Quote:
Originally Posted by jyl
The militia of 200 years ago was a group of armed citizens who would come together as an organized military force to defend their state in times of crisis. Back then, the state was the primary political, military, and economic entity, the federal government was small and weak and many wanted it to stay that way. They still remembered the tyranny of the English king.
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From
Military History of the United States:
Prior to and during the founding of the United States, military forces were supplied by untrained militia commanded by the states. When the Continental Congress first ordered a Continental Army to be formed, it was to be made up of militia from the states. That army, under the command of General George Washington, won the Revolutionary War, but afterwards was disbanded.
However, it soon became obvious that a standing army and navy were required. The United States Navy began when Congress ordered several frigates in 1794, and a standing army was created, however it was still only minimal and it relied mostly on contributions from state militia in times of war.
On one hand, I want to agree with the popular opinion that the 2nd amendment was designed to give all free Americans the right to own arms. After all, it is the constitution that affirms our
right to abolish our government:
"...Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it …."
However, it is clear that the drafting and ratification of the amendment predates the formation of a standing army. It would be very easy for somebody to make the argument that the maintenance of a standing army negates the need for individuals to come to the defense of the country.
Personally, I believe that it is the lack of an armed citizenry that allows oppressive regimes to come into power, and I believe that it is the duty of every American to stand against tyranny, even in our own government.
I would never support a law to require all citizens to own a firearm, just as I would never support a law that would restrict a citizens right to own one if they so choose.
To remain a free people, we must have the tools to retain our freedom and liberty - whether those tools be a free press or an armed citizenry, they are our tools to wield.