[ctdonath2]

To rephrase/correct that post:

So the 2nd Amendment only protects a "right of the people to keep and bear arms" IF the government deigns to organize a militia? No gov't-organized militia means no 2nd Amendment?

(Please answer this one. This is key for me understanding your view.)

[robertpaulsen]

"So the 2nd Amendment only protects a "right of the people to keep and bear arms" IF the government deigns to organize a militia? No gov't-organized militia means no 2nd Amendment?"

The 2nd Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms as part of a well regulated militia from federal infringement. IF the state government deigns not to organize a militia, there's no need for second amendment protection, is there? If the state later organizes a well regulated militia, the second amendment is there, ready and waiting to provide protection from federal infringement.