Grassroots Commentary
A Well Regulated Militia and Leftist Lies
"Well Regulated Militia" should not be hard to understand. The 2nd Amendment may be fully understood by an examination of the original document which was amended.
Leftist lies have surrounded the 2nd Amendment since they first began attacking gun ownership. It is convenient for them to tell lies, and unfortunately easy. The subject is not well known or understood from factual resources. The left only adds to the misinformation by telling their lies which go unchecked. The big lie for many years has been around "A Well Regulated Militia." Is the militia the people? Or is the militia the state or federal government?
It is easy to disprove the lies intended to disarm the people. I disproved the "big lie" in a short time, with Google. First, allow me to state the big lie. We must know what we are disproving:
The Big Lie: "A Well Regulated Militia" refers to a state or federal military force. The term as used in the 2nd Amendment does not give people rights to keep and bear arms."
There has been much said about this. Why did this become a focal point for me today? It was an email. We all get them. Someone forwarded something to someone else and it eventually got to me. The original was written by, "Ken." Ken is an American patriot. But I do not know him. The content of Ken's message about "A Well Regulated Militia" caught my attention. It did so because Ken said this:
The way to prove the intent of an Amendment is to look at the original document, before amendments.
This is another case of the sheer brilliance of a simple explanation.
Still, it was just an email. Quickly I decided to research. I understood the concept, but I needed the detail. I found some important references. They are listed at the end of this essay. The most valuable, of course, is the original document itself; before amendments. The "find" command on your web browser program can really speed up research.
*My synopsis of the "Well Regulated Militia" issue is this: * The original draft of the constitution was sent to the states for ratification. Several amendments were required by the states before they would ratify. As most people know, these became known as the Bill of Rights. The 2nd Amendment was required because in the original document too much power over militias was given to the president, a federal office. The states wanted their rights and the rights of the people to be superior to the federal government. The USA is a Republic. State rights are intended to be supreme.
In the original document, Article 1, Section 8, the word "militia" is used 3 times. In each mention it originally gave militia power to the Federal. In the original Article 2, Section 2, the word "militia" is used again giving powers to the federal, or president.
The idea of a Well Regulated Militia of the people predates the American Revolution by hundreds of years. On behalf of their citizens, the states protected the historical interpretation of "militia." After the necessary amendments, the constitution was ratified by the states.
We have in the amended and ratified constitution a perfect clarification of the right of the people to form their own militias and to keep and bear arms.
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. --2nd Amendment
We can understand the 2nd Amendment by looking at the original document to see what was amended.
Right now I can hear a distant rumble of contention. Some are saying that I am just a right-wing Nazi. How are my defenses of the 2nd Amendment any better than their attacks? I welcome the question.
I believe that voiding guaranteed individual rights by liberal interpretation is wrong.
The Declaration of Independence says that we have "unalienable rights" granted by our Creator. Among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I believe it is essential that I be prepared to protect my life, liberty and pursuit at a moment's notice. The police response times average a little over 9 minutes. In that span of time a maniac can reload several times.
The liberal lies regarding a Well Regulated Militia follow a discernible pattern. They use a tactic made famous by the Nazi Propaganda Minister, Joseph Goebbels. It goes like this: Tell a lie. Tell a big lie. Tell it often. And they call me a Nazi.
While on that theme, allow me to say I do not understand how these tactics work. This is a modern age. We can assimilate information at an astounding rate. With the Internet, mobile devices and well-stocked libraries at our disposal, why are people uninformed? Those and many other resources are at our fingertips. It seems some people are more interested in American Idol than the future of our nation. They probably could not serve in a Well Regulated Militia.
Perhaps I hold my opinions because I believe. I believe that I have a God-given responsibility to protect my family, property and even my neighbor. I believe that responsibility to be greater than my right under any of man's laws. The idea of a Well Regulated Militia may be as old as the ancient Hebrews.
I believe the future of the nation is important to the future of our children.
But wait, that appeal may not work. Abortion in America has reached the point at which we call it, "infanticide." The number is estimated at 1.3 million annually. And the same politicians supporting infanticide, to get votes, are the ones who want to "protect children" by taking away legally owned guns. It is shameful.
The right of a Well Regulated Militia and the right of the people to keep and bear arms compliments God's law. That is why I advocate the protection of the 2nd Amendment. Liberal lies, no matter how they are spun, cannot offset the truth. The truth is within easy reach. Those who care need only to reach.
To change the course of America, I believe we need more than politics and votes. Many of America's ills are deep-rooted spiritual ills. To change the course we need the help and blessings of God. America must turn from secularism and turn back to the Lord. We need a miracle. Jesus Christ is recorded as the Miracle that does miracles. "Lord send a revival; and let it begin in me."
Attributions:
Where were amendments needed? In the original Article-1 and Article-2, militia powers to president and federal. U.S. History.org - http://www.ushistory.org/documents/constitution.htm
History related to law, militia of the people: SAF Foundation - http://www.saf.org/lawreviews/fieldsandhardy.html
My "non-compliance" based on God's Law, Patriot Post: http://patriotpost.us/commentary/16272
Please also read, "Obama and Gun Control" – http://christianusa.us/gideonproject/obama-gun-control/
George Rogers Clark blogs at: New American Liberty – http://newamericanliberty.us
33 Comments
Murray Bass in California
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 8:04 PM
Bullseye again George. Now what do we do?.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 8:52 PM
Hello my friend. Thank you for your kind words.
Murray, we invite people to sign the petition here at the Patriot Post.
http://patriotpost.us/archives/petitions/21#sign We invite them to join the Patriots New Declaration Project at: http://newamericanliberty.us/patriots-new-declaration/ We invite them to read your post here at the Patriot Post: http://patriotpost.us/commentary/15929
But mostly what we hope is that people will begin to grasp that essential liberty, though well defended here at the Patriot Post, is still in extreme jeopardy. As Patriots and Christians, we must "Put on the whole armor of God." We must pick up our swords and fight.
We can all help get the word out. We can all send emails. We can all put up flyers on bulletin boards. We can hang out at blogs and post comments that defend liberty.
As you know Murray, I do not believe it is over until it is over. We can begin to set America back on course now, or we can rebuild it out of the rubble. But either way, we will never surrender. http://patriotpost.us/commentary/15625
Murray, our friend Mac has said let them have it and destroy it with their insane policies and their socialism. His idea is to let the enemy create the rubble and the remnant of us who want liberty can rise from the ashes. If we cannot turn it around in the next six years, Mac may have the right answer. Even so, we fight on. Even if it is to be rubble, I want to go down with my heart and mind ablaze with patriotic zeal.
The most important thing to remember is the most important Defender of Liberty. The Lord wants us to obey Him, to turn from secularism and back to Him. Then HE will heal our land. He will do the heavy lifting. But it is a covenant requiring that we do our part. 2 Chronicles 7:14
It is said that life can "turn on a dime." That is true many times. In this time, with our commitment and trust in God, this present trouble shall pass. It can turn on a dime. God is still able to do miracles.
Murray Bass in California
Friday, January 25, 2013 at 10:56 AM
George, Thanks for laying out a course of action for us. EVERYBODY If you haven't done the things George has shown us, do it now. We neeed to make our beliefs more than words.
fred in oregon
Monday, January 28, 2013 at 8:55 AM
to Murray, what do we do next? lock and load. be patient, its coming.
Wayne Miller in Hinesville, Ga
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Great article George. The problem is liberals never research or quote anything that goes against their beliefs. They can't handle facts so they deal in half-truths and down-right lies. The progressives want to completely rewrite the Constitution to suit their Socialist agenda. Oh, they will swear that is not their intention and then turn right around and call the Constitution a "living document". We have been going down this slippery slope ever since Woodrow Wilson and we are sliding faster and faster everyday.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9:03 PM
Oh how true, Sarge. And Obama is such a artful dodger that he will have have the citizens greasing the slope before they step forward chanting their mantra: "Tax the rich; Tax the rich." Fools and sheep. But not you my friend. Keep up the good work.
Hey ! I almost forgot. I am almost certain I heard from one of your Georgia buddies today. He was one of the new subscribers. Didn't give a name, just a handle. But he is a Vietnam Vet and I have reason to suspect he responded to your work in Georgia.
One more thing: There is a new grassroots commentator here at the PP. He wrote a nice piece "The Time for Action is Now." http://patriotpost.us/commentary/16372
Let's all get behind Mike Chambers and support his work here. He has something to say and I want to hear more!
Thanks Sarge. Sorry I rambled on. Keep your powder dry.
enemaofthestatistquo in Monroe,GA
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9:49 PM
George, as you said, go back to the original document . The Amendments are the instrument to delete, supersede, modify, and/or clarify the original. The Amendments were not made in a vacuum, but were written and ratified to make modify farilities in the original Constitution. The Militia is the People, and to secure (each&all of) the free states, a well-regulated Militia is required. the Reference is back to Art1,Sec8,PP16:"To provide for organinzing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and governing such Part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training rthe Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;" the only qualification placed upon the States being; Art1Sec10,PP3:"No State shall, without the consent of Congress,..., keep Troops, ... - meaning the Militia Shall Not be a professional force on constant duty. And further any Person, willing and able, past or present, to submit to the discipline and training prescribed by Congress in the Militia (now National Guard), Shall be issued, provided, and OWN in perpetuity, full military equipment for an infantryman in the field at government expense.
enemaofthestatistquo in Monroe,GA
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9:54 PM
And of course, occupty the high ground- morally and literally.
enemaofthestatistquo in Monroe,GA
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 9:59 PM
Once upon a time in the South, White Southerners did Not want Black slaves to have access to Arms. It is the same reason, this Federal Administration does Not want anyone but its own employees to have access to Arms.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 2:28 PM
Thank you, EOS, That is a very valuable point.
nikolas in md
Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Why do you think we need a militia?at the time our revolutionary forfathers needed an army, and a police force, it seems to me this was an inexpensive way to get them as they probably didnt have the time or money for either, just tell everyone its there right to own firearms and oh by the way we might need you to be our revolutionary army,if there are still armed militias they're probably under fbi surveilance, we have a police force now,an army,a national guard, we dont need a militia or the right to arm it
Emcee in New Mexico
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 12:58 AM
nikolas in md: We may or may not need a militia at the present time. The purpose, however, of the God-given right to bear arms, is to be able to fight the government when it becomes tyrannical. When is the government tyrannical? The government is tyrannical when it seeks to deny these God-given rights, and/or oversteps the authority given to it by the people.
With a Kenyan as President, America has hastened down the road to tyranny at an alarming rate. I think that most people would prefer NOT to have to use weapons against their government. But, if use them we must, then use them we will.
Will in USA
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 9:07 AM
"The purpose, however, of the God-given right to bear arms, is to be able to fight the government when it becomes tyrannical."
Who gets to decide when a democratically elected government has become "tyrannical"? You?
wjm in Colorado
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Hey Will, can you do anything today without the government having some intrusive policy to protect you from yourself. If you don't recognize the tryanny of regulatory intrusion, you shouldn't be voting. Government is out of control, and if they continue, there will be an armed revolt, and rightly so.
Arcee in USA
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 1:34 PM
Considering neither the Declaration of Independence nor the Constitution provide for a "democracy" or "democratic" form of Government (the founding fathers intended for a republic), perhaps we are already beyond the point of "tyranny". Just sayin'...
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 2:36 PM
Will in USA: read my essay again, please. I did NOT say I had a God-given RIGHT.... I said I had a God-given RESPONSIBILITY that was superior to any of man's laws. That is true for all of us. Read my prior essay here at the PP, "Non-Compliance, I Will Not Comply." for the background and references for a God-given Responsibility. Thank you for your comments. Contention is sometimes like sandpaper that smooths out the rough spots.
wjm in Colorado
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:22 AM
Nikolas, you are a fool, a useful idiot who doesn't comprehend the necessity of the 2nd ammendment for freedom. It is not about hunting, but protection from an authoritarian government intruding on your freedom. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. So when some drug crazed criminal breaks down your door, get on the phone and call the chalk outliners.
adm in texas
Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 9:52 PM
I'm confused, am I supposed to protect myself from an overly tyranical government (which also has the best armed military in history at its disposal), or from drug crazed criminals while the police (who I'm also supposed to protect myself against) are on their way to help cart the drug crazed criminals away from my home?
I mean, am I AGAINST the government or FOR the government?
As for the OP: what, exactly, is your argument? That you be allowed to have ANY weapons at your disposal? So I guess you're working on a uraniam enrichment program in your garage on the weekends? Is this before or after you fuel up your tank?
I'm pretty sure our founding fathers couldn't exactly fathom of our existence, our weaponry or our technology. They were farmers, they lived on FARMS. The weapon of choice, which is what everybody had access to was a single fire musket.
There was a time when every land-owning man was required to own a weapon, and would be under pretty constant supervision and inspection. They were required to own gunpowder and have 24 bullets at their disposal, and were to attend regular trainings. This was their effort to "guarantee a free state".
They were interested in expanding west (and disposing of the native populations there, in the effort to expand..."Manifest Destiny") and protecting the newly founded republic from foreign invaders (Monroe Doctrine).
mark in massachusetts
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Nikolas in MD: If you have to ask why we need a militia NOW then you obviously have not been paying attention these last four years.This Republic is under attack by the left and the Fascist-In-Chief;Barack H.Obama. The people who actually work and pay (or are retired and paid) taxes are sick and tired of supporting the ones who don't (didn't) pull their own weight.
fred in oregon
Monday, January 28, 2013 at 9:01 AM
oh Nick, my friend, THE other reason we NEED our guns, is to defend ourselves against a totalitarion central government, if it comes to that. it certainly is not something i want to see, but !!!!!!
funu50401 in Iowa
Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 1:11 PM
The 10th Amendment, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution . . . are reserved . . . to the people." Maybe it's just silly old me, but I think that means I have the right to defend myself, my kith and kin and my property by whatever efficient and effective means I may deem meet. Argue with that if you have something rational to say.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8:30 PM
FUNU: And I believe you do have that right, and even more so, you have God's Word to say that you have a responsibility to defend you and yours. Thank you for your comments.
Eli Daniel Canganelli in Abbottstown
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 12:13 AM
This is the greatest, most well written, extremely informative article on not just the 2nd Amendment but what the 2nd Amendment amended to begin with. He explains it so that you understand that though out the Constitution the word militia is used 3 times for Federal Purpose and that is not the intention of the Second Amendment. It is to ALLOW A WELL REGULATED MILITIA which means to allow every able body American citizen the right to bear arms for there state! No the national guard does not count as a well regulated militia ( they get paid )! Now this is just my little tid bit Im not for the whole g-o-d thing so side from that this IS a great piece on our America RIGHT to BEAR ARMS and it shall not be infringed!!!
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8:25 PM
Thank you, Eli. Your encouragement helps my tired old mind stay focused. As for "the whole god thing" --- I personally believe God is the whole thing. But I do not say that to contend. I really do appreciate your appreciation.
rab in jo, mo
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Recognition of the God-given Right/Responsibility to self-defense was initially not considered necessary when the Constitution was originally drafted because it was considered common knowledge. The 2nd Amendment was added due to the concern that this common knowledge somehow became less common (as we experience in today's society).
Along with the term "militia" and it's use in the late 18th century, one also has to consider the usage of the term "regulated" in the vernacular of the time. This term, when used as an adjective of the noun "miltia" (i.e., in a military context), was generally understood to mean "well-equipped/trained". It did not mean "controlled/limited by the government" as is understood through modern usage of the term.
General practice of the time was for regular assembly and practice of all able-bodied men of a certain age range in a locality. These men were expected to provide their own equipment and weapons. Some local militias were more "regulated" than others, requiring commonized weapons and equipment. Others, not so much, with men showing up with all manner of weapons and equipment. Some units even had their own field artillery (i.e.,cannon).
jksisco in irvine, ca
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 1:48 PM
There are people throughout the world who clamor, and would sacrifice much to experience the "American Dream", what's ironic is that we seem to be okay with the constant death by a thousand cuts that is occuring to our Liberties. That Obama would be elected not once but twice shows how far we have fallen.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 9:00 PM
Truth you speak. The people are drunk with the power to vote themselves monies from the public treasury. The politicians are drunk with the power to purchase votes with the public treasury. People of honest earnings cannot pay for all the drunkenness.
Ted R. Weiland in Nebraska
Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8:33 AM
George Rogers: "I believe that I have a God-given responsibility to protect my family, property and even my neighbor. I believe that responsibility to be greater than my right under any of man's laws."
Amen and amen! Thank you George! 1 Timothy 5:8, etc.
For more regarding the difference between rights and responsibilities, readers may find "Rights, Rights, Everyone Wants Their Rights" at http://www.constitutionmythbusters.org/rights-rights-everyone-wants-their-rights/ enlightening.
Don't miss our next blog article "You Can't Win Bringing a Knife to a Gunfight" that will expose why the Second Amendment right to bear arms is part of the problem rather than solution. Lord willing, it should be posted later today or tomorrow.
George Rogers Clark in Ohio
Friday, January 25, 2013 at 8:28 PM
Thank you, Ted. I just read "Knife to a Gunfight" a couple of hours ago. Excellent ! Here is the URL for the readers here. http://www.constitutionmythbusters.org/you-cant-win-bringing-a-knife-to-a-gunfight/ Blessings, Ted
Howard Last in Wyoming
Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 12:08 AM
If anyone needs a brief reason for the 2nd Amendment, look into the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah. It celebrates the victory by the Maccabees, the local militia, using the arms of their day over a brutal government. That sums up the reason for the Second Amendment very well.
jim in va
Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:42 PM
I would like to hear more about what this person has to say.... it would be nice to sit and chat a while..
Jim in Upstate, NY
Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 1:47 PM
How many militias have you joined? And just for the record, the concept of a militia is to PROTECT the US Federal Government. Nowhere in the entire US Constitution is there any language that allows the armed insurrection against the US Federal Government. Your interpretation of the Second Amendment is entirely wrong. I am a proud and responsible gun owner. All of them are safely locked away. I have taken safety courses. Have you done the same?
Michael in Ohio
Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:54 AM
I agree with your conclusion that the term "militia" refers to the the citizens themselves and not the federal government, however, I feel that you've conveniently ignored the fact that the Second Amendment calls for a "well regulated" militia. It's obvious that the intention of this statement is to discourage a firearm free-for-all and place sensible limits on gun ownership by rule of law, as passed by a democratically elected Congress and signed by the President of the United States. To myself and most other sensible Americans, this means the possibility of limitations on the types of firearms available to the public, rate of fire, capacity of magazines, availability of firearms and ammunition to those deemed mentally unstable or a danger to themselves or others, etc. By the very nature of our democratic government, this also means that these limitations may change from time to time, based on matters of public opinion. We are a dynamic nation. Should our democratically elected Congress choose to enact or alter our laws and regulations in regards to firearms, then they've done exactly what we've elected them to do. If you don't agree, then you are free do your duty as an American citizen and speak with your vote. This is how our democracy works.
I'm sure many of the people reading this particular article will not agree with my point of view. That's okay, you don't have to agree, but know this - I am not a liberal. I am not a conservative. I am not a centrist. I am not a communist. I am not a fascist. I am an American. I am an American and I am tired. I am tired of this bickering, name calling, distrusting, chaotic, 24-hour news-driven, never-ending, obnoxious attitude - coming from all sides.
Just stop.
Stop and listen to your fellow American, have a dialog, without preconceived notions or judgements whatsoever. We're all here, we all have to live together, so let's stop fighting and figure out how we can all make the best of it and live together in peace, for the sake of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
...and that's all I have to say about that.