What do epidemiologist Martin Kulldorff and the National Rifle Association have in common? More than is first apparent. Both advocate for views unpopular with left-wing politicians, a “herd immunity” approach to COVID-19 in the doctor’s case and gun ownership in the NRA’s.
Because of their views, both had their dealings with third parties curtailed by government threats. Both responded by filing cases that were argued before the Supreme Court on the same day. And both asked the high court to hold that the government’s ability to speak doesn’t vest it with power to suppress disfavored views.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court decided one of those cases, National Rifle Association v. Vullo, less than two months after it was argued. In a surprise to many, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the unanimous opinion ruling in the NRA’s favor.
Although the case involved…
