USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- All too often the anti-gun left in America says that the 2nd amendment does not say what it means. They say “regulated” means to be controlled by the Government that the National Guard is the militia. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
So – How did George Washing describe the militia?
“…. Men just dragged from the tender Scenes of domestic life; unaccustomed to the din of Arms; totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which being followed by a want of confidence in themselves, when opposed to Troops regularly trained, disciplined, and appointed, superior in knowledge and superior in Arms, makes them timid, and ready to fly from their own shadows … ~ (Weatherup, Roy G.: Standing Armies and the Armed Citizens: An Historical Analysis of the Second Amendment. Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly (Fall 1975), 973)”
Hmmm… It doesn’t sound like the National Guard now does it? Ok, so it DOES seem like the French Army though. The definition of the militia from the 18th century is all able-bodied citizens between the ages of 17 and 45.
Regulated – does not mean controlled, it is about military operations being drilled and prepared.
Or we could again read a quote from George Washington:
“The distinction between a well-regulated army and a mob is the good order and discipline of the first, and the licentious and disorderly behavior of the latter.”
Hummmm… sure seem to meet the definition of drilled and prepared.
So if we translate the ORIGINAL writing of the 2nd Amendment with modern words that match the intent of the founders we get this.
“Having a population capable of using and operating firearms is necessary for the security of the free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
So the 2nd amendment means what it says if you don’t play word games with it.
To illustrate it further let’s replace the word arms with books. Please consider the following:
“A well EDUCATED populace being necessary for the security of the free state, the right of the people to keep and read books shall not be infringed.”
Ohhhh… Some books are too dangerous for you to own, we must ban them. (I’m sure Facebook would agree!) We should ban ALL books so that you only learn what the elite want you to know. While the left may now agree there is a lot of correlation here, one you should pay attention too when you see how your rights are being affected.
In 1850 you could give a slave a gun to hunt for food if you taught a slave to read you would be hung. Knowledge and free speech have always been the real source of power.
As for “The People.” The same men who wrote the 2nd amendment also wrote all the other amendments. So, if “The People” in one amendment refers to only those in the military does that mean that only those who have served have the right to free speech?. As a kid, we all read Starship Trooper or saw the movie. “Services guarantees citizenship,” is an honest alternative to the Constitution depending on how you describe “The People.” I don’t think the meaning of “The people” has changed or is all that hard to understand.
So just for the fun of it, the following link shows several words whose meaning has changed over time. You might be surprised at what you read.
The 2nd Amendment means what it says; you have the natural right to own a firearm despite what they want you to believe.
About Don McDougall
Don McDougall is an NRA instructor and member of the Los Padres “Friends of the NRA” committee. If he’s not at the range, you will find him setting the record straight with on gun issues and gun safety on AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.
Author: Mark Zanghetti Comment: “A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state ? [well yes, therefore] “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” This is the cleanest explanation of the Second Amendment that I have seen in a very long time. Can I steal this and use it elsewhere? I agree with it 110% ! Be my guest, I’d like to see 300 million people use it. Here is some more you might find useful. Posted on Ammoland Jim Macklin says: November 9, 2018 at 9:23 AM Why… Read more »
@Gwyn Fish Excuse me, I don’t understand what you are trying to say.
“A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state ? [well yes, therefore]
“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”
This is the cleanest explanation of the Second Amendment that I have seen in a very long time. Can I steal this and use it elsewhere? I agree with it 110% !
Watch what happens in Colorado now that the left holds all three branches of government in this State.
Iam a CO native that can remember when you could mail order a gun, my grandfather had a tavern and traded guns for bar tabs,the wall behind the bar had hand guns from top to bottom
No background checks no questions asked.
Now we have a gay governor elec and transplants pouring in for each cost with their liberal mindset, I am afraid we have lost are one great state of Colorado.
Oldmarine >>> All Law Of The Land The general misconception is that any statute passed by legistrators beraring the appearance of Law constititues the law of the land. The U>S> Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and any statute, to be valid, must be in agreement. It is impossible for a law which violates the Constitution to beto be valid.This is succinctly atated as follows; “All laws wich are repugnant to theConstitution are null and void. ” Marbury vs.Madison, 5 US ( 2 Cranch ) 137,174, 176, ( 1803 ) Do not violate the Constitution or you will… Read more »
The Second Amendment was written thirteen years after Concord and Lexington. The lessons learned by the Founders and the Minutemen was that a militia controlled by the government was no protection for the freedom from a tyrant. Patrick Henry objected that the Militia controlled by Congress was inadequate to protect freedom. The militia in the Constitution of 1787 was armed by the Congress. Objections and refusals to ratify the Constitution resulted in the Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment was written to guarantee that the people would always have their private military arms safe from confiscation, The people pushing gun… Read more »
@Dubi McDougall, Enjoyable article, sir. I also enjoyed your article in the January issue of Guns magazine.
This is why the power to define is the greatest power humans can possess. For good or ill.
Read “Robert Mueller: Errand Boy For The New World Order!” By John Malkivich
Gun control or so called common sense gun laws are only the beginning of total elimination of Constitutional rights here in America.. Government could care less about children, safety or anything else (EXEPT) controlling the masses to inforce their agenda.$$$ It’s all about power and money… That’s it.. And they will use anything or any… race, age or gender makes no difference.. Keeping Citizens confused, angry or scared are the tools.. Don’t let them use these on you.. Be strong.. Think for yourself.. Use anything and everything to keep yourself and your families safe and don’t let anyone tell you… Read more »