[Ancesthntr]

But the fact that modern developments have limited the degree of fit between the prefatory clause and the protected right cannot change our interpretation of the right. (Is he saying that because “modern developments” include public acceptance of a machine gun ban, the ban is justified, or is he saying that the principle of the 2nd amendment must be upheld regardless of whether it means we must accept certain weapons?)

"My reading says the latter."

Mine, too. Tell me what happens when technology advances somewhat and the armed forces and police have rayguns - do we have to continue to make due with only glorified pellet guns? By that logic, we should be stuck with late 18th Century muskets (and the Press with nothing but the primitive movable type machines. No TV, no radio, no faxes, no email - nothing would be protected.

[MRadtke]

“If ray guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have ray guns!”

Right, Bender2?