My .05
While I agree that the Feds have no right to order the states to do anything, I think it really sucks that states have the ability to undermine the Constitution that my ancestors fought for. We have the right to keep and bear arms, except in California and a couple other states. Some states are just so convoluted that it's difficult, like Oregon and some like Washington only limit the type of firearm you can own. ANY regulation, prohibition, licensing and/or restrictive laws are a violation of the heart and content of the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the USA. The whole function of the military goes against what our founding fathers wanted too. It would be very nice if I could carry loaded openly or concealed anywhere in the US without having to worry about some local, county or state law that says I can't. I am (generally) a law abiding person, peaceful and can lawfully own and carry firearms. But if I go to California to visit my mom, legally I have to make myself a victim because I'm not permitted to carry there and I can't even take my side arm because it holds more than 10 rounds. If I go to visit friends in Oregon, I have to unload it and lock it all up because local laws vary so much that simply crossing the street could put me in violation.
How does "states rights" outweigh my rights when the Constitution was written to protect the individual from government? Why should I be forced to be defenseless against criminals who won't think twice (or once) in breaking the law and arming themselves? I think this is one area where the Fed does need to step in and enforce the rights enumerated in the Constitution. There does need to be some continuity between the states for the lawful carry (openly and concealed) of firearms.