I favour a small efficient government

[andyfox]

Here's a rather long article shedding some light on why SCOTUS has shied away from the 2nd amendment:

http://www.guncite.com/journals/embar.html

[andyfox]

"the great Andy Fox"

Surely you jest, sir.

Anyway, see my response to bluebassman below.

[slamdunkpro]

Interesting site.

[etgryphon]

[ QUOTE ]
Here's a rather long article shedding some light on why SCOTUS has shied away from the 2nd amendment:

http://www.guncite.com/journals/embar.html

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Andy...Good article.

On a side note, given the fact that the courts have rule that the government is not on the hook to protect you.

What redress do individuals have to protect themselves?

Second, given you believe in the ability to carry arms in the context of a militia. Could a group of citizen form a "militia" for the protection of themselves and their families and thus by extention maintain a Free State. Would you have any objection to that?

-Gryph

[andyfox]

The defining characteristics of the militia as originally understood were compulsory service by all eligible men, training and organization, occasional service as required, and strong responsibility to local command. I don't think there can be a private militia. I don't consider small groups of self-styled militiamen, taking target practice in the woods while sporting battle fatigues, and spouting their own brand of libertarian patriotism, a militia, except in the minds of those pariticipating.

[SheetWise]

Excellent article -- thanks!

[etgryphon]

[ QUOTE ]
The defining characteristics of the militia as originally understood were compulsory service by all eligible men, training and organization, occasional service as required, and strong responsibility to local command. I don't think there can be a private militia. I don't consider small groups of self-styled militiamen, taking target practice in the woods while sporting battle fatigues, and spouting their own brand of libertarian patriotism, a militia, except in the minds of those pariticipating.

[/ QUOTE ]

So what is the difference between your definition of a "militia" and standing army controlled by the government?

Would you be willing to allow the states the ability to define what a "militia" is as it pertains to the 2nd Amendment?

I say this because the VA Constitution(where I live) and other states allow for "unorganized militia" which fall under loose groups of citizens who swear to uphold the State constitution and the laws of the land.

-Gryph

[ACPlayer]

[ QUOTE ]
So why didn't the authors have done just that, back when government was far smaller and far more efficient?

[/ QUOTE ]

Perhaps they wanted a bigger government. The question is not relevant either to the OP or to the question of the second amendment. Why someone did not do something could be for so many reasons and I certainly have no way of divining it. Any answer would be speculation.

[ACPlayer]

trashed and/or thrashed.

6M's arguments, not him personally. I suspect you two would get along in peson.

[ACPlayer]

[ QUOTE ]
but why not amend the Consitution then

[/ QUOTE ]
Does not need it. Just needs to be interpreted properly. Though amending it would of course clarify a particularly obscure clause in the document.