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
the 2a a) recognizes that a well regulated militia(*) is necessary and b) the people need to be allowed to keep arms to allow that to happen.
That’s it.
* “The Militia” is probably referring to, what we could consider today to the be national guardsmen (during this time period, the ‘militia’ was just men of a certain age- military age. it was also common for towns to muster their own militia for the purpose of things like law enforcement.)
That said… yeah. they’re probably going to fuck up on this one too.
I decided to look into what the Illinois state constitution says about all this. Enshrined in said constitution is a clause which basically says that all able-bodied adults who are citizens of the State of Illinois are militia members. This is obviously to dovetail with the US Second Amendment.
So, being an able-bodied adult who is a citizen of the State of Illinois, I contacted my state representative and senators, asking what were my rights and responsibilites as a member of the Illinois state militia. One person actually called me back, but the voicemail he left was very dismissive, saying that he could look into it, if I wanted to waste his time.
This does not suggest that the “militia” in Illinois is “well regulated.”
It honestly sounds like you could finagle a free annual day at the range to shoot and plink all expenses paid by daddy Illinois gov. Because a militia is obligated to train and maintain their arms to remain “in good working order” which is what the modern translation of “well regulated militia” means.
I would love for you to record the conversation… when you called him back and asked him to look into it. he is, after all, you’re representative. you’re his boss.
This was many years ago (like … 15?), and I didn’t call him back. I didn’t feel that the conversation would be productive. I don’t remember specifically who the rep was at the time, but for reference, Dennis Hastert was my representative when he was in office. That should tell you all you need to know about who gets elected around here.
Conservatives never read the whole thing. They just repeat the bits they like – like a bible.
FWIW, it also says, “the people” not “a person.” When the constitution is enumerating an individual right, it typically does so with different language.
It’s not a mysery, we don’t need psychics or time travellers to figure out what the founders meant. James Madison kept extensive notes on the Constitutional Convention. The intent behind the 2a is in there, as well as several earlier revisions of the final wording. All the modern court rulings are insane when you understand the founders’ real intent.
not exactly what it’s saying, there.
the 2a a) recognizes that a well regulated militia(*) is necessary and b) the people need to be allowed to keep arms to allow that to happen.
That’s it.
* “The Militia” is probably referring to, what we could consider today to the be national guardsmen (during this time period, the ‘militia’ was just men of a certain age- military age. it was also common for towns to muster their own militia for the purpose of things like law enforcement.)
That said… yeah. they’re probably going to fuck up on this one too.
I decided to look into what the Illinois state constitution says about all this. Enshrined in said constitution is a clause which basically says that all able-bodied adults who are citizens of the State of Illinois are militia members. This is obviously to dovetail with the US Second Amendment.
So, being an able-bodied adult who is a citizen of the State of Illinois, I contacted my state representative and senators, asking what were my rights and responsibilites as a member of the Illinois state militia. One person actually called me back, but the voicemail he left was very dismissive, saying that he could look into it, if I wanted to waste his time.
This does not suggest that the “militia” in Illinois is “well regulated.”
It honestly sounds like you could finagle a free annual day at the range to shoot and plink all expenses paid by daddy Illinois gov. Because a militia is obligated to train and maintain their arms to remain “in good working order” which is what the modern translation of “well regulated militia” means.
Or…once a week. I mean… you know. gotta stay sharp, in case them redcoats come back.
I would love for you to record the conversation… when you called him back and asked him to look into it. he is, after all, you’re representative. you’re his boss.
This was many years ago (like … 15?), and I didn’t call him back. I didn’t feel that the conversation would be productive. I don’t remember specifically who the rep was at the time, but for reference, Dennis Hastert was my representative when he was in office. That should tell you all you need to know about who gets elected around here.
Productive? No
Entertaining? Certainly.
Depressing ? Quite possibly. With chance the rep realizes he has an army….
Conservatives never read the whole thing. They just repeat the bits they like – like a bible.
FWIW, it also says, “the people” not “a person.” When the constitution is enumerating an individual right, it typically does so with different language.
@Flaky_Fish69
It’s not a mysery, we don’t need psychics or time travellers to figure out what the founders meant. James Madison kept extensive notes on the Constitutional Convention. The intent behind the 2a is in there, as well as several earlier revisions of the final wording. All the modern court rulings are insane when you understand the founders’ real intent.