General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why are the gun defenders here? [View all]jmg257
(11,996 posts)Spot on.
The 2nd was meant to ensure the existence of the state militias, made from the body of the people, and require them to be well armed and well trained.
'Keep and bear arms' refers to personal arms, effective and uniform, that the people would supply themselves and keep in their homes at the ready for militia duty....repeal invasions, insurrections, enforce the laws.
Any less capable would provide a pretext for that bane of liberty - a large standing army.
The issue in doubt comes about because obviously we, the people no longer feel the constitutional well-regulated militias are the best security - we have the NG and a huge MIC.
So what to do when that primary intent is a bit obsolete, & the scope of the security it provides is so often questionable.