheless had his gun confiscated and never returned. Less than two months later, Vegas was accosted again and severely beaten by three aggressors; this time he did not have a weapon because he was acting in compliance with the courts. Needless to say, Vegas went out and purchased another firearm. He was forced to shoot in self-defense again a few months later when he was again attacked at gunpoint on his delivery route. Once he had shot his attacker in the hip, he called 911 and waited. This time, it was determined that Mr. Vegas was acting in self-defense but he was charged with carrying a concealed weapon in the time leading up to the attack. Even though this charge was brought forward by the district attorney's office, the court has ruled in favor of Mr. Vegas, saying: "Defendant Vegas has demonstrated the requisite extraordinary circumstances that warrant his concealed weapon … Vegas legally purchased his firearm for the purpose of security and protection. There is a strong inference that Vegas' concealed firearm has saved his life during these violent assaults … Vegas has a substantial interest in being secure and protecting himself by carrying a concealed weapon." So if Mr. Vegas can carry a concealed weapon to protect himself, why can't I? The reason should be because I haven't yet reached the age of 21 and, therefore, am not legally allowed to own a handgun. However, that's not the case. Even in a few short months when I get a gun for my 21st birthday (hint to my daddy) I won't be able to carry it with me for the purpose of protection. Why? Because Gov. Jim Doyle says so. Apparently, in the state of Wisconsin, you're only allowed to protect yourself if you've already been severely attacked and lived through the situation. But doesn't our Constitution say in Article 1, Section 25,