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To: robertpaulsen

The "unorganized" militia is clearly defined by Congress, right down to a list of exemptions. The 2nd Amendment ensures that those not formally part of the Army etc. (which the National Guard is) can also be armed & trained by themselves or sub-federal jurisdictions.

"Well-regulated" was not, at time of writing, limited to "government controlled". It included being equipped and competent, which a militia member can be without gov't help.

The 2nd Amendment exists precisely for situations like we have now, where the Army etc. is well-endowed, and the rest of us militia members (despite being "unorganized", we are nonetheless declared so by Congress and presumed so by the Founding Fathers) are completely neglected insofar as equipping and training - ergo it's up to us to equip & train.

The enumerated right does not go away simply because the gov't does nothing to actively support it.


363 posted on 01/11/2007 10:50:27 AM PST by ctdonath2
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To: ctdonath2
"The "unorganized" militia is clearly defined by Congress, right down to a list of exemptions."

Yes it is. I've never argued that it wasn't.

"The 2nd Amendment ensures that those not formally part of the Army etc. (which the National Guard is) can also be armed & trained by themselves or sub-federal jurisdictions."

No. The second amendment CLEARLY states a "well regulated Militia". Article I, Section 8 in the U.S. Constitution refers to the Militia with officers appointed by the state.

A state may have an unorganized militia. They may have a private militia. They may even have a state-sponsored militia outside of the National Guard.

But unless it's well regulated with state-appointed officers, it does not get second amendment protection.

371 posted on 01/11/2007 11:22:34 AM PST by robertpaulsen
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