On a college budget, it’s difficult to read a newspaper other than the Metro (which, by the way, scared me today by being delievered folded in half, perhaps to de-emphasize the half-page ad on the front page).

But maybe I should begin rethinking my frugal ways and pick up a copy of the Daily News every now and then, mostly for Jill Porter’s or Dan Gross’ column. Maybe the occasional Inquirer will do for either Michael Klein or Karen Heller.

But back to the meat of this entry: Jill Porter suggests purchasing a gun following the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding a civilian’s right to own one. After all, owning a gun will boost the economy for everyone from a hospital nurse treating the wounded to a funeral director burying the dead.

Regardless of your political affiliation, if you are living or have lived in the City of Philadelphia – particularly in the last two to three years – gun control should be on your mind, especially in light of the 5-4 decision. Lancaster folks don’t see the need for restrictions on guns. Nor do many people who primarily use guns (other than your typical handheld revolver) for hunting and gaming.

But, let’s follow Porter’s advice. It seems like a nice way to do business for the government.

When I’m out until past midnight, I typically enjoy taking the Night Owl SEPTA bus from Temple to my Center City apartment.  So, I was upset last night when the subway was still open when it was time for me to go home.

After an extended stop at Girard Station around 12:10 a.m., two Philadelphia Police officers escorted a man off the subway and took him into custody.

The smart bastard made a run for it, jumping into the subway ditch and running.  Many people in the subway cars watched and screamed – some cheering, some scared – when all of a sudden, we heard a gunshot too close for comfort.  The infamous, accented woman said “Doors Closing” as the subway immediately continued on its way.

We, the unassuming subway passengers, were left to assume the Philadelphia Police got their man.

Stupid criminals (possibly a redundant phrase) amaze me.  I thought for the rest of my subway ride just how insane this suspect had to be.  Where are you going to run in a subway?  Options are pretty slim – less than the chances of escaping.

We’re in Philadelphia – a city where cops are on edge and citizens should be wary.  You do something majorly wrong, odds are you’re going to get caught.

But maybe that’s just my naivety.  If only people thought so simplistically…