quote:
I think it's to do with whether the constitution was really talking about people bearing arms as militias to prevent evil European monarchies re-colonising the fledgeling country...
...or people bearing arms to prevent the federal U.S. government from straying too far from its proper role. The Antifederalists (who gave us the Bill of Rights, including the Second Amendment) were afraid of the military and police powers of the proposed central government.
That is also my understanding. You said it better than I could - Fortunately I saw your message before posting my own.
I find it interesting how the wingnut conservatives in the U.S. constantly harp about the "original intents of the Founding Fathers"...
Just think what "arms" were back in that time. I certainly don't fear people having single shot, mussel loading pistols and rifles. Arms technology has come a long way since then.
Moose
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