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As many of us gun advocates have painstakingly pointed out over the years, the militia is NOT the organized military of the US, whether active or reserve. It is “every able-bodied citizen.”

Precisely. Of course, the Founders saw the militia (call it National Guard if you must) as the primary defender of the Union of states. They wrote about the dangers of standing federal armies at some length. Prior to the end of WW II, our country soundly followed that advice. Since WW II, our standing army has been used in a series of undeclared wars, few of which have been resolved victoriously.

The purpose of such a call by Congress would be in response to all-out war declared by Congress. It would be a dire circumstance.

Not to get all RP'd about it but this is why Ron Paul advocated declaring war formally when the vote for Iraq came. Afghanistan fell more under the heading of banditry, like the old Barbary pirates. The point is well-taken whether you like or hate Ron Paul. The citizenry would take it more seriously, you wouldn't have the I-was-for-it-before-I-was-against-it nonsense from the Dims, you could focus national purpose on a true war effort. In addition, some of the troubling things that have occurred with noncombatants and with the Patriot Act could have been resolved more properly under a formal state of war.

We are not prepared to take down Iran, Saudia Arabia, Pakistan, and Islamic Africa. Therefore, we have no need of a draft.

We have no need of a draft unless we're prepared to succeed not only in Iraq but in Iran, Pakistan, and perhaps Saudi Arabia. And that would require garrisoning those countries for decades. No tidy Shock And Awe air campaigns but a ruthless leveling of some of their major cities and dealing harshly with their clerics.

I agree with what you’ve written, except that the National Guard is part of the national reserve. It is militarily funded and equipped by the Federal Government. They truly are “The Weekend Warriors.”

The militia, on the other hand, are by definition “All able-bodied” people capable of defending their nation.

Congress can “call them out.”

The distinction is important for 2d amendment rights. It is also important for recognizing the seriousness of all out war....at such a time, any nation would be foolish not to use ALL its resources to defend itself.

I have nothing particular against Ron Paul. I have found, however, the Libertarian & Constitutional Parties to be to isolationist for my tastes. I believe in sticking my nose into situations that MIGHT end up being my business.