IS THERE A CURE FOR M&P FEVER???

[shawn mccarver]

The 2d amendment was actually written in recognition that the new gov't did not have the money to fund a standing army---that by establishing a right for citizens to bear arms it allowed the states to form militias with no expense for weapons and the new federal gov't could then call upon the militias to serve as the army when needed-------now---the NRA will interpret it a different way but that is what makes for open discussion.

This has to be the silliest thing I have ever read about the 2nd Amendment. And I have read some really silly things. The NRA has nothing whatsoever to do with the proper interpretation of the 2nd Amendment. Unless, of course, all of these people were in the NRA:

"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Co-author of the Second Amendment
during Virginia's Convention to Ratify the Constitution, 1788

"A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves …"
Richard Henry Lee
writing in Letters from the Federal Farmer to the Republic, Letter XVIII, May, 1788.

"The people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full posession of them."
Zachariah Johnson
Elliot's Debates, vol. 3 "The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution."

"… the people are confirmed by the next article in their right to keep and bear their private arms"
Philadelphia Federal Gazette
June 18, 1789, Pg. 2, Col. 2
Article on the Bill of Rights

"And that the said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the Press, or the rights of Conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms; …"
Samuel Adams
quoted in the Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer, August 20, 1789, "Propositions submitted to the Convention of this State"

"Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence … from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference — they deserve a place of honor with all that's good."
George Washington
First President of the United States

"The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside … Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them."
Thomas Paine

"To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them."
Richard Henry Lee
American Statesman, 1788

"The great object is that every man be armed." and "Everyone who is able may have a gun."
Patrick Henry
American Patriot

"Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?"
Patrick Henry
American Patriot

"Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not."
Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the United States

"The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that … it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; … "
Thomas Jefferson
letter to Justice John Cartwright, June 5, 1824. ME 16:45.

"The best we can help for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."
Alexander Hamilton
The Federalist Papers at 184-8

So, might I suggest you read a bit more on the topic than whatever you have thus far read, and perhaps read a few of the court opinions which detail the actual legislative history of the 2nd Amendment prior to putting forth something you read on the AARP or New England Journal of Medicine web sites.

 

[littleriver1]

The 2d amendment was actually written in recognition that the new gov't did not have the money to fund a standing army---that by establishing a right for citizens to bear arms it allowed the states to form militias with no expense for weapons and the new federal gov't could then call upon the militias to serve as the army when needed-------now---the NRA will interpret it a different way but that is what makes for open discussion.

according to our current Pres. We we don't have the money to fund a standing army today! Not to mention they are driving anyone that's righteous out of the services.

 

[RussC]

Bengal07

Did Obama put you up to this?

Are you a mole ?

Russ

 

[bobkatwells]

The 2d amendment was actually written in recognition that the new gov't did not have the money to fund a standing army---that by establishing a right for citizens to bear arms it allowed the states to form militias with no expense for weapons and the new federal gov't could then call upon the militias to serve as the army when needed-------now---the NRA will interpret it a different way but that is what makes for open discussion.

This is completely silly Bengal07. What you are talking about here is the federal goverment "calling up" or drafting anyone with a gun to do its bidding. This has nothing to do with the second ammendment. The intent of our founding fathers was to prevent government tyranny, not to create it. You were a Marine????

 

[USAF385]

Federalist number 46, read it.

.......................
(On a Standing Army, written 1788, James Madison)

The highest number to which, according to the best computation, a standing army can be carried in any country, does not exceed one hundredth part of the whole number of souls; or one twenty-fifth part of the number able to bear arms. This proportion would not yield, in the United States, an army of more than twenty-five or thirty thousand men. To these would be opposed a militia amounting to near half a million of citizens with arms in their hands, officered by men chosen from among themselves, fighting for their common liberties, and united and conducted by governments possessing their affections and confidence. It may well be doubted, whether a militia thus circumstanced could ever be conquered by such a proportion of regular troops.

 

[zotzer]

Indeed, the founders saw a powerful, government controlled, standing army as the enemy of liberty.

 

[Lost Lake]

Excellent posts here.

Shawn, that is a fabulous collection that I have never read before. I am copying that one and referencing it often. It should be required reading for every U.S. citizen. Many of us have never heard these founding fathers words, and they gave us this great gift of a nation.

As for the OP, I am disappointed you feel this way. I think education as Shawn and others most graciously provided will go a long way to truly understanding why the fathers wrote these laws.

And the cure for M&P fever is buying third gen guns. But then you have thirdgenitus and that may be much worse...

 

[Aticus]

Gentle, we have a troll! See the link below.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/314554-concealed-carry.html

 

[handejector]

The 2d amendment was actually written in recognition that the new gov't did not have the money to fund a standing army---that by establishing a right for citizens to bear arms it allowed the states to form militias with no expense for weapons and the new federal gov't could then call upon the militias to serve as the army when needed-------now---the NRA will interpret it a different way but that is what makes for open discussion.

What DRIVEL.
Unfortunately, that is the party line our children are now being taught and what many adults(?) now believe.
ANY research into the mindset of the founding fathers disputes this.
So, I'd suggest that we all endeavor to acquire printed copies of those writings while the printed word still exists. Once all data becomes available in digital form only, it will say what they want it to say.

(yeah- I know- I keep the tinfoil handy....)

With that, we'll speed the tiger off to his new home.