[robertpaulsen]

Hey, it's your cite. You thought it was important enough to post.

Is there something there to illustrate "it's purpose and intent"? Care to highlight what you think is relevant?

[tacticalogic]

1. The meaning of the Phrase "to regulate trade" must be sought in the general use of it, in other words in the objects to which the power was generally understood to be applicable, when the Phrase was inserted in the Constn.

2. The power has been understood and used by all commercial & manufacturing Nations as embracing the object of encouraging manufactures. It is believed that not a single exception can be named.

I think those are very relevant, in that they illustrate the very purpose of the power being granted. I have yet to see Congress explain what manufacture they are encouraging by banning the posession of rifles with bayonet lugs, and it appears to have the exact opposite with regards the the manufacture of such rifles, as well as bayonets.