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That's a pretty stupid position, since it's pretty clear the 2nd amendment is saying that it's a right of "the people". The preface is to explain the reason it's a right, that is to form the Militia, which is commonly understood to consist of most able-bodied men.

If individuals aren't allowed to own and practice with weapons normally, then when it's needed the Militia will not be "well-regulated", as in well-armed or trained.

The 2nd amendment is really very important to all civil liberties, since otherwise there is nothing to stop a repressive government from taking control.




Look, you're entitled to interpret the 2nd amendment the way you do, but the fact is that it is a short bit of text and yet it includes the words "a well regulated militia." It's perfectly reasonable to believe those four words are there for a good reason. Gun rights activists choose to ignore those words. If their position deserve any respect, the one that does not ignore them evidently deserves at least as much.


Its interesting to look at my States constitution, which predates the federal constitution.

" Sect. XXI. That the right of the citizens to bear arms, in defence of themselves and the state, shall not be questioned. "


You're being obtuse; I explained why those words were there.


As far as I remember none of the other bill of rights amendments feel the need to justify themselves




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