Trying to cut through all the Hyperbole about the 2nd Amendment, and how Free or Restrictive Gun Ownership and/or Possession should be, is a daunting task. However, let's give it a try.
FIRST- Here is the Actual Wording of the 2nd Amendment; "A WELL REGULATED MILITIA, BEING NECESSARY TO THE SECURITY OF A FREE STATE, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED."
Before anything else of value can be done, the initial step must be to: DEFINE WORDS AND TERMS.
So, with that in mind, here are a few definitions that must be considered vital to understanding the meaning contained in the 2nd Amendment;
MILITIA- Is the Military Arm of each Individual State, to be called upon by the Governor to protect the Peace and Security within its Proscribed Boarders. Today, it is now called the NATIONAL GUARD. It can also be Nationalized, which means it falls under the Authority of the President, to serve the needs of the Entire Country.
REGULATED- In Martial Terms; An Organized Group operating under a strict set of Rules and Guidelines:
- That is Derived from, and Subordinate to a Civilian Authority or Government.
- With a Well-Defined Mission Statement.
- That Outlines the Duties and Expectations Governing Proper and Improper Behavior, and set Punishments for Violations.
- That Establishes a Formal Command Structure, with set standards for Leadership roles, and provides for the Arming and Training of the rank and file.
STATE- Could actually refer to either an individual state, or the U.S. as a whole,
depending on the circumstances or mission.
RIGHT- A Protection an Individual has against possible Retribution by the Government, for engaging or participating in certain activities.
PEOPLE- CITIZEN(S).
ARMS- Any Physical Object that would be easily recognized as a Tool of War,
or is acknowledged to be part of an established Military Arsenal. Usually, refers to any type of Firearm. In modern terms, WEAPONS would be a more appropriate term for general usage.
KEEP- To Store, Control, or Maintain a Weapon under the control of a certain group or individual.
BEAR- To have Immediate Open Physical Possession of a Weapon, which is Legally Recognized.
SEE PART TWO.
