The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Question about the 2nd Amendment (well regulated militia)

honkylips · April 28, 2009, 02:36 AM

First off, let me preface by saying that I am 100% an advocate of the right to keep and bear arms. That being said, I've always wondered about the wording of the 2nd Amendment. The part about the 'well regulated militia' has always confused me a bit. They way I read it, I always take it to mean that the public has the right to keep/bear arms for the purpose of maintaining the aforementioned 'well regulated militia'.

Can somebody explain the significance of this part of the amendment. It's always kinda made me wonder. Like I said, the wording of amendment, to me, never translates to the right to keep/bear arms for all individual citizens.

Again, I am 100% pro gun, and I practice my right to carry. I've always wondered about this, and have never really seen a good explanation. Just looking for some enlightenment here. Thanks.

April 28, 2009, 02:36 AM	#1
honkylips Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2007 Location: Arvada, Co Posts: 124	Question about the 2nd Amendment (well regulated militia) First off, let me preface by saying that I am 100% an advocate of the right to keep and bear arms. That being said, I've always wondered about the wording of the 2nd Amendment. The part about the 'well regulated militia' has always confused me a bit. They way I read it, I always take it to mean that the public has the right to keep/bear arms for the purpose of maintaining the aforementioned 'well regulated militia'. Can somebody explain the significance of this part of the amendment. It's always kinda made me wonder. Like I said, the wording of amendment, to me, never translates to the right to keep/bear arms for all individual citizens. Again, I am 100% pro gun, and I practice my right to carry. I've always wondered about this, and have never really seen a good explanation. Just looking for some enlightenment here. Thanks.