Can somebody parse the 2nd Amendment for me, please?

[LAK]

Hugh

Yes, but a political right must be related to our form of government

It is; and is spelled out in the Virginia Constitution as quoted.

As far as the CCW aspect is concerned, I see that as a limitation. It amounts to an infringement of that portion of the right, to bear arms.

 

[billstclair]

I like L. Neil Smith's interpretation, enough to have made it my signature line here:

The Atlanta Declaration: Every man, woman, and responsible child has an unalienable individual, civil, Constitutional, and human right to obtain, own, and carry, openly or concealed, any weapon -- rifle, shotgun, handgun, machinegun, anything -- any time, any place, without asking anyone's permission. -- L. Neil Smith

And, from the smith2004-discuss Yahoo list:

Reread that pesky first clause of the Second Amendment. It doesn't say what any of us thought it said. What it says is that infringing the right of the people to keep and bears arms is treason. What else do you call an act that endangers "the security of a free state"? And if it's treason, then it's punishable by death.

I suggest due process, speedy trials, and public hangings.

-- L. Neil Smith