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In reply to the discussion: The 2nd Amendment was not put in place to protect against tyrannical gov't. [View all]jmg257
(11,996 posts)49. I used to think that, just not so much any more.
Last edited Fri Jan 4, 2013, 11:54 PM - Edit history (5)
From the Declaration of Independence:"That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States..."
Article of Confederation
"Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence..."
"...every State shall always keep up a well-regulated and disciplined militia..."
Constitution:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State..."
"The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and ...against domestic Violence."
The colonial States were VERY important entities like independent nations and countries, which were, in order to create a stronger Union, now giving up vast amounts of power & independence to a new federal govt, including alot of control over their military.
But a free State was a free country, a land of liberty and free of depotism. And in free states, a well regulated well armed Militia was vital to avoid oppression & tyranny.
In order to better secure the State Militias AND the rights of the people from federal usurpation, the FF specifically declared how important the Militias were to a free state/country (necessary), to build on what the Militias would be securing (freedom - a republican form of govt was guaranteed), and for whom - in this case the people of each State and the State of The United States of America (a new Republic).
edit emphasis added on State phrases
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The 2nd Amendment was not put in place to protect against tyrannical gov't. [View all]
IWelcome TheirHatred
Jan 2013
OP
You're trying to broaden a term that was well understood & defined as a govt entity.
jmg257
Jan 2013
#17
Well see, now you are making different point. And one I have not argued against.
jmg257
Jan 2013
#20
"Free state" wasn't part of the bill of rights at that point, it didn't exist yet.
jmg257
Jan 2013
#35
And your collection of pea shooters is gonna stop the 82nd Airborne?
IWelcome TheirHatred
Jan 2013
#60
You are making a claim about what the original purpose of the second amendment was.
Vattel
Jan 2013
#4
Yes it was. The entire Bill of Rights protects citizens from our government.
banned from Kos
Jan 2013
#6
Great point. The whole notion of Militias of the several States was obsoleted by the
jmg257
Jan 2013
#11
Does it really matter what the "original intent" was? Shouldn't we focus on ...
GodlessBiker
Jan 2013
#12
Interesting, but can we address how the Lanza and 27 dead kiddies and educators situation
libdem4life
Jan 2013
#46
Militia's were for external threats - elections for internal threats. nt
Old and In the Way
Jan 2013
#57
"The state" includes towns, neighborhoods, households, families, and individuals
slackmaster
Jan 2013
#58
with your definition of what constitutes the "security of a free state"
IWelcome TheirHatred
Jan 2013
#59
I don't understand why people think that their guns would protect them from a tyrannical government.
catpuke9000
Jan 2013
#67