PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - WTH is wrong with some people??? Shooting at CT Elementary School

elchivito · #2 12-21-2012, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I don't think militia refers to anyone and everyone in this case. They specifically said "well regulated." If you and I grab out pitchforks and march into town a militia we might be but well regulated we are not.

If you look at the actual text itself from the Constitution

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/18/SecondAmendentoftheUnitedStatesConstitution.jpg

The S is clearly capitalized. I don't believe they were referring to the state of being free/freedom but a State (i.e Ohio, New York).

My history is a bit weak but was not one of the big issues back in the date States government vs Central?

This is well stated and it's those first four words of the amendment that gives everyone fits and because it's separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma leaves it open to broad interpretation. Through history the courts seem to have thought that it means "everybody", as the 2A fanatics would have us believe.
On the other hand, reading The Militia Acts of 1792, it's clearly spelled out what was meant by the term "militia". Adult male citizens were required to own a military compatible musket and accessories and to train with it twice a year in organized military maneuvers. They were expected to be able to perform the drill spelled out in the document and be ready for call up by their states when necessary, not just come running willy-nilly with their shotguns. States were required to pay their costs.
The Federalist Papers pretty well spell out the fact that "well regulated" means well "trained".
Continuing that line of thinking, during the time of active militias I'm quite sure that if individuals were subject to call-up, essentially a state DRAFT, authorities knew very well WHO had arms and WHAT arms they possessed. GUN REGISTRATION, THE HORRORS!