"Recognizing that a well regulated militia is neccessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".
Most anti-second amendment advocates refer to the first half of the clause, saying it only applies to militias. They are exactly correct, but not in the way thay think they are. What is a militia? At the time of the constitutions writing there were no security forces such as the police angecies we recognize today. Internal security was carried out by the militias of the various states and counties.
So what is a well regulated militia (internal security force)? A well regulated militia would have thier authority held in check. There would be controls in place to ensure thier behavior was well within contitutional norms and that they did not be come a law onto themselves.
So why do the people need to be armed? Because an armed force is only regulated for as long as they choose to be regulated. And the only thing that can truely contain an armed force is another armed force. Once a militia / security force choose to follow their own path (or that of a currupt leader) ,instead of thier duty to guard and obey the constitution, there is no way for an unarmed populace to stop them. Just because it has never happened here, does not mean it can't happen here. Most of our soldiers and policemen are dedicated public servants who whould never let thier loyalty to one official or party come between them and thier oath to protect and defend the constitution. Let's hope it stays that way. But giving up the freedom enumerated in the 2nd amendment would seem couter to that goal.
Most anti-second amendment advocates refer to the first half of the clause, saying it only applies to militias. They are exactly correct, but not in the way thay think they are. What is a militia? At the time of the constitutions writing there were no security forces such as the police angecies we recognize today. Internal security was carried out by the militias of the various states and counties.
So what is a well regulated militia (internal security force)? A well regulated militia would have thier authority held in check. There would be controls in place to ensure thier behavior was well within contitutional norms and that they did not be come a law onto themselves.
So why do the people need to be armed? Because an armed force is only regulated for as long as they choose to be regulated. And the only thing that can truely contain an armed force is another armed force. Once a militia / security force choose to follow their own path (or that of a currupt leader) ,instead of thier duty to guard and obey the constitution, there is no way for an unarmed populace to stop them. Just because it has never happened here, does not mean it can't happen here. Most of our soldiers and policemen are dedicated public servants who whould never let thier loyalty to one official or party come between them and thier oath to protect and defend the constitution. Let's hope it stays that way. But giving up the freedom enumerated in the 2nd amendment would seem couter to that goal.