BlueTrain you may be right in your definition of "Militia" in regard to the what the FF had in mind when they wrote the 2A, but I do not believe an organized, standing army of 'civilians' or professionals, whether commanded by the State or the Feds was the goal. There was certainly much disagreement as to what the Militia was, how it should be organized, supplied and regulated, and even what its purpose was. That debate continues today. What is more clear (at least to me
) is that the right of the people to keep and bear Arms is necessary for a free people. In the context of this discussion, I don't think we have to go far in restricting the arms we're allowed to keep and bear to neuter that.