Apparently, you misunderstand my view. Essentially, I agree with the author. BC proposes an intelligent discussion re our "need" for the 2d. That need is not negotiable and as a matter of fact, the need today is perhaps as great or greater than the need that existed when the 2d was ratified.
Now, if you contend BC is throwing down the gauntlet then I disagree. In any event how does one throw down a gauntlet and convince the ill-informed to change a position? {;^)
Your view is precisely why the Left has made inroads promoting gun control and whittling away the 2nd Amendment. My take is that Carson wants to have a public discourse about the 2nd Amendment that flushes out the Left and reveals their true intentions. Trust me, the Left does NOT want to have this debate.
The 2nd Amendment is either relevant or an anachronism. You, I, FReepers, and conservatives/libertarians know that it's not up for debate, no discussion, it's written in titatinium. Unfortunately, there is a large swath of Americans who listen to the Dems talk about gun control and nod their heads furiously in agreement without understanding the ramifications, unintended consequences, or history.
Think like a knee-jerk liberal for a change. Gun rights groups need to talk about the 2nd Amendment and point out that millions have died under regimes that enacted strict gun controls, not to mention freed blacks who were denied guns and were lynched. Carson is putting the debate out there, and he should be commended for it. I don't know his true intentions, if he's really out to undermine the 2nd, then he should be condemned. But my theory is that he's telling the Left to put-up or shut-up.