2nd Amendment

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.

Folks, there has been a lot of hoopla, teeth gnashing, hand wringing, and fist shaking going on regarding exactly what the Founding Fathers meant when they drafted the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution.

Here's my take on it:

At the drafting of the Constitution, this Nation was still a very young colony.  A "well regulated militia" was required to protect the settlements from not only invading forces, (ie: Native Americans, British Army regulars, Government soldiers, etc) but also the frequent marauding bear or other dangerous critters.  If my history lessons are correct, the militia was made up of respected law abiding citizens who lived and worked in the surrounding area.  They were expected to respond immediately when the cry for assistance went out.

You can argue the "militia" phrase should be interpreted to mean only government agencies (ie: military and police) should possess firearms.  Keep in mind a militia in those days was comprised of the average citizens living and working in the local villages and towns.  They were most certainly NOT "government agents".

I think the Fathers put that amendment there for a very specific reason.  It's there in case the Government ever tries to ignore the other Amendments!

Why do I carry a firearm?  Because a whole cop would be too heavy.....