[PapaBear3625]

Concern that a national standing army might pose a threat to the security of the separate states led to the adoption of that amendment, which provides that “a well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Today that concern is a relic of the 18th century.

The "standing army" of the 18th century was of concern, because its primary function was domestic enforcement of the will of the government. One of the major "checks and balances" they installed, was to try to ensure that the federal government would have NO ABILITY to enforce its decrees without the active support of local authorities.

In 21st Century America, armed "federal law enforcement" is the standing army the Founders so feared.

[tomkat]

In 21st Century America, armed "federal law enforcement" is the standing army the Founders so feared.

This, and rightly so !
Our Armed Forces are by and large patriots, but those maggots are the true 'jackbooted thugs'.

See: Waco, Ruby Ridge, et al.