[Roscoe]

Your own post contradicts your stand: ""To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense,"

The actual quote:

"To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws." -- John Adams

[tpaine]

Roscoe, in the "actual quote", taken in context, Adams is defending the constitutions 2nd amendment, and elaborating on the role of a 'well regulated' milita:

"To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government.
The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws."

         ---John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)

John Adams recognizes the fundamental right of citizens, as individuals, to defend themselves with arms in the 'private self-defense' line.
However, his opinion is that militia units must be controlled by state/local government and the rule of law, - that they be well regulated.

As usual roscoe, you 'cite' quotes out of context in order to shade their meanings to reflect upon your anticonstitutional agenda. You're a typical gungrabber at heart.

[Max McGarrity]

"or"? That changes what I said how?