Publius, I understand what you are saying, but consider what would have happened if we had lost. Suppose the majority opinion held that the 2d Amendment only protects a right to keep and bear arms in connection with military service. The door would have been opened to allow the gun-grabbers literally to ban private firearm ownership, period. No militia, no gun. The vote of ONE Supreme Court justice kept this from happening. True, it is possible to amend the Constitution, but that process is very difficult. Also, the Supreme Court only rarely reverses itself.
On the other hand, we have a presidential election coming up. It looks like the next president will get to nominate one, or maybe two, SC justices. McCain, for all his drawbacks, would almost certainly appoint pro-2d-Amendment justices. Wouldn't you feel much more confident in that situation?
Anyway, this has been an enjoyable debate--thank you. (There's something perfect about discussing a Constitutional issue with someone who calls himself "Publius".) Getting back to the thread, I encourage everyone to join the NRA and/or some other pro-gun group and help take advantage of this big shot in the arm we've all gotten.
Tim