The 2nd Amendment and the Bill of Rights was a restriction on government - but on the Federal government only. That's why the 1st Amendment says specifically "Congress shall make no law..." and that's why official State religions existed AFTER the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. It's all part of the original plan of sovereign states and competition between the states. If your state is infringing upon your right to keep and bear arms, you wouldn't go to the Federal Government for help (as if they would help - and it isn't their jurisdiction anyway) you would either change the laws in your state, move to a different state, or overthrow the tyrannical government in your state. Unfortunately, the 14th Amendment and its misguided application has thwarted the whole original intent of our Federal form of government.
I agree with Paul Grant's defense except that I feel he should have made that defense based upon the Colorado Constitution, not the U.S. Constitution. I highly respect Grant and Stanley and you - we just disagree on this one point.
Side note: Paul Grant will be defending my Brother-in-law in the near future in what may prove to be another high-profile event in the Denver area. Stay tuned.
I believe that the Founding Fathers listed the Bill of Rights as those that no state nor the federal government could infringe upon. That's why state cases get appealed to the highest court in the land -- the Supreme Court -- the entity that rules on the Supreme Law of the Land. If I'm wrong, I'm willing to listen.
I'm all ears if you want to freepmail me!