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2nd ammendment use of the word "militia".
Rickstir
Member Posts: 574 ✭
I wish some of the so called experts would just relax when it comes to the use of the word militia in the 2nd ammendment. Let's look at it in the context in which the amendment was conceived.
There was a long, 7 years I think, war just concluded. The only thing that kept this country going in the early days of the conflict was the minutemen. Every day folk. Who answered the call. This war was waged against a government controlled army. And eventually the United States funded an Army. But it was the common folk who carried us through. They never forgot the power of that rifle hanging over the fireplace in so many homes.
Now our forefathers sit down to write the Constitution. Having just gone through this calamity, but remembering what kept them strong...the fact that the people themselves were armed. When our founders use the word "militia" it meant themselves. Plain and simple. The last thing they would profess would be the need for another government sponsored army. We already had one. The Continental Army, which they couldn't afford and would be downsized. The words pertain to the citizens right to keep and bare arms. To be at the ready to defend themselves and their homes. They didn't have the foggest notion about the meaning of a "national guard". I would not have wanted to go to these patriots and tell them to turn in their guns. I don't remember the government establishing a guard to live up the committment of the Constitution back in the 1700's. I don't think I have ever read of "buy back" of weapons back then either. The reason is, the 2nd ammendment was written for the people. The Constitution does not start off with "WE THE PEOPLE" for nothing.
[sound of me stepping off the soapbox]
Like in the NFL, defense is the key.
There was a long, 7 years I think, war just concluded. The only thing that kept this country going in the early days of the conflict was the minutemen. Every day folk. Who answered the call. This war was waged against a government controlled army. And eventually the United States funded an Army. But it was the common folk who carried us through. They never forgot the power of that rifle hanging over the fireplace in so many homes.
Now our forefathers sit down to write the Constitution. Having just gone through this calamity, but remembering what kept them strong...the fact that the people themselves were armed. When our founders use the word "militia" it meant themselves. Plain and simple. The last thing they would profess would be the need for another government sponsored army. We already had one. The Continental Army, which they couldn't afford and would be downsized. The words pertain to the citizens right to keep and bare arms. To be at the ready to defend themselves and their homes. They didn't have the foggest notion about the meaning of a "national guard". I would not have wanted to go to these patriots and tell them to turn in their guns. I don't remember the government establishing a guard to live up the committment of the Constitution back in the 1700's. I don't think I have ever read of "buy back" of weapons back then either. The reason is, the 2nd ammendment was written for the people. The Constitution does not start off with "WE THE PEOPLE" for nothing.
[sound of me stepping off the soapbox]
Like in the NFL, defense is the key.
Comments
The Right To Keep And Bear Arms is not only to protect ourselves from Foriegn Governments but to also protect us from our Own Government getting to strong and not respecting the rights of the People.
And as Citizens we have done a terrible job of it, mostly by not voting and not letting our representitives know what we want.
Instead, small self-serving groups have made their voice heard above those who disagree and kept Silent.
Thats why we have lost some of the rights we once had.
Just a small note. I have voted in every election since becoming of age.
I should have posted this somewhere else, it really has nothing to do with the original post. I just got to thinking what has happened between now and then. All of a sudden my finger started typing.
Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
Edited by - RugerNiner on 05/09/2002 17:26:04
NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
Mudge the appreciative
I can't come to work today. The voices said, STAY HOME AND CLEAN THE GUNS!
Keep the barrels hot, it's our right.
~Secret Select Society Of Suave Stylish Smoking Jackets~
Pack slow, fall stable, pull high, hit dead center.
Makes one wonder what rock the people calling the guard the militia came from under.
The second admendment GUARANTEES the other nine and the Constitution!
Militia my *...
Stand And Be Counted
- Life NRA Member
If dishonorable men shoot unarmed men with army guns, the evil must be prevented by the penitentiary and not by general deprivation of constitutional privilege." - Arkansas Supreme Court, 1878
Remember here at DeeDee"s If we can't kill it, it's immortal
D.D.Snavely
(b) The classes of the militia are -
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard
and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of
the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the
Naval Militia.
Other than age, health, gender, or citizenship, there are no additional provisions for exemption from membership in the unorganized militia.
While it is doubtful that it will ever be called to duty, the United States civilian militia does legally exist.
Remember here at DeeDee"s If we can't kill it, it's immortal
D.D.Snavely