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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Bingolong on November 20, 2007, 12:42:53 PM

Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 20, 2007, 12:42:53 PM
I guess we will find out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a6J5sVRt9a4g&refer=home
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 12:50:09 PM
I welcome their decision to address this issue. I hope they do so with finality one way or the other.

One way, I get to keep on as I have. The other, I get to move to Idaho. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on November 20, 2007, 01:08:47 PM
This'll be interesting...  I wonder if the timing of this indicates that they're assuming Hillary will win.
Quote
The National Rifle Association similarly didn't take a position on whether the court should get involved.
why is this not surprising...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Yeager on November 20, 2007, 01:11:43 PM
the supremes will not define the 2nd amendmant.  they will hand the question back to the states.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 01:16:48 PM
They'll define it for the federal government which should be quite simple; the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed (by the Federal government).

They'll let state constitutions define firearms ownership/possession for the individual states.

Which is simply as it should be.

For example:

Quote
Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights 4

The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be tolerated, and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lasersailor184 on November 20, 2007, 01:43:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
They'll define it for the federal government which should be quite simple; the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed (by the Federal government).

They'll let state constitutions define firearms ownership/possession for the individual states.

Which is simply as it should be.

For example:


The constitution doesn't just restrict what the federal government can or can't do, but what the states can or can't do.


When it says that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed, it means both by the Federal Government, and the States government.



Most of the original / old states put in right to bear arms as a means to reaffirm how important this was to true freedom.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 20, 2007, 01:58:31 PM
Every citizen is a potential member of a milita should the need arise.

As much as I fear and dislike guns in general.. I believe in the reasoning behind the 2nd amendment and stand by it.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on November 20, 2007, 02:22:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
The constitution doesn't just restrict what the federal government can or can't do, but what the states can or can't do.
yup...
Quote
Originally posted by the US Congress June 13, 1866
AMENDMENT XIV

     Section 1.

        ...No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States;...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 20, 2007, 02:46:27 PM
Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.

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.

In the context of the Constitution, phrases like "shall not be infringed," "shall make no law," and "shall not be violated" sound pretty unbendable, but the Supreme Court has ruled that some laws can, in fact, encroach on these phrases.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Yeager on November 20, 2007, 02:55:37 PM
abortion is also protected in the consitution....somewhere in there.....
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 20, 2007, 03:02:19 PM
tigress, I applaud your stance..  It is more noble in my mind to be afraid or dislike some freedom but to allow it than to simply be only for the freedoms you like.

You don't really need protection for freedoms that are popular.

I think the decision will be a narrow one.   I think the individual right idea will be upheld but that "infringed" will not be defined.    

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Golfer on November 20, 2007, 03:08:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
As much as I fear and dislike guns in general


There is not really any reason to be afraid of a firearm.  In my experience those who actually have a legitimate "fear" of guns are the ones who don't know the first thing about using and handling them safely.

Then again I've grown up shooting and now instruct others how to shoot.  One of my absolute favorite things to do is take someone who may have no experience with a firearm and help them break targets on a trap or skeet range.  Same goes for the more, stigmatic I guess, handgun.   The first time someone handles a hangun they're typically nervous, timid and unsure of what to actually expect.  When they put a few rounds through it, they're usually not happy to wait for me to reload the magazine!

Sounds like it could be something fun for you to do, Tigress!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: JBA on November 20, 2007, 03:11:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Yeager
abortion is also protected in the consitution....somewhere in there.....

This is what I was thinking.:aok  If they can't find a "right to bear arms" in the consitution but the found a right to abortion then thier not lookng hard enough.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 20, 2007, 03:15:03 PM
A few years ago I took my wife to the gun range I frequent for some instruction. Was an introductory class to handguns and she got to fire 4 different types. One of the semis ejected a casing down the front of her blouse. Everyone around her was afraid of guns that day as she swung that pistol in every direction trying to get that hot casing out of her blouse. :D
Title: 2nd Amendment
Post by: TalonX on November 20, 2007, 03:16:25 PM
And the mayor says.... "Washington and its mayor, Adrian Fenty, argued in the appeal.  'Whatever right the Second Amendment guarantees, it does not require the district to stand by while its citizens die.'''



Did someone notice that the city has one of the highest murder rates in the United States?  Clearly, gun restrictions are not helping.    

As far as the second amendment goes, it's a no brainer...Everyone owned guns then (when written) and since...   The amendment could not POSSIBLY have meant that citizens couldn't own guns...not everyone was in the militia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 20, 2007, 04:33:42 PM
If the Supreme Court upholds the lower court's ruling allowing citizens to posess functioning firearms imagine the effect when DC crime then goes down. How will the gun haters ever overcome that defeat?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 05:03:33 PM
Excuse the brief review:

Quote
Reserved powers are those that have been reserved specifically for the states or are of a traditionally state scope. These consist mostly of police powers, such as providing fire and police protection, establishment of health regulations, licensing, and education.

Granted powers, also known as express, enumerated, implied, delegated, and inherent powers, are those specifically listed in Article 1, Section 8, such as the power to coin money, to raise an army and navy, to provide for patent and copyright protections, to establish a post office, and to make treaties and war with other nations. An express, delegated, or enumerated power is one specifically listed; an implied or inherent power is one that exists to carry out an express or enumerated power. For example, Congress can raise an army; this implies the ability to specify regulations concerning who can join the army.

Concurrent powers are those held to some extent by both the federal and state governments. Both, for example, have taxation power, the ability to construct and maintain roads, and other spending for the general welfare.

Many things are denied of both or either levels of government. States, for example, have no authority to coin money or wage war. Neither may pass a bill of attainder or any ex post facto law. Much of the Bill of Rights applies restrictions to both states and the federal government, while all of the Bill of Rights applies restrictions to the federal government. Note that the Bill of Rights originally had no effect of restriction on the states, but judicial interpretation of the 14th Amendment's due process clause has incorporated much of the upholding of civil rights to the states.



Forty-four states have constitutional guarantees on the right to keep and bear arms.  Why do you think that would happen?

There are state restrictions on gun ownership (see Kalifornicatia) that the Supreme Court has upheld. Why do you think that would be?
Title: Who are the people??
Post by: SIG220 on November 20, 2007, 05:05:52 PM
No, the correct question to ask is this:  Who are THE PEOPLE????


"the right of the people  to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


SIG 220
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2007, 05:06:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms. Ratified 12/15/1791.

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.

In the context of the Constitution, phrases like "shall not be infringed," "shall make no law," and "shall not be violated" sound pretty unbendable, but the Supreme Court has ruled that some laws can, in fact, encroach on these phrases.


So does "well regulated." And .... well ... that's their job.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: SIG220 on November 20, 2007, 05:48:56 PM
The opinion back at that time was that the militia was comprised of ALL MEN able to bear arms.   That is why the right was expressly given to the PEOPLE.   I do not believe that women were yet considered to legally be people back then.   That did not come until much later, as women eventually gained equal rights with men.

Jefferson was the main person behind having a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution.   In fact, he insisted on it, in order to gain his support for the Constitution.  He viewed it as being protection for the people from losing key rights to either the Federal or  State governments.

Here are quotes from Jefferson on these two issues:

"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular; and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inferences." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787.

"The governor is constitutionally the commander of the militia of the State, that is to say, of  every man in it able to bear arms." --Thomas Jefferson to A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy, 1811.



SIG 220
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2007, 05:54:20 PM
But Jefferson wasn't the only architect and more than his opinion counts (or counted). Hence the nature of an amendable constitution and the design of the three branch government.

Who, specifically, penned in (or insisted on) the "well regulated" part?  Every Jimmy Joe Billy Bob who wants to own an M-60 doesn't sound like it would fit the bill.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 06:00:23 PM
A Wiki history of the how the 2nd was built:

Quote
Antifederalists supported the proposal to amend the Constitution with clearly-defined and enumerated rights to provide further constraints on the new government, while opponents felt that by listing only certain rights, other unlisted rights would fail to be protected. Amidst this debate, a compromise was reached, and James Madison drafted what ultimately became the United States Bill of Rights, which was proposed to the Congress on June 8, 1789.

The original text of what was to become the Second Amendment, as brought to the floor to the first session of the first congress of the U.S. House of Representatives, was:

The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; a well armed and well regulated militia being the best security of a free country; but no person religiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service in person. [12]


The Bill of Rights that Madison introduced on June 8 was not composed of numbered amendments intended to be added at the end of the Constitution. The Rights instead were to be inserted into the existing Constitution. The right to keep and bear arms was to be inserted in Article 1, section 8 that specifies Congress's power over the militia. The sentence that later became the Second Amendment was to be inserted in the First Article, Section Nine, between clauses 3 and 4, following the prohibition on suspension of habeas corpus, bills of attainder, and ex post facto laws, all individual civil rights asserted by individuals as a defense against government action. [12] (Additionally, these provisions can all be interpreted as limits on congressional power, a view that has been advanced by supporters of the individual rights view of the Amendment. [13]) Debate in the House on the remainder of June 8 focused again on whether a Bill of Rights was appropriate, and the matter was held for a later time. On July 21, however, Madison raised the issue of his Bill and proposed a select committee be created to report on it. The House voted in favor of Madison's motion, [14] and the Bill of Rights entered committee for review. No official records were kept of the proceedings of the committee, but on July 28, the committee returned to the House a reworded version of the Second Amendment. [15] On August 17, that version was read into the Journal:

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, being the best security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; but no person religiously scrupulous shall be compelled to bear arms. [16]

The Second Amendment was debated and modified during sessions of the House on August 17 and August 20. [17] These debates revolved primarily around risk of "mal-administration of the government" using the "religiously scrupulous" clause to destroy the militia as Great Britain had attempted to destroy the militia at the commencement of the American Revolution. These concerns were addressed by modifying the final clause, and on August 24, the House sent the following version to the U.S. Senate:

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, being the best security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed; but no one religiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service in person.

The next day, August 25, the Senate received the Amendment from the House and entered it into the Senate Journal. When the Amendment was transcribed, the semicolon in the religious exemption portion was changed to a comma by the Senate scribe:

A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, being the best security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed, but no one religiously scrupulous of bearing arms shall be compelled to render military service in person. [18]

On September 4, the Senate voted to change significantly the language of the Second Amendment by removing the definition of militia, and striking the conscientious objector clause:

A well regulated militia, being the best security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. [19]

The Senate returned to this Amendment for a final time on September 9. A proposal to insert the words "For the common defence" next to the words "Bear Arms" was defeated. [20] The Senate then slightly modified the language and voted to return the Bill of Rights to the House. The final version passed by the Senate was:

A well regulated militia being the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

The House voted on September 21, 1789 to accept the changes made by the Senate, but the Amendment as finally entered into the House journal contained the additional words "necessary to":

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. [21]

This version was transmitted to the states for ratification.



:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lasersailor184 on November 20, 2007, 06:08:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
But Jefferson wasn't the only architect and more than his opinion counts (or counted). Hence the nature of an amendable constitution and the design of the three branch government.

Who, specifically, penned in (or insisted on) the "well regulated" part?  Every Jimmy Joe Billy Bob who wants to own an M-60 doesn't sound like it would fit the bill.


Well regulated doesn't mean well controlled.  It means well practiced.  

According to the constitution, every Jimmy Joe Billy Bob can own a friggin tank, as long as they are proficient with it.



When you think about it (I know it's tough, us using the word "Think" and expecting you to do it), a gun is rather useless unless the user is a good shot.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2007, 06:16:50 PM
Pretty indepth .... and what you posted only scratched the surface. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2007, 06:23:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
Well regulated doesn't mean well controlled.  It means well practiced.  


Back it up with more than your interpretation. Cite.

Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184

According to the constitution, every Jimmy Joe Billy Bob can own a friggin tank, as long as they are proficient with it.


Justice laisersailor's opinion noted.

Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184

When you think about it (I know it's tough, us using the word "Think" and expecting me to do it), a gun is rather useless unless the user is a good shot.


Sometimes even then.

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 06:34:58 PM
Arlo, there is a great body of research on the 2nd. I recommend http://www.guncite.com

Quote
Well Regulated

The Random House College Dictionary (1980) gives four definitions for the word "regulate," which were all in use during the Colonial period and one more definition dating from 1690 (Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd Edition, 1989). They are:

1) To control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.
2) To adjust to some standard or requirement as for amount, degree, etc.

3) To adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation.

4) To put in good order.

[obsolete sense]
b. Of troops: Properly disciplined. Obs. rare-1.

1690 Lond. Gaz. No. 2568/3 We hear likewise that the French are in a great Allarm in Dauphine and Bresse, not having at present 1500 Men of regulated Troops on that side.
We can begin to deduce what well-regulated meant from Alexander Hamilton's words in Federalist Paper No. 29:

The project of disciplining all the militia of the United States is as futile as it would be injurious if it were capable of being carried into execution. A tolerable expertness in military movements is a business that requires time and practice. It is not a day, nor a week nor even a month, that will suffice for the attainment of it. To oblige the great body of the yeomanry and of the other classes of the citizens to be under arms for the purpose of going through military exercises and evolutions, as often as might be necessary to acquire the degree of perfection which would entitle them to the character of a well regulated militia, would be a real grievance to the people and a serious public inconvenience and loss.
       
--- The Federalist Papers, No. 29.
Hamilton indicates a well-regulated militia is a state of preparedness obtained after rigorous and persistent training. Note the use of 'disciplining' which indicates discipline could be synonymous with well-trained.

This quote from the Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789 also conveys the meaning of well regulated:

Resolved , That this appointment be conferred on experienced and vigilant general officers, who are acquainted with whatever relates to the general economy, manoeuvres and discipline of a well regulated army.

        --- Saturday, December 13, 1777.
In the passage that follows, do you think the U.S. government was concerned because the Creek Indians' tribal regulations were superior to those of the Wabash or was it because they represented a better trained and disciplined fighting force?

That the strength of the Wabash Indians who were principally the object of the resolve of the 21st of July 1787, and the strength of the Creek Indians is very different. That the said Creeks are not only greatly superior in numbers but are more united, better regulated, and headed by a man whose talents appear to have fixed him in their confidence. That from the view of the object your Secretary has been able to take he conceives that the only effectual mode of acting against the said Creeks in case they should persist in their hostilities would be by making an invasion of their country with a powerful body of well regulated troops always ready to combat and able to defeat any combination of force the said Creeks could oppose and to destroy their towns and provisions.

        --- Saturday, December 13, 1777.
I am unacquainted with the extent of your works, and consequently ignorant of the number or men necessary to man them. If your present numbers should be insufficient for that purpose, I would then by all means advise your making up the deficiency out of the best regulated militia that can be got.

        --- George Washington (The Writings of George Washington, pp. 503-4, (G.P. Putnam & Sons, pub.)(1889))
The above quote is clearly not a request for a militia with the best set of regulations. (For brevity the entire passage is not shown and this quote should not be construed to imply Washington favored militias, in fact he thought little of them, as the full passage indicates.)

But Dr Sir I am Afraid it would blunt the keen edge they have at present which might be keept sharp for the Shawnese &c: I am convinced it would be Attended by considerable desertions. And perhaps raise a Spirit of Discontent not easily Queld amongst the best regulated troops, but much more so amongst men unused to the Yoak of Military Discipline.


        --- Letter from Colonel William Fleming to Col. Adam Stephen, Oct 8, 1774, pp. 237-8. (Documentary History of Dunmore's War, 1774, Wisconsin historical society, pub. (1905))
And finally, a late-17th century comparison between the behavior of a large collection of seahorses and well-regulated soldiers:
One of the Seamen that had formerly made a Greenland Voyage for Whale-Fishing, told us that in that country he had seen very great Troops of those Sea-Horses ranging upon Land, sometimes three or four hundred in a Troop: Their great desire, he says, is to roost themselves on Land in the Warm Sun; and Whilst they sleep, they apppoint one to stand Centinel, and watch a certain time; and when that time's expir'd, another takes his place of Watching, and the first Centinel goes to sleep, &c. observing the strict Discipline, as a Body of Well-regulated Troops

        --- (Letters written from New-England, A. D. 1686. P. 47, John Dutton (1867))
The quoted passages support the idea that a well-regulated militia was synonymous with one that was thoroughly trained and disciplined, and as a result, well-functioning. That description fits most closely with the "to put in good order" definition supplied by the Random House dictionary. The Oxford dictionary's definition also appears to fit if one considers discipline in a military context to include or imply well-trained.


What about the Amendment's text itself? Considering the adjective "well" and the context of the militia clause, which is more likely to ensure the security of a free state, a militia governed by numerous laws (or the proper amount of regulation [depending on the meaning of "well"] ) or a well-disciplined and trained militia? This brief textual analysis also suggests "to put in good order" is the correct interpretation of well regulated, signifying a well disciplined, trained, and functioning militia.

And finally, when regulated is used as an adjective, its meaning varies depending on the noun its modifying and of course the context. For example: well regulated liberty (properly controlled), regulated rifle (adjusted for accuracy), and regulated commerce (governed by regulations) all express a different meaning for regulated. This is by no means unusual, just as the word, bear, conveys a different meaning depending on the word it modifies: bearing arms, bearing fruit, or bearing gifts.

Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 20, 2007, 06:38:17 PM
I applauded your use of useful source/resource, T. It's not uncommon I challenge the method one resorts to more than their argument. I got no problem with yours. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 20, 2007, 06:41:56 PM
I already plan to move to Idaho next January. I'd better start buying up some land in case the SC rules poorly. Land prices there may skyrocket. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on November 20, 2007, 07:29:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
They'll define it for the federal government which should be quite simple; the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed (by the Federal government).

They'll let state constitutions define firearms ownership/possession for the individual states.

Which is simply as it should be.

For example:


NOPE!

Sorry but the Bill of Rights is the LAW of the LAND!  AND supersedes ALL other laws!

Whatever a state may say if it violates ANY of the rights contained within the Bill of Rights then that state WAY out of line!

Cases have been fought in courts and LOST by the state.

Example:  Several states have run afoul of the 4th amendment, and got hammered in court.

So IF the Supremes find on behalf of the PEOPLE and that they DO have a RIGHT to KEEP and BEAR arms some states are going to be VERY upset.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: SIG220 on November 20, 2007, 07:35:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
I already plan to move to Idaho next January. I'd better start buying up some land in case the SC rules poorly. Land prices there may skyrocket. ;)


Texas is not a gun friendly state??

Oregon ( where I live ) is actually quite liberal in many ways.   But at least so far, our gun laws have remained excellent.  Instant background checks, no waiting periods, shall issue concealed carry permits.  Even the ownership of fully automatic firearms is not outlawed.

Land and housing in Idaho, though, is amazingly cheap.    

Here is a photo of a beautiful one year old 2,400 sq ft house that I looked at recently in Idaho, that was for sale for only $199,000   It was really a well made home.  

Here is the view from the front:


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/idaho/home_idaho.jpg)


It had great RV Parking:


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/idaho/rv_park.jpg)


And a huge backyard too:


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/idaho/yard_online_small.jpg)


Kitchen was great:


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/idaho/kitchen_idaho.jpg)


And the bathroom was fantastic:


(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s272/lanceJOregon/idaho/bathroomidaho.jpg)


If things ever go downhill here in Oregon, I will probably move there too.


SIG 220

Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: SkyRock on November 20, 2007, 08:04:15 PM
It doesn't matter what is ruled, people will have guns in this country, hell, down here, even the libs won't give their guns up!   Most do not need the 2nd amendment to tell them it's their right!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Yeager on November 20, 2007, 09:00:17 PM
I wouldn't mind living in that house.  What sort of guns do you own?

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 20, 2007, 09:11:07 PM
Texas is very gun friendly but I have no grandkids living here.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 09:15:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
NOPE!

Sorry but the Bill of Rights is the LAW of the LAND!  AND supersedes ALL other laws!

 


A law forbidding the private possession of handguns within the village (Washington, D.C.?) limits for example?

Two words:

Morton Grove.

Quote
Second Amendment-based challenges to a local ordinance in Morton Grove, Ill., were rejected by the Illinois State Supreme Court (Quillici vs. Morton Grove) and the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and in 1983 the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal.


What happens when the SC refuses to hear an appeal? What does the 7th Circuit then become?


This next SC case will be a close run thing, IMO. It's time to settle it, however.
Title: Re: Who are the people??
Post by: Bingolong on November 20, 2007, 09:28:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SIG220
No, the correct question to ask is this:  Who are THE PEOPLE????


"the right of the people  to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


SIG 220


"The People"
Regarding the meaning of "the People", the U.S. Supreme Court stated in United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez, 494 U.S. 259 (1990),

"the people" seems to be a term of art used in select parts of the Constitution and contrasts with the words "person" and "accused" used in Articles of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments regulating criminal procedures. This suggests that "the people" refers to a class of persons who are part of a national community or who have otherwise developed sufficient connection with this country to be considered part of that community.[38]

Applied to the first and fourth amendments, other clauses enumerating rights to "the people", this would imply the right applies to all members of this class and in some cases individually. The right of free speech, for instance, applies to all those within the class of those attached to the national community.

As Richard Primus and Jack Rakove have noted, the right of the people to assemble was generally understood not to refer to individuals in isolation. The Pennsylvania Declaration of Rights affirmed a right of the people "to regulate their internal police", another formulation in which this right was used in a more collective sense.

However, as noted earlier by the Supreme Court in 1886, the Second Amendment is not restricted to American citizens. In Presser v. Illinois (1886) before the high court, Presser made an attempt to link the Second Amendment as being a privilege or immunity of citizens of the United States. This attempt was found lacking when the Supreme Court stated

The plaintiff in error [Presser] next insists that the sections of the Military Code of Illinois under which he was indicted are an invasion of that clause of the first section of the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States which declares: 'No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.'

Additionally, the Supreme Court stated in Presser v. Illinois,

The constitution and laws of the United States will be searched in vain for any support to the view that these [Second Amendment] rights are privileges and immunities of citizens of the United States...

Hence, because the Second Amendment did not apply solely to citizens of the United States, "the people" mentioned in the Second Amendment are not necessarily American citizens but are instead simply ?"a class of persons who are part of a national community or who have otherwise developed sufficient connection with this country to be considered part of that community".


National Guard, State police, registered militias?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 20, 2007, 09:43:45 PM
John G. Roberts 2005  - G. W. Bush 50
John Paul Stevens 1975 -  Ford 55
Samuel A. Alito, Jr. 2006 - G. W. Bush 55
Antonin Scalia 1986 - Reagan 50
Anthony Kennedy 1988 - Reagan 52
David Souter 1990 - Bush 51
Clarence Thomas 1991 - Bush 43
Ruth Bader Ginsburg 1993 - Clinton 60
Stephen Breyer 1994 - Clinton 56

Handicapping:

Roberts, Scalia, Thomas, Alito probably are pro-2nd Individual Right.

Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg, Breyer are probably a lock on 2nd Collective Right.

Kennedy will be the key player and he can swing both ways as we've seen.

There's my bet.

Stuff like this is really the only reason the Presidential contest matters at all. In all other respects, there's not much difference between the D's and R's.. .but in who they will appoint to the SC... there's an important difference.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: VOR on November 20, 2007, 10:07:16 PM
It's official: they're gonna go thru with it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: E25280 on November 20, 2007, 10:10:21 PM
Seems oddly appropriate.  I think I got this from these boards a while back . . . but I didn't think to note who did it.

Quote
1.  Banning guns works, which is why New York, DC, Detroit & Chicago cops need guns.

2. Washington DC's low murder rate of 69 per 100,000 is due to strict gun control, and Indianapolis' high murder rate of 9 per 100,000 is due to the lack of gun control.

3. Statistics showing high murder rates justify gun control but statistics showing increasing murder rates after gun control are "just statistics."

4. The Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban, both of which went into effect in 1994 are responsible for the decrease in violent crime rates, which have been declining since 1991.

5. We must get rid of guns because a deranged lunatic may go on a shooting spree at any time and anyone who would own a gun out of fear of such a lunatic is paranoid.

6. The more helpless you are the safer you are from criminals.

7. An intruder will be incapacitated by tear gas or oven spray, but if shot with a .357 Magnum will get angry and kill you.

8. A woman raped and strangled is morally superior to a woman with a smoking gun and a dead rapist at her feet.

9. When confronted by violent criminals, you should "put up no defense - give them what they want, or run" (Handgun Control Inc. Chairman Pete Shields, Guns Don't Die - People Do, 1981, p. 125).

10. The New England Journal of Medicine is filled with expert advice about guns; just like Guns & Ammo has some excellent treatises on heart surgery.

11. One should consult an automotive engineer for safer seat belts, a civil engineer for a better bridge, a surgeon for internal medicine, a computer programmer for hard drive problems, and Sarah Brady for firearms expertise.

12. The 2nd Amendment, ratified in 1787, refers to the National Guard, which was created 130 years later, in 1917.

13. The National Guard, federally funded, with bases on federal land, using federally-owned weapons, vehicles, buildings and uniforms, punishing trespassers under federal law, is a "state" militia.

14. These phrases: "right of the people peaceably to assemble," "right of the people to be secure in their homes," "enumerations herein of certain rights shall not be construed to disparage others retained by the people," and "The powers not delegated herein are reserved to the states respectively, and to the people" all refer to individuals, but "the right of the people to keep and bear arms" refers to the state.

15. "The Constitution is strong and will never change." But we should ban and seize all guns thereby violating the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Amendments to that Constitution.

16. Rifles and handguns aren't necessary to national defense! Of course, the army has hundreds of thousands of them.

17. Private citizens shouldn't have handguns, because they aren't "military weapons'', but private citizens shouldn't have "assault rifles'', because they are military weapons.

18. In spite of waiting periods, background checks, fingerprinting, government forms, etc., guns today are too readily available, which is responsible for recent school shootings. In the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's, anyone could buy guns at hardware stores, army surplus stores, gas stations, variety stores, Sears mail order, no waiting, no background check, no fingerprints, no government forms and there were no school shootings.

19. The NRA's attempt to run a "don't touch" campaign about kids handling guns is propaganda, but the anti-gun lobby's attempt to run a "don't touch" campaign is responsible social activity.

20. Guns are so complex that special training is necessary to use them properly, and so simple to use that they make murder easy.

21. A handgun, with up to 4 controls, is far too complex for the typical adult to learn to use, as opposed to an automobile that only has 20.

22. Women are just as intelligent and capable as men but a woman with a gun is "an accident waiting to happen" and gun makers' advertisements aimed at women are "preying on their fears."

23. Ordinary people in the presence of guns turn into slaughtering butchers but revert to normal when the weapon is removed.

24. Guns cause violence, which is why there are so many mass killings at gun shows.

25. A majority of the population supports gun control, just like a majority of the population supported owning slaves.

26. Any self-loading small arm can legitimately be considered to be a "weapon of mass destruction" or an "assault weapon."

27. Most people can't be trusted, so we should have laws against guns, which most people will abide by because they can be trusted.

28. The right of Internet pornographers to exist cannot be questioned because it is constitutionally protected by the Bill of Rights, but the use of handguns for self defense is not really protected by the Bill of Rights.

29. Free speech entitles one to own newspapers, transmitters, computers, and typewriters, but self- defense only justifies bare hands.

30. The ACLU is good because it uncompromisingly defends certain parts of the Constitution, and the NRA is bad, because it defends other parts of the Constitution.

31. Charlton Heston, a movie actor as president of the NRA is a cheap lunatic who should be ignored, but Michael Douglas, a movie actor as a representative of Handgun Control, Inc. is an ambassador for peace who is entitled to an audience at the UN arms control summit.

32. Police operate with backup within groups, which is why they need larger capacity pistol magazines than do "civilians" who must face criminals alone and therefore need less ammunition.

33. We should ban "Saturday Night Specials" and other inexpensive guns because it's not fair that poor people have access to guns too.

34. Police officers have some special Jedi-like mastery over handguns that private citizens can never hope to obtain.

35. Private citizens don't need a gun for self- protection because the police are there to protect them even though the Supreme Court says the police are not responsible for their protection.

36. Citizens don't need to carry a gun for personal protection but police chiefs, who are desk-bound administrators who work in a building filled with cops, need a gun.

37. "Assault weapons" have no purpose other than to kill large numbers of people. The police need assault weapons. You do not.

38. When Microsoft pressures its distributors to give Microsoft preferential promotion, that's bad; but when the Federal government pressures cities to buy guns only from Smith & Wesson, that's good.

39. Trigger locks do not interfere with the ability to use a gun for defensive purposes, which is why you see police officers with one on their duty weapon.

40. Handgun Control, Inc., says they want to "keep guns out of the wrong hands." Guess what? You have the wrong hands.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: badhorse on November 21, 2007, 07:13:09 AM
The 2nd amendment was not put in place to protect the rights of hunters or recreational shooters.  It was put there to protect us from "over zealous politicians" and judges.  Hopefully the court will get it right this time. (unlike 1939).

...the right of the people (not the states) shall not be infringed.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lasersailor184 on November 21, 2007, 07:47:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by badhorse
The 2nd amendment was not put in place to protect the rights of hunters or recreational shooters.  It was put there to protect us from "over zealous politicians" and judges.  Hopefully the court will get it right this time. (unlike 1939).

...the right of the people (not the states) shall not be infringed.


Perhaps, if we're lucky, they'll see what happens when they do infringe on it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 21, 2007, 08:22:53 AM
arlo.. I think toad hit all the historical stuff.   I think it is common sense tho... especially given the wording of the second as originally written that...

The reason the peoples right to bear arms shall not be infringed is that without an armed populace you can't form a militia..  take away their arms and the people can't come together to form a militia.

by todays standards tho... and any days... why even write a second amendment if all it does if give the feds and the states the right to arm their army?    the right of the (collective) national guard/army/government run militia shall not be infringed?  that makes no sense at all..  worthless to even mention... obviously that was not the intent.

I would like to see a common sense explanation as to why the gun grabbers think that the second is the right for the government to be armed... or..  more precisely... why the second is a right of the governments soldiers to be armed.

As toad and other pointed out.. the militia is everyone "the people"  means every person who is capable bearing arms.   that was the defenition then and that is how it has remained.

If we define "militia" then we must either use the defenition that the framers used or..  we must use one that the government has since defined.

They have not defined the militia as the national guard or any government body...not then and not now.   No state constitution does so.   The idea that the militia is the national guard or a government force is made up out of thin air.

as for tanks..   tanks would not be "arms" as was defined by the framers.. nor were artillery or bombs.   your had no right to own them.  Full auto "arms" should be fine and were fine up until the 30's.   hundreds of thousands of them were in closets of veterans and farmers all over the country.

the only gun control that would be permissable would be as in the old west.. whether a person carried concealed or openly and private property owners had the right to allow or not along with court of federal buildings.

This would mean that airlines and (public) schools could still infringe on your rights (good reason for vouchers).

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 21, 2007, 10:03:58 AM
So, they will begin hearing arguments come spring and expect to rule by July. Would be nice to have it in time for Independence Day.

oops, wrong thread, what the heck, still fits.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Cypher on November 21, 2007, 10:14:09 AM
IIRC somewhere in the constitution it says that a militia consists of all males ages 18 to 45.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: acfireguy26 on November 21, 2007, 10:29:02 AM
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
mi·li·tia      /mɪˈlɪʃə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mi-lish-uh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun 1. a body of citizens enrolled for military service, and called out periodically for drill but serving full time only in emergencies.  
2. a body of citizen soldiers as distinguished from professional soldiers.  
3. all able-bodied males considered by law eligible for military service.  
4. a body of citizens organized in a paramilitary group and typically regarding themselves as defenders of individual rights against the presumed interference of the federal government.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: kennyhayes on November 21, 2007, 10:58:32 AM
i say somalia
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on November 21, 2007, 11:11:03 AM
Hmmm...........

Lets hope the timing isn't going along with this...........

and that there is NO truth to any of this...................

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58778

you can even find out who is or isn't...................

http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58425

Just out of curiosity ....

IF the supremes find the 2nd Amendment doesn't mean what many of us believe.

"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed- unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." - James Madison


If they say the right to keep and bear arms isn't an individual right.

What you gonna do?

Cause now if the powers that be wish it they can send the Marines door to door to collect weapons.

The 4th has pretty much been gutted by the Patriot act.

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined." - Patrick Henry

Sadly many SEEMED to cheer it on in hopes of being defended from the terrorist.

"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the rights of the people by the gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)


"If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in guise of fighting a foreign enemy." James Madison, fourth US president (1751-1836)





Hmmm................

GUN CONTROL: "The gun control debate generally ignores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Second amendment. The Second amendment is not about hunting deer or keeping a pistol in your nightstand. It is not about protecting oneself against common criminals. It is about preventing tyranny. The Founders knew that unarmed citizens would never be able to overthrow a tyrannical government as they did. They envisioned government as a servant, not a master, of the American people. The muskets they used against the British Army were the assault rifles of that time. It is practical, rather than alarmist, to understand that unarmed citizens cannot be secure in their freedoms." -- libertarian U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), "Gun Control on the Back Burner," Nov. 6, 2006.


Edited here!!! found it!!!

"The plain meaning of the right of the people to keep arms is that it is an individual, rather than a collective, right and is not limited to keeping arms while engaged in active military service or as a member of a select militia such as the National Guard." - U.S. vs. Emerson, 5th Circuit Federal Court

been lookin for the above.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 21, 2007, 11:44:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Cypher
IIRC somewhere in the constitution it says that a militia consists of all males ages 18 to 45.


The militia act of 1903 or the Dick act,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Militia_Act_of_1903

The Militia Act of 1903 organized the various state militias into the present National Guard system. The Army National Guard is part of the United States Army, comprising approximately one half of its available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. The Air National Guard is part of the United States Air Force.

Title X of the US Code states:

(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are—

(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 21, 2007, 12:25:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Golfer
There is not really any reason to be afraid of a firearm.  In my experience those who actually have a legitimate "fear" of guns are the ones who don't know the first thing about using and handling them safely.

Then again I've grown up shooting and now instruct others how to shoot.  One of my absolute favorite things to do is take someone who may have no experience with a firearm and help them break targets on a trap or skeet range.  Same goes for the more, stigmatic I guess, handgun.   The first time someone handles a hangun they're typically nervous, timid and unsure of what to actually expect.  When they put a few rounds through it, they're usually not happy to wait for me to reload the magazine!

Sounds like it could be something fun for you to do, Tigress!


My fear and dislike for guns has to do with people using poor judgement much more so than anything else although they are loud. I have actually fired a gun at a target under supervision and it was fun.

I do like firing the simulated 20mm Hispanos on my simulated Hurricane MkII-C when I am on the six of a badboy's simulated WWII fighter. :rofl

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 21, 2007, 02:40:14 PM
bingolong..  you are correct... the act defined militia as....

"The Militia Act of 1903--together with its 1908 amendment--was, in the words of a leading historian of the National Guard, "the most important national legislation in militia history." The act, also known as the Dick Act in honor of Dick, repealed the Militia Act of 1792 and divided the militia into two groups: the Reserve Militia, defined as all able-bodied men between 18 and 45, and the Organized Militia, defined as state units receiving federal support. "

the "militia" is still defined as every able bodied man between the age of 18 and 45 sooo...

That is the "people"  you cant' infringe.

Now.. the one sticking point is the "man" part and the "45" part.   I have a feeling that womens groups and AARP might get a little bit upset with the gender and age discrimination.    Federal law now prohibits discrimination based on age and/or gender.

So the militia would be..... everone who is able bodied (that would have to be "not insane") that is over 18.

that would include those who had been criminals but had served their time.

That would also be historical as... taking away a free mans rights because of his past record is only a recent obscenity.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 21, 2007, 03:08:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo.. I think toad hit all the historical stuff.   I think it is common sense tho... especially given the wording of the second as originally written that...

The reason the peoples right to bear arms shall not be infringed is that without an armed populace you can't form a militia..  take away their arms and the people can't come together to form a militia.

 


Timothy McVeigh thought he was part of a "militia." ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 21, 2007, 03:08:15 PM
also.. I think that we are getting too caught up in who is the militia.. it matters not who they are ..   someone said it quite well

The original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment was to preserve and guarantee, not grant, the pre-existing right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Although the amendment emphasizes the need for a militia, membership in any militia, let alone a well-regulated one, was not intended to serve as a prerequisite for exercising the right to keep arms.

The Second Amendment preserves and guarantees an individual right for a collective purpose. That does not transform the right into a "collective right." The militia clause was a declaration of purpose, and preserving the people's right to keep and bear arms was the method the framers chose to, in-part, ensure the continuation of a well-regulated militia.

the amendment merely states WHY it is necessary for the peoples natural right to keep and bear arms should not be infringed.

The militia needed to be drawn on from the ranks of armed citizens.    One was not obligated nor was his right dependent on... the militia.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 22, 2007, 08:53:06 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
also.. I think that we are getting too caught up in who is the militia.. it matters not who they are ..   someone said it quite well

The original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment was to preserve and guarantee, not grant, the pre-existing right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Although the amendment emphasizes the need for a militia, membership in any militia, let alone a well-regulated one, was not intended to serve as a prerequisite for exercising the right to keep arms.

The Second Amendment preserves and guarantees an individual right for a collective purpose. That does not transform the right into a "collective right." The militia clause was a declaration of purpose, and preserving the people's right to keep and bear arms was the method the framers chose to, in-part, ensure the continuation of a well-regulated militia.

the amendment merely states WHY it is necessary for the peoples natural right to keep and bear arms should not be infringed.

The militia needed to be drawn on from the ranks of armed citizens.    One was not obligated nor was his right dependent on... the militia.

lazs


Quite so, and I so agree.

Every citizen is either a member of a state militia, or potential member of a state militia when so needed, unless they are members of the federal armed services, or federalized state militias, acting on command from the commander-in-chief.

With this in mind, We The People, own and bear arms if we, individually, so choose.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Coshy on November 22, 2007, 09:47:36 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
My fear and dislike for guns has to do with people using poor judgement much more so than anything else although they are loud.  


Then you dont have a fear and dislike of guns, you have a fear and dislike of people with poor judgement USING guns.

I have a dislike of people with poor judgement using an automobile, not a fear and dislike of automobiles.

The difference there is important.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 22, 2007, 09:59:05 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
also.. I think that we are getting too caught up in who is the militia.. it matters not who they are ..  lazs


No, I think this is the question to be answered most of the other parts have been handled.

well regulated
the people
keep and bear arms

Every citizen can not own the latest arms.

The framers did not set rules for space travel, television, cars etc.. Likewise a flintlock pistol is a far cry from a Mac-10.

Are M.A.D or A.A., WeightWatchers, V.A., VNVMC anything with a national membership a militia? Are you in a militia?

I am for the 2nd, but I think a good lawyer could make a damn good case with existing law through the militia port hole.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 22, 2007, 10:10:50 AM
bingalong...  I think that the framers were very farsighted.. I think the fact that they used the "militia" to describe why, or one of the reasons why we needed to preserve every mans inherent right to own firearms can only be interpreted as...

explicit approval for arms that would work for militia duty.   I don't know what kind of support you have for the second but.. one that only allows say... single shot rifles or.. as the UN wishes... ones that won't shoot past 100 meters!  well..

That is not what I would call useful arms to come together and form a militia to fight tyranny with...  Of course the meant for us to have the latest hand held firearms (arms).

What do you think they meant?   do you think that every 20 years... say if cell phones get invented.. we should scrap our bill of rights or maybe the 1st amendment because... well.. how could they have seen cell phones even 50 years ago?

no, the framers were inspired and they were brilliant..  they knew that so long as we were human.. the document would be relevant since it did nothing but guarantee inherent human rights could not be stomped on by a tyranny.

Now.. if you want to argue that humans have less rights now or that tyranny no longer exists or that human nature is different somehow then you might have a case.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 22, 2007, 10:57:08 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong...  I think that the framers were very farsighted.. I think the fact that they used the "militia" to describe why, or one of the reasons why we needed to preserve every mans inherent right to own firearms can only be interpreted as...

explicit approval for arms that would work for militia duty.   I don't know what kind of support you have for the second but.. one that only allows say... single shot rifles or.. as the UN wishes... ones that won't shoot past 100 meters!  well..

That is not what I would call useful arms to come together and form a militia to fight tyranny with...  Of course the meant for us to have the latest hand held firearms (arms).

What do you think they meant?   do you think that every 20 years... say if cell phones get invented.. we should scrap our bill of rights or maybe the 1st amendment because... well.. how could they have seen cell phones even 50 years ago?

no, the framers were inspired and they were brilliant..  they knew that so long as we were human.. the document would be relevant since it did nothing but guarantee inherent human rights could not be stomped on by a tyranny.

Now.. if you want to argue that humans have less rights now or that tyranny no longer exists or that human nature is different somehow then you might have a case.

lazs


I am not making my own interpretation of the 2nd here just stating what is on the books.

I would argue all of those in context to a militia. I would replace "Humans" with "the People".

When you say "can only be interpreted as..." Bye who? and "explicit approval for arms" From who? and for what? the rush at the boarder?
Hell there are 3 million capable to fight in LA alone. Now we need 100,000,000 million m-16's to back our national militia. common!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 22, 2007, 11:05:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Coshy
Then you dont have a fear and dislike of guns, you have a fear and dislike of people with poor judgement USING guns.

I have a dislike of people with poor judgement using an automobile, not a fear and dislike of automobiles.

The difference there is important.


Good point.

I fear and respect the power of death automobiles provide drivers as does anyone who realizes the deadly potential they represent.

Guns are designed for the purpose of killing and evolved as a technology of war. Therein lies the difference.

There are people who should never drive an automobile and those who should never be in possession of a gun.

With all that said, a responsible person should not be prevented from owning a gun.

I just don't want guns residing in my house.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 22, 2007, 11:16:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I am not making my own interpretation of the 2nd here just stating what is on the books.

I would argue all of those in context to a militia. I would replace "Humans" with "the People".

When you say "can only be interpreted as..." Bye who? and "explicit approval for arms" From who? and for what? the rush at the boarder?
Hell there are 3 million capable to fight in LA alone. Now we need 100,000,000 million m-16's to back our national militia. common!


With a bit of Googling... we find the below in print.

TIGERESS

from --> http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyid=2007-08-28T174254Z_01_L28348938_RTRUKOC_0_US-WORLD-FIREARMS.xml&src=rss&rpc=22&sp=true

"U.S. most armed country with 90 guns per 100 people

By Laura MacInnis

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United States has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, making it the most heavily armed society in the world, a report released on Tuesday said.

U.S. citizens own 270 million of the world's 875 million known firearms, according to the Small Arms Survey 2007 by the Geneva-based Graduate Institute of International Studies.

About 4.5 million of the 8 million new guns manufactured worldwide each year are purchased in the United States, it said.


"There is roughly one firearm for every seven people worldwide. Without the United States, though, this drops to about one firearm per 10 people," it said.

India had the world's second-largest civilian gun arsenal, with an estimated 46 million firearms outside law enforcement and the military, though this represented just four guns per 100 people there. China, ranked third with 40 million privately held guns, had 3 firearms per 100 people.

Germany, France, Pakistan, Mexico, Brazil and Russia were next in the ranking of country's overall civilian gun arsenals.

On a per-capita basis, Yemen had the second most heavily armed citizenry behind the United States, with 61 guns per 100 people, followed by Finland with 56, Switzerland with 46, Iraq with 39 and Serbia with 38.

France, Canada, Sweden, Austria and Germany were next, each with about 30 guns per 100 people, while many poorer countries often associated with violence ranked much lower. Nigeria, for instance, had just one gun per 100 people.

"Firearms are very unevenly distributed around the world. The image we have of certain regions such as Africa or Latin America being awash with weapons -- these images are certainly misleading," Small Arms Survey director Keith Krause said.

"Weapons ownership may be correlated with rising levels of wealth, and that means we need to think about future demand in parts of the world where economic growth is giving people larger disposable income," he told a Geneva news conference.

The report, which relied on government data, surveys and media reports to estimate the size of world arsenals, estimated there were 650 million civilian firearms worldwide, and 225 million held by law enforcement and military forces.


Five years ago, the Small Arms Survey had estimated there were a total of just 640 million firearms globally.

"Civilian holdings of weapons worldwide are much larger than we previously believed," Krause said, attributing the increase largely to better research and more data on weapon distribution networks.

Only about 12 percent of civilian weapons are thought to be registered with authorities."
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 22, 2007, 11:52:06 AM
well... in the miller decision of 39 the SC was interested only in if the arm in question (a sawn off shotgun) could be used for any reasonable defenition of a military arm.

Since, at that point.. miller, had died and could not speak..  the feds said that nooo.. it was not a military arm and the SC said that, that being the case.. it's use could be regulated by the government.  They were of course wrong as sawn off shotguns have been used in wars.. and.. effectively.

The other part of the law was the government regulation of machine guns but that was not argued at the time by either side.. only the sawn off shotgun issue was heard.

some believe that the SC was just being mislead by the feds.. I don't believe that this was the case... I think that they breathed a sigh of relief that they could avoid the issue so easily.   They didn't have to hear on machine guns or individual rights but.. they seemed willing to imply that it was indeed an individual right.. They did not care if miller belonged to any "organized" militia.. only that the "arms" he had could be used if he were ever need them.

I think it may be a lot harder for the supremes to duck this one tho...   maybe the "DC is not a state" thing.. who knows?

As I have said earlier.. the second only recognizes an inherent right and gives a reason why this right is needed to not be infringed on.    

even if you could say the reason (militia formed from the body of the people) has gone away (which it hasn't)  that would not mean that the inherent right had gone away.    The right is not dependent on how the militia is defined.

for instance...even if you were to say that the militia has morphed.   that it is now not of the body of the people but only say... the national guard...or people signed up for duty.   That would only mean that right now that was the case.   The "right" is inherent because no matter what contracts or changes our government goes through.. change is the only constant.   The right must remain defended throughout all the changes or...

It must be removed through a process that was, btw, provided for.   It can't be skirted around until it is meaningless for sooner or latter.. it will be meaningful again.. the founders seen that tyrants would try to remove this right and meant for people to always retain it and have the ability to bring their own arms to a militia.   even if that meant fighting the national guard say...

you say that you are not giving your interpretation but only stating what is on the books... I say that you are wrong because the militia has always and still is defined as the body of the people... no court has ever said that formal membership is required to have the right other than to be "the people".

I say that you are wrong because the militia is not a condition of the right but only an expanation (one explanation) as to why it is so important.. it is an individual right that protects a collective one... not the other way around... that would make no sense.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 22, 2007, 11:58:19 AM
tigress.. when it is said that 49% of all households have a firearm in them.. it is pretty certain that this is a very low number.  

We all know several households that have (legally or otherwise) firearms in them that the government knows nothing about.. this is as it should be in my opinion but.. be that as it may...

We all know people who have guns that the government knows nothing about.

We all know people who don't own guns now that.. if they thought they might not be able to.. would rush out and get one.

The feds are very well aware of this.. they know how much we love our freedom to defend ourselves and..  I guess.. in that respect.. the fact that they have not disarmed us....

pretty much proves that the founders knew exactly what they were talking about don't it?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 22, 2007, 12:05:19 PM
and bingalong..  it matters not what we "need".. are you saying that the people should not have the right to have an m16?   based on what?  that the national guard has enough weapons to protect us?

first of all.. that is absurd on the one hand.. if there is a riot and you are amoung  the first to be hit.. the national guard will do you no good.. you will be dead.

second.. if the government controls the national guard and the government decides to do away with the constitution altogether... 100,000,000 "people" armed with m16's will function exactly as the constitution intended.. "no standing army could stand against them"

seems you are proving my, and their, point.

Just out of curiosity... on the one hand we have me that says that we should be able to own any firearm we can afford... on the other end of the extreme we have the UN who believe that we should have only single shot weapons that are not capable of shooting a projectile more than 100 meters (most slingshots would be too powerful)

Where on that scale do you fit and why?    What possible reason would you have to limit any firearm?  what standard would you use?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: WWhiskey on November 22, 2007, 03:03:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SIG220
The opinion back at that time was that the militia was comprised of ALL MEN able to bear arms.   That is why the right was expressly given to the PEOPLE.   I do not believe that women were yet considered to legally be people back then.   That did not come until much later, as women eventually gained equal rights with men.

Jefferson was the main person behind having a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution.   In fact, he insisted on it, in order to gain his support for the Constitution.  He viewed it as being protection for the people from losing key rights to either the Federal or  State governments.

Here are quotes from Jefferson on these two issues:

"A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular; and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inferences." --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787.

"The governor is constitutionally the commander of the militia of the State, that is to say, of  every man in it able to bear arms." --Thomas Jefferson to A. L. C. Destutt de Tracy, 1811.



SIG 220

this is how i think as well
 to better understand you must put yourself in 1776 U.S.  no tax base to build a militia or to arm it. the militia had to be of the people, who had arms to start with! the basic requirment of admittance into a militia was ,  do you have a gun, and do you know how to use it!
 the next militia you see in this country will be the one formed right after the gov. tries to take  the 2nd amendment away from the people.
the police tazer people at will without regard for there safety killing more and more of them every year now ! What do you think they will do to us when we cant defend ourselves at all. i abide by the law as best i can and served my country proudly for many years but the gov. as we know it is out of control .that is why we have the 2nd amendment, for people like me who think the gov. is no longer functioning in the best enterest of its people.
i do hope that  i am wrong and this gov. gets back on track!
Remember, if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have them
and yes i guess that makes me one too!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 22, 2007, 04:14:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
tigress.. when it is said that 49% of all households have a firearm in them.. it is pretty certain that this is a very low number.  

We all know several households that have (legally or otherwise) firearms in them that the government knows nothing about.. this is as it should be in my opinion but.. be that as it may...

We all know people who have guns that the government knows nothing about.

We all know people who don't own guns now that.. if they thought they might not be able to.. would rush out and get one.

The feds are very well aware of this.. they know how much we love our freedom to defend ourselves and..  I guess.. in that respect.. the fact that they have not disarmed us....

pretty much proves that the founders knew exactly what they were talking about don't it?

lazs


IT sure does, Lazs!

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 22, 2007, 04:20:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by WWhiskey
this is how i think as well
 to better understand you must put yourself in 1776 U.S.  no tax base to build a militia or to arm it. the militia had to be of the people, who had arms to start with! the basic requirment of admittance into a militia was ,  do you have a gun, and do you know how to use it!
 the next militia you see in this country will be the one formed right after the gov. tries to take  the 2nd amendment away from the people.
the police tazer people at will without regard for there safety killing more and more of them every year now ! What do you think they will do to us when we cant defend ourselves at all. i abide by the law as best i can and served my country proudly for many years but the gov. as we know it is out of control .that is why we have the 2nd amendment, for people like me who think the gov. is no longer functioning in the best enterest of its people.
i do hope that  i am wrong and this gov. gets back on track!
Remember, if you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have them
and yes i guess that makes me one too!


I read if a woman (or man) wants to have something like mace or pepper spray in Massachusetts that state requires a firearm owner's permit as if it was a gun.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 22, 2007, 08:09:02 PM
United States v. Cruikshank  1875
Although the Enforcement Act had been designed primarily to halt the violence of the Ku Klux Klan in preventing blacks from voting, the Cruikshank court held that the Due Process and Equal Protection  Clauses apply only to state action, and not to actions of individuals

Presser v. Illinois  1886
But a conclusive answer to the contention that this amendment [the Second Amendment] prohibits the legislation in question lies in the fact that the amendment is a limitation only upon the power of congress and the national government, and not upon that of the state

Malitia Act 1903

Salina v. Blaksley 1905
The court said: "This view cannot be supported. The right to keep and bear arms for the common defense does not include the right to associate together as a military organization, or to drill and parade with arms in cities or towns, unless authorized to do so by law. This is a matter affecting the public security, quiet, and good order, and it is within the police power of the legislature to regulate the bearing of arms, so as to forbid such unauthorized drills and parades." The defendant was not a member of an organized militia, nor of any other military organization provided for by law, and was therefore not within the provision of the Bill of Rights, and was not protected by its terms.

The National Defense Act of 1916

The 1934 National Firearms Act

The Federal Firearms Act of 1938

United States v. Miller  1939
On May 15, 1939 the Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion by Justice McReynolds,  reversed and remanded the District Court decision. The Supreme Court declared that no conflict between the NFA and the Second Amendment had been established, writing:
In the absence of any evidence tending to show that possession or use of a 'shotgun having a barrel of less than eighteen inches in length' at this time has some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia, we cannot say that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear such an instrument.
Describing the constitutional authority under which Congress could call forth state militia, the Court stated:
With obvious purpose to assure the continuation and render possible the effectiveness of such forces the declaration and guarantee of the Second Amendment were made. It must be interpreted and applied with that end in view.
The Court also looked to historical sources to explain the meaning of "militia" as set down by the authors of the Constitution:
The signification attributed to the term Militia appears from the debates in the Convention, the history and legislation of Colonies and States, and the writings of approved commentators. These show plainly enough that the Militia comprised all males physically capable of acting in concert for the common defense. 'A body of citizens enrolled for military discipline.' And further, that ordinarily when called for service these men were expected to appear bearing arms supplied by themselves and of the kind in common use at the time.

Maryland v. United States  1965
The National Guard is the modern Militia reserved to the States by Art. I. 8, cl. 15, 16, of the Constitution

The Gun Control Act of 1968

Burton v. Sills 1969
...Congress, though admittedly governed by the second amendment, may regulate interstate firearms so long as the regulation does not impair the maintenance of the active, organized militias of the states.
Lewis v. United States 1980
''Apparently, then, under the Second Amendment, the federal government can limit the keeping and bearing of arms by a single individual as well as by a group of individuals, but it cannot prohibit the possession or use of any weapon which has any reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well-regulated militia.''

 The 1986 McClure-Volkmer Act
banned the sale of machine guns manufactured after the date of enactment to civilians, restricting sales of these weapons to the military and law enforcement

Perpich v. Department of Defense 1990
"The Dick Act divided the class of able-bodied male citizens between 18 and 45 years of age into an "organized militia" to be known as the National Guard of the several states, and the remainder of which was then described as the "reserve militia", and which later statutes have termed the "unorganized militia." ... " In 1908, however, the statute was amended to provide expressly that the organized militia should be available for service "either within or without the territory of the United States." Hence, the National Guard is not the same as the unorganized militia.
This case is significant for Second Amendment case law in that it recognizes that the National Guard is one modern form of the militia under federal law.

Silveira v. Lockyer  2002
The Court engaged in an extensive analysis of the history of the Second Amendment and its attendant case law, and it ultimately determined that the Second Amendment does not guarantee individuals the right to keep and bear arms.

These are documented. The question the Supreme Court pose is whether the provisions of the D.C. statute “violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes.”


having a m16 is usless to bombs, rockets, cannons, fighter jets, missles etc... even 100,000,000.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 22, 2007, 08:20:53 PM
Why would the authors of the bill of rights be concerned for the "rights" of a group such as a millitia? It seems all the other rights are aimed at individuals since it's an individual that is a citizen of the country and that citizenship protections pertain to individuals, not some group of people.

It's not a group that has the right to speech, assemble, worship, drink etc. those are protections for individuals, not some ambiguous anonomous group of people. They are rights of and for the people as individuals.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 22, 2007, 09:51:00 PM
If you're an American over 18 you are Militia and you're suppose know how to use the weapons you own, if any.  Our Founding Fathers knew all forms of government become corrupt over time so they wrote the Second Amendment because they thought The PEOPLE might have to take their country back by force someday.

Socialist know the true meaning of the Second Amendment, that is the reason they fear it so much.  They do not want The PEOPLE to be able to defend themselves once they take complete control of our Government.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on November 22, 2007, 09:58:00 PM
If sucking the brains out of a baby into a sink can be justified as 'privacy', then militia can mean anything gun-rights advocates damn well want it to mean:confused:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 23, 2007, 06:25:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
Why would the authors of the bill of rights be concerned for the "rights" of a group such as a millitia? It seems all the other rights are aimed at individuals since it's an individual that is a citizen of the country and that citizenship protections pertain to individuals, not some group of people.

It's not a group that has the right to speech, assemble, worship, drink etc. those are protections for individuals, not some ambiguous anonomous group of people. They are rights of and for the people as individuals.


I am thinking... We The People and Militias of Each Of The 50 States are one in the same.

We The People, armed with our own guns, in the form of State Militias, are our own insurance policy against a US Federal Government gone Rabid.

The framers of the constitution were concerned for preservation of democracy, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of... We The People.

They knew governments get subverted by self-serving powerful politicians and military leaders and political parties.

Thus the framers provided a serious checks and balances mechanism as a constant and very serious Multi-State power that can be invoked to keep the US Federal Government on notice that it is not the only government in the USA; that the US Federal Government IS Accountable, by force if necessary, to  We The People.

The 50 State Governments and their Militias are both a Federal Government Pause to Think and a military force to regain control and set things to right again in the event of US Federal Government Subversion against the collective interests of  We The People.

Government Subverters come from both sides of the political spectrum... from the Left and from the Right. Neither the extremists on the Left nor the extremists on the Right have the moral high ground.

Extremists on both the Left and the Right sides are a threat to the collective interests of We The People.

Look what happened in Russia (USSR) and Germany (NAZI)... prime examples of the Left Extremism (Communism) and the Right Extremism (Fascism) subversion of governments for the sake of unrestrained power and control.

Government is not a benevolent harmless thing and must be held in check else it becomes a master and not a servant of... We The People.

This Is About:
(http://www.elcivics.com/constitution_quill_pen.jpg)

It Is Not About "We The US Federal Government"

Thus, We The People Shall Keep and Bear Arms....

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 09:56:23 AM
bingalong..  you are again proving my point... none of the case sighted called for active enrollment in a militia nor did being in one become a condition of owning arms..

in miller you quoted..  "In the absence of any evidence tending to show that possession or use of a 'shotgun having a barrel of less than eighteen inches in length' at this time has some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia, we cannot say that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear such an instrument. "

It is as I have said... they simply felt that no sawn off shotgun could be used as a miltitary arm.. they were not hearing on the 1934 restriction.. they were avoiding it.. One of the justices had a machine gun at home and asked the government.. "do you mean that me having it makes me a criminal?"   they said that it was never intended in such a way..

The SC.. dodged it... dodged the machine gun thing the ruled very narrowly that it was ok to take away the right to own a sawn off shotgun because it had no miltitary value.. this was wrong... every war before and since has used em.. we use em now in Iraq.   Mossberg 500's

and.. as for your contention that no army of 100,000,000 needs M16's???  what are you talking about?  our army is as we speak equiped each and every soldier with a the latest version of the M16  they also have various handguns...

I am sure they would get a kick out of your assesment that hand held firearms are no longer needed in todays warfare of rockets and bombs!

you were no serious were you?  

Now... let's quit pretending shall we?  you are no supporter of the second.  you are not being honest here... or.. you simply have no idea what firearms or armies are.   Which is the case?

Also.. I have asked you... what is your idea of a second amendment?   the one you "support"?  what guns would you allow me to have and carry on my person?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: WWhiskey on November 23, 2007, 10:01:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

having a m16 is usless to bombs, rockets, cannons, fighter jets, missles etc... even 100,000,000.


 while that might be true the military is not the primary enforcer of law inside the U.S. it is local and federal police that will be the first to see a rebelion. and most still believe the military will stay out ,some even think it might join the people since it still comprised of citizens, not conscripts. the most likely event if the armies are used is a war amongts themselves and that wont happen if we surrender our rights before they have a chance to fight for us!
 by the people for the people! who are the people?
   if we are wrong do you want to live under that kind of rule? i would rather keep my guns and my freedom right up till they kill me, than to be ruled by them that would do so!
hope is not lost  patriots formed this country and they will form it again
or die trying
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 10:06:02 AM
but..  lets just take the supreme court cases you quoted since they are all that matters...  the lower courts can be and have been overturned.

" Among the counts against Cruikshank et. al, were charges to deprive two blacks of their First and Second Amendment rights. Regarding the First Amendment charges the court stated:

    The right of the people peaceably to assemble for lawful purposes existed long before the adoption of the Constitution of the United States. In fact, it is, and always has been, one of the attributes of citizenship under a free government... It is found wherever civilization exists. It was not, therefore, a right granted to the people by the Constitution. The government of the United States when established found it in existence, with the obligation on the part of the States to afford it protection...

    The first amendment to the Constitution prohibits Congress from abridging "the right of the people to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." This, like the other amendments proposed and adopted at the same time, was not intended to limit the powers of the State governments in respect to their own citizens, but to operate upon the National government alone...

    ...For their protection in its enjoyment, therefore, the people must look to the States. The power for that purpose was originally placed there, and it has never been surrendered to the United States.

Similarly regarding the Second Amendment violations the court wrote:

    The second and tenth counts are equally defective. The right there specified is that of "bearing arms for a lawful purpose." This is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence. The second amendment declares that it shall not be infringed; but this, as has been seen, means no more than that it shall not be infringed by Congress. This is one of the amendments that has no other effect than to restrict the powers of the national government, leaving the people to look for their protection against any violation by their fellow-citizens of the rights it recognizes, to what is called..."internal police."

In brief, following precedent, the court stated the Bill of Rights only applied as a limitation on the "National government." Individuals could not file charges against other citizens in federal court regarding violations of their constitutional rights. It was up to the states to protect the fundamental rights of its citizens when their rights were abridged by other citizens."

I would say that the only thing in question here is not the individual right... but.. who defends that right.   your example only proves that it is an individual right not to be infringed on by congress.

I think we have all seen tho that when states violate the constitution.. the feds do indeed step in.. as you have seen with civil rights and free speech cases.    I don't think you want civil right to revert to the states again now do you?   I know the court of today does not want to imply such.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 10:08:43 AM
Of course they reversed that bad decision a little latter realizing that the feds did have to prevent the states from taking away rights in....

" Presser v. People of Illinois (1886)

Herman Presser was found guilty of parading a group of armed men without authorization in the state of Illinois. The defendant claimed Illinois law violated provisions in the Constitution including the Second Amendment. The Court ruled the states have the power to control and regulate military bodies, including drilling and parading activities. The Court re-affirmed that the Second Amendment applied as a limitation only on the national government and commented no further about it. However the court in dicta (a side opinion which does not form part of the judgment for the purposes of precedent [stare decisis] ) wrote:

    It is undoubtedly true that all citizens capable of bearing arms constitute the reserved military force or reserve militia of the United States as well as of the States; and, in view of this prerogative of the General Government, as well as of its general powers, the States cannot, even laying the constitutional provision in question [the Second Amendment] out of view prohibit the people from keeping and bearing arms, so as to deprive the United States of their rightful resource for maintaining the public security, and disable the people from performing their duty to the General Government.

Thus, the Presser court expressed the opinion that the states were prohibited from disarming "all citizens capable of bearing arms" because it conflicted with the federal government's right ("prerogative") to a reserve military force and the militia powers granted to Congress by the Constitution ("general powers" refers to Article I, section 8, clauses 15 and 16 of the Constitution)."

as you can see....

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 10:13:30 AM
then of course there is the (to me) "able bodied" and citizen thing... can you give up your rights...sign them away and.. is insane or sociopath considered to be not "able bodied"  the court ruled on these things and I agree.

" Lewis v. U.S. (1980)

Title VII of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 forbids the possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Lewis, the petitioner, was convicted of a felony in a 1961 state court "for breaking and entering with intent to commit a misdemeanor". In 1977, in Virginia, Lewis was charged with receiving and possessing a firearm in violation of the above act. Lewis, claimed his latest conviction violated the Fifth and Sixth Amendments because he had no counsel present during his 1961 trial.

The court upheld Lewis' conviction, holding:

    (a)...the fact that there are remedies available to a convicted felon - removal of the firearm disability by a qualifying pardon or the Secretary of the Treasury's consent, as specified in the Act, or a challenge to the prior conviction in an appropriate court proceeding - suggests that Congress intended that the defendant clear his status before obtaining a firearm, thereby fulfilling Congress' purpose to keep firearms away from persons classified as potentially irresponsible and dangerous.

    (b) The firearm regulatory scheme at issue here is consonant with the concept of equal protection embodied in the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, since Congress could rationally conclude that any felony conviction, even an allegedly invalid one, is a sufficient basis on which to prohibit the possession of a firearm. And use of an uncounseled felony conviction as the basis for imposing a civil firearms disability, enforceable by criminal sanction, is not inconsistent with Burgett v. Texas, 389 U.S. 109; United States v. Tucker, 404 U.S. 443; and Loper v. Beto, 405 U.S. 473.

In a footnote the court stated:

    These legislative restrictions on the use of firearms are neither based upon constitutionally suspect criteria, nor do they trench upon any constitutionally protected liberties. See United States v. Miller, 307 U.S. 174, 178 (1939) (the Second Amendment guarantees no right to keep and bear a firearm that does not have "some reasonable relationship to [445 U.S. 55, 66] the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia").

Note, the Court restated the Miller court's focus on the type of firearm.

The Court also commented it was customary to deny convicted felons the right to vote, hold union office, or practice medicine. "

As you can see.. a convicted felon who had signed away not only his right to bear arms but to even vote!

again...  the court sidestepped the issue and ruled on a very narrow point.. that of felons/insane peoples rights.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 23, 2007, 10:14:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I think we have all seen tho that when states violate the constitution.. the feds do indeed step in.. as you have seen with civil rights and free speech cases.    I don't think you want civil right to revert to the states again now do you?   I know the court of today does not want to imply such.

lazs


I hope you're not expecting consistency from the left. From those who think the ends justify any means consistency means nothing.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Chairboy on November 23, 2007, 10:15:25 AM
Every other right recognized in the Bill of Rights is an individual right, not a 'group' one.

Why would folks expect the 2nd to be the one exception?  That's just silly.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 10:21:59 AM
I know this is a lot to read but the gist is that the court has always avoided the issue.. probly will this time too.   They have ruled in the past to say that the feds could limit the use of arms that were not useful for a combatant... bingalong would be laughed out with his "there is no need for an m16" idea.

they have ruled that the insane and the felon who signed away his rights could not have a firearm (or vote).

No where do they say that it is not an individual right.  No where except in a new jersey lower court do they say the national guard is the militia.  or.. that active membership in one is required... think about it.. that would mean that if you belonged to the national guard.. you could bear arms anywhere... your right could not be "infringed"  you could be armed but other citizens could not!  even when not on active duty or in uniform!

no.. the militia has to be everyone and it is simply one reason to keep and bear arms.. not a condition to do so... not a condition of an inherent right.. just as belonging to a political party is not the only way that you can have free speech.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 23, 2007, 10:43:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
When it says that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed, it means both by the Federal Government, and the States government.


The aforementioned quote from Presser seems to contradict you. Do you have an explanation for that?

Quote
The Court goes on (Presser):
 
 "But a conclusive answer to the contention that this Amendment
 prohibits the legislation in question lies in the fact that the
 Amendment is a limitation only upon the power of Congress and the
 National Government, and not upon that of the States" ..." [p.619]

Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 23, 2007, 10:50:22 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Chairboy
Every other right recognized in the Bill of Rights is an individual right, not a 'group' one.

Why would folks expect the 2nd to be the one exception?  That's just silly.


I think what is confusing some is the definition of a Militia is not one single statement.

In the below, one of the statements stands out to link all citizens to State Militias: * The entire able-bodied male (and perhaps female) population of a community, town, county, or state, available to be called to arms.

Militia = We The People, the US civilians, in our entirety; regardless of present active or non-active Militia status.
 
We The People are "The Militia"; "The Militia" is We The People.

We are either active members or inactive members of the Militia at any given point in time but by definition we are all "The Militia."

TIGERESS

"Militia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
The term Militia is commonly used today to refer to a military force composed of ordinary citizens to provide defense, emergency, law enforcement, or paramilitary service, and those engaged in such activity, without being paid a regular salary or committed to a fixed term of service. Legal and historical meanings of Militia include:

* Defense activity or service, to protect a community, its territory, property, and laws.

* The entire able-bodied male (and perhaps female) population of a community, town, county, or state, available to be called to arms.

* A subset of these who may be legally penalized for failing to respond to a call-up.

* A subset of these who actually respond to a call-up, regardless of legal obligation.

* A private, non-government force, not necessarily directly supported or sanctioned by its government.

* An official reserve army, composed of citizen soldiers. Called by various name in different countries such as; the Army Reserve, National Guard, or State Defense Forces."
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 23, 2007, 10:56:26 AM
Toad... I agree that it says that.    I think that it was a bad ruling made to skirt the real tough decision.

It would mean that the constitution was only a federal document and the states did not need to observe it.   That the feds had no power over the states.

That civil rights and free speech were up to the states.. that slavery was up to the states.

I don't think they want to go this route this time.. too many people watching.

They are going to have to come up with something else this time to dodge the real issue.

What I would be happy with is that they agreed that hand held weapons..even full auto could not be infringed and that carrying discretely (concealed) could not be infringed except in courts or such but...

That breaking the law with a firearm proved you a criminal and insane... not able bodied.. and you could lose your right.. that being on parole made you not a full citizen for instance.

It would be found that no increase in crime or murder occured.. those who bought full autos would be very careful with them so as to keep their rights (just as they are now) and crime would most probably go down.

The CDC just published it's study that no gun law has every reduced crime.. this will probly influence any decision based on citizens being their own worst enemy types of idiotic theory.  

Every time the lefties predict carnage when citizens are given more of their second amendment rights... they are proved wrong..

Every time the lefties pass some gun grabbing gun control law they say it will make us safer and they are proven wrong... it is time to ignore them and let a new experiment rule..

Let us go back to the freedoms our founders knew were ours by right of being a human.  

Nothing bad will happen.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 23, 2007, 11:06:34 AM
I think the court will do their best to avoid ruling whether the 2nd is about individual or group rights. Try as I am though I don't see how they can avoid this based on the case they've agreed to consider. Perhaps they'll find some technical error made by the higher court and overturn their decision based upon that?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 23, 2007, 11:50:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by lasersailor184
When it says that the right to bear arms shall not be infringed, it means both by the Federal Government, and the States government.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The aforementioned quote from Presser seems to contradict you. Do you have an explanation for that?


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Court goes on (Presser):

"But a conclusive answer to the contention that this Amendment
prohibits the legislation in question lies in the fact that the
Amendment is a limitation only upon the power of Congress and the
National Government, and not upon that of the States" ..." [p.619]


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Toad,

The same argument was made by the state (AZ.) in regards to rights against self incrimination and right to legal representation during questioning by local and state police. They argued that the Bill of Rights was only binding against the Federal govt. and did not apply to the lower levels of govt. or Police. In the Miranda ruling that was made clear that constitutional protections extend to ALL govt. entities and not just in Federal cases.

IMO that was a very proper and correct ruling and does not infringe on states rights or responsibilities. We are all citizens (those of us who ARE citizens anyhow) of the same Unites States and the constitution is the basis for ALL of our governing bodies.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 23, 2007, 12:22:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2



Every time the lefties pass some gun grabbing gun control law they say it will make us safer and they are proven wrong... it is time to ignore them and let a new experiment rule..

Let us go back to the freedoms our founders knew were ours by right of being a human.  

Nothing bad will happen.

lazs


Agreed!

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on November 23, 2007, 06:28:25 PM
Laz,

Even if the SCOTAS wimps out and returns a vauge and micron thin view of the 2nd amendmant this time. It will become the corner stone for the 21st century on the relationship of American government(s) vs. 'We the People".

All government(s) ultimatly hing on the power to kill its citizens. Or to coherce them with the threat of death or the loss of freedom backed by the use of whepons.

There is not a vauge middle ground in this. No matter how narrow the ruling, only one ideological camp will claim victory after the ruling. Are we ready to hear from 9 unellected arbitrators of life and death, what the Law truely thinks of "We the People" and thier protection by the constitution? The 2nd amendmant is the constitution's canary. That is why the fight over it has become so extrem and bizarr.

We could find ourselves castrated over night and resembling England before the second decade of this century. I have often heard that neither the Left nor the NRA really ever wanted the 2nd to make it to the SCOTUS. Once there, the end would be in sight for either ideology after the ruleing.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on November 23, 2007, 06:43:06 PM
I don't think it really matters one way or anouther what the SC decides. There is no way the government will be able to take all the guns out of the hands of the citizens. Not in this country. There are way to many people that grew up on John Wayne westerns and that TRUELY believe that we as individuals have the God given RIGHT to protect ourselves from any and all threats to our freedom, even from our very own government.

Personaly I'd like to fire every single politician in DC. None of them are doing a very good job and as a tax payer those people are supposed to work FOR me. I damn sure didn't vote for any of those idiots to rule me even though that's what many of them seem to think they are there for.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 23, 2007, 11:30:35 PM
I'm just pointing out that the only thing that matter is what the SC thinks.

We can have all the opinions on the Constitution that we care to have. Our opinions do not make the law.

The opinions of the SC make the law. All one has to do is look around the nation and see the restrictions on gun ownership at the state and local levels that DO exist to see what stands as the law right now. Clearly, the states and locals CAN restrict (infringe) the right to bear arms. They are doing so.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on November 24, 2007, 06:06:01 AM
Toad if our form of government as framed in the consitution is "of the people, by the people, and for the people" then yes our opinions do in fact matter and we the people do make the laws, not the Supreme Court.

What most people in the country have forgotten is that the government is supposed to DIRECTLY represent the collective will of the people. Most people today think the government is there to provide us with everthing we need and to take care of us and that whatever the politicians decide to do is fine because they know whats best for everyone.

That's a bunch of crap. If the SC were to rule on the 2nd and say that it's the governments right to decide who can or can't own a gun, or were to come out and outlaw guns all together for "the good of the people" as many liberals would love to see happen, I think you would see a major shift in the general public as to how much people would start to get involved in what the government is doing. Maybe to the point of forcibly replacing the entire government all together.

What has happened over the years is that the SC has injected itself too far into the making of laws and that is not it was intended to do. They are only there to interpret the law as it applies to the constitution. They have gotten away from that position to the point that now when they make a rulling on something they are in fact legislating the law as it is applied to everyone and that's the job of congress, not the SC.

Prime excample is Roe vs Wade. The SC legislated on the issue of abortion with their decision. They made abortion legal throughout the country with their decision, when in fact it should have been sent back to the states to be legislated within the states congressional systems.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 24, 2007, 08:49:09 AM
I am not disagreeing. I'm pointing out how it is. The SC makes the rules; if you look at how the government was set up, this is really no change. It's just that over the centuries the type of person involved in our government has seriously, seriously changed.

It started with men who would risk their death for freedom.

Now look at what (not who; I don't think these clowns deserve to be who) we elect.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on November 24, 2007, 08:51:13 AM
BTW, look at the current crop of c*ap and tell me which one you think would be willing to lay his life on the line for this country and freedom. Take the job knowing there's a strong possibility his/her death would be the result of honoring the principles of the Founders.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 09:12:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
Toad if our form of government as framed in the consitution is "of the people, by the people, and for the people" then yes our opinions do in fact matter and we the people do make the laws, not the Supreme Court.

What most people in the country have forgotten is that the government is supposed to DIRECTLY represent the collective will of the people. Most people today think the government is there to provide us with everthing we need and to take care of us and that whatever the politicians decide to do is fine because they know whats best for everyone.

That's a bunch of crap. If the SC were to rule on the 2nd and say that it's the governments right to decide who can or can't own a gun, or were to come out and outlaw guns all together for "the good of the people" as many liberals would love to see happen, I think you would see a major shift in the general public as to how much people would start to get involved in what the government is doing. Maybe to the point of forcibly replacing the entire government all together.

What has happened over the years is that the SC has injected itself too far into the making of laws and that is not it was intended to do. They are only there to interpret the law as it applies to the constitution. They have gotten away from that position to the point that now when they make a rulling on something they are in fact legislating the law as it is applied to everyone and that's the job of congress, not the SC.

Prime excample is Roe vs Wade. The SC legislated on the issue of abortion with their decision. They made abortion legal throughout the country with their decision, when in fact it should have been sent back to the states to be legislated within the states congressional systems.


The US Supreme Court is part of the US Federal Government thus, answerable to We The People.

If the USSC gets it wrong, and it is serious enough, there are means to correct it; The Founding Fathers made sure of that.

The US Federal Government is not the master of We The People, rather the servant.

All too often I have seen the USSC used as a tool of both political parties to thrust party idology upon the population.

It seems to me... hard-line party politics should not be tolerated within the USSC, yet it is.

In my view, the absolute seriousness of the right to keep and bear arms had better make the USSC take a very careful and sober approach to this.

We The People are not all asleep.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 09:34:56 AM
It is encouraging that at least 3 and probly 4 of the SC judges know their real job.. that of upholding the constitution as it was written.

I do believe that they will wimp out tho.. I do hope that they rule it as an individual right.    I imagine that they will.. how can they otherwise?   I think that they will rule that states and cities have the right to have some restrictions so long as people are able to own arms that are useful in the defense of themselves and the country.  

Look at the swiss... they have their service full autos in the closet at home.. nothing bad happens.  

I am not sure that I have ever understood the left and why they want gun control so badly.... Is it because they fear that they can never impose their kind of restrictions on an armed society?

All government is clumsy and brutal.. you obey or they take everything you have... if you resist... they kill you.   all governments...  some just have fewer rules.. so.. people don't get to the point of resisting till they kill or be killed.

The government did a study once and found that 16% of the population.. and an even higher percent of gun owners would be willing to take up arms against the government if they had to.   It scared the crap out of em.

They also realize that there are close to 300,000,000 guns out there in private hands.   most of which.. they have no idea who owns.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on November 24, 2007, 09:37:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
The US Federal Government is not the master of We The People, rather the servant.

TIGERESS


I agree, but the current crop of politicians probably don't see things that way. Anyone who thinks it's a good idea to regulate any freedom given to us in the Bill of Rights is not trying to serve the people, they are trying to control them.

Passing laws that tells people what they cannot say because it might be considered hatefull to someone else = control.

Passing laws that tells people that they cannot own a certain type of gun, or magazine for a gun, or ammunition for a gun = control.

I'm just wondering when the people in this country are going to say enough is enough and get rid of all the idiots that have been elected to office. I'd love to see a law passed that makes it illegal for a politician to accept money from any lobbiest, and to put a maximum amount cap on what they can accept from a private citizen, say $2000. I hate watching the news and seeing all the reports talking about who is going to win the ellection because that person raised the most money for their campain. It makes no sense to me why that should be used as an indicator of anything.

What we need in this country is a serious canadate that is not affiliated with any party, that can slam the party line doctrine and show it for what it truely is.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 09:44:24 AM
I suppose that if they can make you wear a seat belt or a helmet of a life jacket in the river... they can make you do about anything.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 10:15:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I suppose that if they can make you wear a seat belt or a helmet of a life jacket in the river... they can make you do about anything.

lazs


They can't really make anyone wear a seatbelt or a life jacket.

All they can do is provide some form of penality for not doing so.

Shoot, they can't prevent murder by passing laws either.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 10:36:50 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
They can't really make anyone wear a seatbelt or a life jacket.

All they can do is provide some form of penality for not doing so.

 


:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 10:47:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
I agree, but the current crop of politicians probably don't see things that way. Anyone who thinks it's a good idea to regulate any freedom given to us in the Bill of Rights is not trying to serve the people, they are trying to control them.

Passing laws that tells people what they cannot say because it might be considered hatefull to someone else = control.

Passing laws that tells people that they cannot own a certain type of gun, or magazine for a gun, or ammunition for a gun = control.

I'm just wondering when the people in this country are going to say enough is enough and get rid of all the idiots that have been elected to office. I'd love to see a law passed that makes it illegal for a politician to accept money from any lobbiest, and to put a maximum amount cap on what they can accept from a private citizen, say $2000. I hate watching the news and seeing all the reports talking about who is going to win the ellection because that person raised the most money for their campain. It makes no sense to me why that should be used as an indicator of anything.

What we need in this country is a serious canadate that is not affiliated with any party, that can slam the party line doctrine and show it for what it truely is.


"What we need in this country is a serious canadate that is not affiliated with any party, that can slam the party line doctrine and show it for what it truely is." I completely agree with this, Hornet.

Additionally...

In my view, it is incumbent on We The People to collectively ensure our proper representation.

Democracy is a flower among weeds thus needs constant attention paid to it by We The People directly; left to fend for itself, it will get choked out and succumb.

Infringement by government, or by citizens, upon the rights of each citizen of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness can not be allowed to stand.

The infringement of citizen's rights of black Americans by other citizens finally required the US Federal Government to intervene when State governments failed its own citizens in this regard.

Although I would not marry a black man I would not infringe upon the right of a man and woman to marry if they so choose nor would I publicly or privately disparage them for doing so.

Although I would not have a sexual relationship with another woman, I would not infringe upon the right of two women to do so if they so choose nor would I publicly or privately disparage them for doing so.

Rights are rights... thus they have to be rights for We The People else we are damaging our own democracy, thus damaging ourselves collectively and individually.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 24, 2007, 10:55:17 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I'm just pointing out that the only thing that matter is what the SC thinks.

We can have all the opinions on the Constitution that we care to have. Our opinions do not make the law.

The opinions of the SC make the law. All one has to do is look around the nation and see the restrictions on gun ownership at the state and local levels that DO exist to see what stands as the law right now. Clearly, the states and locals CAN restrict (infringe) the right to bear arms. They are doing so.


That is what I've been trying to point out.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 11:35:33 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
It is encouraging that at least 3 and probly 4 of the SC judges know their real job.. that of upholding the constitution as it was written.

I do believe that they will wimp out tho.. I do hope that they rule it as an individual right.    I imagine that they will.. how can they otherwise?   I think that they will rule that states and cities have the right to have some restrictions so long as people are able to own arms that are useful in the defense of themselves and the country.  

Look at the swiss... they have their service full autos in the closet at home.. nothing bad happens.  

I am not sure that I have ever understood the left and why they want gun control so badly.... Is it because they fear that they can never impose their kind of restrictions on an armed society?

All government is clumsy and brutal.. you obey or they take everything you have... if you resist... they kill you.   all governments...  some just have fewer rules.. so.. people don't get to the point of resisting till they kill or be killed.

The government did a study once and found that 16% of the population.. and an even higher percent of gun owners would be willing to take up arms against the government if they had to.   It scared the crap out of em.

They also realize that there are close to 300,000,000 guns out there in private hands.   most of which.. they have no idea who owns.

lazs


Any gun that can kill a person can be used in a militia as a firearm... that includes handguns.

Weapons such as explosives, field guns, tanks, armed aircraft, missiles and the like, needs serious safeguarding and that is beyond an individual's ability to adequately provide.

Also, accidental or purposeful use of these weapons poses risk of widespread harm thus these weapons need to be regulated and controlled to mitigate potential widespread harm.

A fully automatic firearm might well be considered more of a danger to large numbers of citizens than the militia asset such a weapon represents when privately owned and stored.

Thus, each state must provide arsenals of, and for, such widely destructive weapons and provide training and control of them within the active duty militia of each state.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 11:44:57 AM
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Toad
I'm just pointing out that the only thing that matter is what the SC thinks.

We can have all the opinions on the Constitution that we care to have. Our opinions do not make the law.

The opinions of the SC make the law. All one has to do is look around the nation and see the restrictions on gun ownership at the state and local levels that DO exist to see what stands as the law right now. Clearly, the states and locals CAN restrict (infringe) the right to bear arms. They are doing so.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
That is what I've been trying to point out.


There are consequences provided for by the constitution to overcome a serious infringement of the rights of We The People as stated within the constitution.

Outlawing private ownership of guns would prevent all citizens from protecting themselves from a government gone rabid.

If gun ownership were to be outlawed I would expect to see an armed revolution to occur by State Militias and private citizens acting as a militia against the Federal Government and any State Government supporting such an outlaw of guns.

It's just that serious because it is just that important.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 11:47:07 AM
I have no problem with restrictions on bombs, rockets tanks etc..  these are not "arms"..   there is also the danger that can't be controlled by the owner...  a bunch of explosives in an apartment for instance.. in the event of a fire say..

No matter how safe the owner of the explosives was.. no matter his intentions.. the ordinance itself is a danger beyond his control and it is only right that he not be allowed to endanger others with it.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 24, 2007, 12:36:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I have no problem with restrictions on bombs, rockets tanks etc..  these are not "arms"..   there is also the danger that can't be controlled by the owner...  a bunch of explosives in an apartment for instance.. in the event of a fire say..

No matter how safe the owner of the explosives was.. no matter his intentions.. the ordinance itself is a danger beyond his control and it is only right that he not be allowed to endanger others with it.

lazs


And a militia is supposed to be armed with the weapons of the time we cannot just walk in and "check out" these weapons. You are starting to make my points. I've shown you how you lost/losing control of your rights. I was not trying to define militia, that is the question the SC asks. If I were you, I would take a different tact. Find the laws the stick up for you point of view, other than the 2nd itself. Trying to refute what is allready law is silly and will not change the law presently. So far the most damaging case bye far is the silvera case. No, I would be looking for state rights at this point. Maybe why the state has the right to keep and maintain their militias. Or, the states right to define its own state constitution. There is plenty to defend with.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 01:01:35 PM
Obviously you are not paying attention...  even in colonial times.. arms were not considered to be cannon and rockets.

Now.. let's take your point.. that unless you can have rockets and bombs.. you are useless as a militia..  that is like saying a rifle company without rockets and bombs should just give up their small arms too.   silly.

Any battle would not be over in some eye blink.   weapons would be captured.  Of course.. you would have to have small arms to do so.   You are basically saying that the ak 47 is useless in the conflicts across the globe.  

We have lost our rights because the SC has refused to rule and allowed these things to happen.   It is not impossible to roll back the laws.   If nothing else..it is good to stop new ones.   the trend to ban firearms in cities for instance.

I am not getting your point I guess.   You seem to be saying that if we can't have rockets then why have anything for... if an M4 (m16) or m60 is not good enough to defend freedom then why have anything?  that seems to be your point.  that since we can't have nukes that we really don't have rights other than what our gracious government allows us at the time.

My thinking is just as the founders.. no standing army.. no matter what can long stand against an armed populace.... 100,000,000 men with m16's will be 100,000,000 armed with tanks and rockets within a week.

My point was not so much if it were legal to own rockets and bombs but that it would be legal to restrict their storage.   Their storage is restricted in our own military.. not because we are afraid a soldier will get one and go berserk..

but because they are a hazard in and of themselves.  they can cause great damage without human involvement.. fire etc.    Your freedom to be secure in your home would be infringed if the neighbor had 2 tons of c4 in his garage for instance..  A fireman would be in grave danger if a home was full of RPG's

If m16's and ak47's and handguns were useless then they would not be issued to every army in the world..  

I do not believe that you are a supporter of the second in any way but... What firearms would you allow me to have?

I have asked this before.. I believe you are being dishonest in this debate and that you are a gun control advocate.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 01:14:22 PM
also.. I think that the SC will have a hard time not hearing on the "individual right" of the second.   How can they not?   The lower court already said that it was an individual right.   The whole case in DC is about DC violating individual rights to keep and bear arms.

A ruling that it is indeed an obvious individual right will stop the flood tide of unconstitutional and near unconstitutional gun bans and restrictions that (mostly) cities are making.

The "militia"part of the second is not a condition of the right to keep and bear arms.. merely an explanation for why it is so important.    Since the original intent was that the "militia" be merely a term for every able bodied man... that is how they must rule.    It is simply a reason for not infringing on an inherent and an individual right.    Even if you take away the reason you do not take away the right.

No.. I believe you and the other gun control people are on the wrong tract by trying to gut the second on such a weak arguement.  

If you want to ban guns and take away our rights you should simply amend the constitution.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 24, 2007, 01:20:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Obviously you are not paying attention...  even in colonial times.. arms were not considered to be cannon and rockets.

Now.. let's take your point.. that unless you can have rockets and bombs.. you are useless as a militia..  that is like saying a rifle company without rockets and bombs should just give up their small arms too.   silly.

Any battle would not be over in some eye blink.   weapons would be captured.  Of course.. you would have to have small arms to do so.   You are basically saying that the ak 47 is useless in the conflicts across the globe.  

We have lost our rights because the SC has refused to rule and allowed these things to happen.   It is not impossible to roll back the laws.   If nothing else..it is good to stop new ones.   the trend to ban firearms in cities for instance.

I am not getting your point I guess.   You seem to be saying that if we can't have rockets then why have anything for... if an M4 (m16) or m60 is not good enough to defend freedom then why have anything?  that seems to be your point.  that since we can't have nukes that we really don't have rights other than what our gracious government allows us at the time.

My thinking is just as the founders.. no standing army.. no matter what can long stand against an armed populace.... 100,000,000 men with m16's will be 100,000,000 armed with tanks and rockets within a week.

My point was not so much if it were legal to own rockets and bombs but that it would be legal to restrict their storage.   Their storage is restricted in our own military.. not because we are afraid a soldier will get one and go berserk..

but because they are a hazard in and of themselves.  they can cause great damage without human involvement.. fire etc.    Your freedom to be secure in your home would be infringed if the neighbor had 2 tons of c4 in his garage for instance..  A fireman would be in grave danger if a home was full of RPG's

If m16's and ak47's and handguns were useless then they would not be issued to every army in the world..  

I do not believe that you are a supporter of the second in any way but... What firearms would you allow me to have?

I have asked this before.. I believe you are being dishonest in this debate and that you are a gun control advocate.

lazs


"My thinking is just as the founders.. no standing army.. no matter what can long stand against an armed populace.... 100,000,000 men with m16's will be 100,000,000 armed with tanks and rockets within a week."

Won't happen


"but because they are a hazard in and of themselves.  they can cause great damage without human involvement.. fire etc.    Your freedom to be secure in your home would be infringed if the neighbor had 2 tons of c4 in his garage for instance..  A fireman would be in grave danger if a home was full of RPG's"

They will be just as indangered with cases < I mean you wouldnt want to run out right?> of "ammo" in the house.

"I do not believe that you are a supporter of the second in any way but... What firearms would you allow me to have?"

Your government has allready decided that for you.


You don't get it. Your still in 1700's! I think you are in denial
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hap on November 24, 2007, 01:48:21 PM
Well, read the whole thing.  Something Maverick said made great sense.  I think I'm doomed.

Well, here's what I say:

You're wrong about "militia."
Wrong about "well regulated" too.

Here's my prediction: there will be great hand wringing up to the decision.  Much money spent.  

Oh, about the "rights of the people" y'all are right.

I've owned guns.  Don't own them now.  

Oh, this might make some happy.  A few months ago, some guy waltzed into the grocery store with a sidearm on his hip.  Wasn't a news story.  I happen to work there.  Perfectly legal in Wyoming.

I want to know of all the people who have been killed with guns over the last 50 years, how many have been good guys and how many have been bad guys?

My own personal view has nothing to do with national policy.  The only "pool" of gun owners I "know" is y'all.  Probably not the best pool upon which to base anything.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 02:08:12 PM
bingalong..  admit it.. you are a brit right?

Did you know that a lot of the militarys best weapons are just civilian arms that they have bought?

To think that the military would lockstep with a tyranical government is insane in any case... this is a big country.. come see it some time.   we can't even find people who get lost and are trying to get found.   You are foolish to think that the day of the firearm is over in this day of rockets and bombs.   you are simply not looking at what is going on in the world.

If you are going to bring out the tired old arguement that 100,000,000 men armed with assualt rifles and 50 caliber barrets and scope sighted 1,000 yard hunting rifles don't stand a chance against a few million (at best) half hearted soldiers of a tyrant then you are the one who is living in a fantasy world.

No one wants that to happen tho... and.. it probably will never come to that so long as we have an armed society.. it will never get that far.

so come on.. get a tiny bit honest.. admit you are not from here and that you abhor our second amendment.

Oh.. and bingalong.. it is obvious that you don't know anything more about guns and ammo than what you see in some action movie in london...

Ammo is no hazard to people and rescue workers in any kind of reasonable quantities.  It doesn't blow up and send bullets everywhere..  It is no danger even in a fire past about 3 or four feet from the case cooking off..  there was a good show on "mythbusters" about that old myth.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 02:18:02 PM
hap... not sure what your question is.

By asking if more bad guys than good have been killed... what do you mean by "bad guys"?  Would that include people with criminal records?  say... fellow gang members?  would that include the man who has beaten his girlfriend or wife for what is now the last time?

Would that include suicides?   not bad or good and nothing to do with guns anyway.

I would say more bad guys than good died but even more...  I would say that with firearms being used from 1.5-3 million times a year to prevent crime.. to stop it... if even 1% of those would have been a killing of an innocent... then... you would have to factor into the equation the amount of lives saved.

The people who have made bad guys run off but were sure they would have been killed had they not had a firearm.   The bad guys wounded.. the bad guys just running off or being held till the police showed up.

As for the people..  I have no problem with my neighbors being armed.   I always feel a whole lot less safe in areas where I know my fellow citizens have been deprived of the right to have guns...  I know that if I see a gun it will be in the hands of someone real bad....and there won't be a thing we can do about it.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 24, 2007, 02:29:49 PM
The main problem with the argument that a populace with small arms can't stand up to a large force is that history has shown it to be untrue. All you have to do is look to see that there have been times when a population with small arms has stood up to a larger, better equipped force and not been smashed flat. It's tactics rather than the arms that rule in that kind of engagement.

A second and more telling argument against it is that the US Military is made up primarily of citizens of the country. They swore an oath to uphold the constitution, not the administration or congress. Giving an order to fire on the population in general simply will not be followed, they also are of the people, not separate from them.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 02:33:36 PM
Of course the citizens of the US really wouldn't have to fire a shot to bring our government to it's knees. All we really need is an organized tax revolt.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 02:55:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
I hope you're not expecting consistency from the left. From those who think the ends justify any means consistency means nothing.


Here's another shot of .... perspective:WMDs in Iraq, no wait, Al Queda, no wait, regime change and enforcing Democracy, no .... wait .... .

Just sayin'. Extreme right and extreme left character broadsides on each other from the vantage point of glass fortresses in the midst of claiming to know the answers and have the fixes have always impressed me as the most efficient method to an American nirvana.



:D (obligatory smiley)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 02:59:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
All government(s) ultimatly hing on the power to kill its citizens. Or to coherce them with the threat of death or the loss of freedom backed by the use of whepons.


All governments? I'm not seeing an understanding (historically nor contemporary) of the U.S. system of government in the above quote. :cool:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 03:04:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Here's another shot of .... perspective:WMDs in Iraq, no wait, Al Queda, no wait, regime change and enforcing Democracy, no .... wait .... .

Just sayin'. Extreme right and extreme left character broadsides on each other from the vantage point of glass fortresses in the midst of claiming to know the answers and have the fixes have always impressed me as the most efficient method to an American nirvana.



:D (obligatory smiley)


i have no idea what you just said, explain please. No, never mind, you have no idea either.
(no obligatory smiley)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 03:05:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Here's another shot of .... perspective:WMDs in Iraq, no wait, Al Queda, no wait, regime change and enforcing Democracy, no .... wait .... .

Just sayin'. Extreme right and extreme left character broadsides on each other from the vantage point of glass fortresses in the midst of claiming to know the answers and have the fixes have always impressed me as the most efficient method to an American nirvana.



:D (obligatory smiley)


Of course I can't prove it but I still believe Saddam had chemical weapons and they were moved into Syria and/or Jordan or are buried in the desert. Al-Qeada will remain a threat to freedom loving people so long as both exist.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:08:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
There is no way the government will be able to take all the guns out of the hands of the citizens. Not in this country.


Nor is that the goal of defining the 2nd amendment. Quite plainly (imo, I suppose, though I'd wager not just I). Any form of gun control being the first step toward gun elimination has always been an exaggerated argument.

To borrow a favorite correlation from anti-gun control groups: Why aren't people up in arms over requiring licensing and registration on automobiles? Why aren't people insisting no limits to what is and isn't street legal?

;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:10:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
i have no idea what you just said, explain please. No, never mind, you have no idea either.
(no obligatory smiley)


Don't project so much, son. Though it's good to see you honestly admit it.

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 03:15:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Why aren't people up in arms over requiring licensing and registration on automobiles?  


that's something else that should be eliminated.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:25:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
that's something else that should be eliminated.


Ok ... then make that ... why aren't the majority of people ....

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 03:30:32 PM
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Arlo
Why aren't people up in arms over requiring licensing and registration on automobiles?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote
Originally posted by john9001
that's something else that should be eliminated.


Something that has always irked me is that no one has a government defined "right" to drive a car... rather it is defined as a "privilege."
 
TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 03:32:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ok ... then make that ... why aren't the majority of people ....

:D


Because Rush or whatever local talk radio host hasn't rallied support for the cause.

Seriously though, talk radio reaction is exactly what got the attention of the senate recently, humbling them before the will of The People.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:33:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress


Something that has always irked me is that no one has a government defined "right" to drive a car... rather it is defined as a "privilege."
 
TIGERESS


I'm sure it was merely an oversight on the part of the framers of the constitution. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on November 24, 2007, 03:35:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
All governments? I'm not seeing an understanding (historically nor contemporary) of the U.S. system of government in the above quote. :cool:


Arlo,

When governments on this planet enforce their tax collection code's upon their citizens who willfully choose not to pay, who does these governments send to enforce the tax law?

1. A troop of girl scouts begging you to pay your fair shair for the common good.

2. Men with guns to kill you if you resist being arrested and all of your worldly goods and monies confiscated.

All governments on this planet exist ultimatly by the threat of force as thier final solution to controling the actions of thier citizens\subjects\slaves. Try not paying your taxes for the next 3 years. Then keep us updated on how you avoid direct cohercion by the presence of armed agents of the government.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:38:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
Because Rush or whatever local talk radio host hasn't rallied support for the cause.

Seriously though, talk radio reaction is exactly what got the attention of the senate recently, humbling them before the will of The People.


Really?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 03:39:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I'm sure it was merely an oversight on the part of the framers of the constitution. ;)


Dang short-sighted of those farmers... uhhh.... framers. :rofl

The Revolutionary War happened 120 years too soon! :aok

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 03:40:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Really?


Sure, just ask Nancy Pelosi.

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/28/pelosi-talk-radio/
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:41:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
Arlo,

When governments on this planet enforce their tax collection code's upon their citizens who willfully choose not to pay, who does these governments send to enforce the tax law?

1. A troop of girl scouts begging you to pay your fair shair for the common good.

2. Men with guns to kill you if you resist being arrested and all of your worldly goods and monies confiscated.

All governments on this planet exist ultimatly by the threat of force as thier final solution to controling the actions of thier citizens\subjects\slaves. Try not paying your taxes for the next 3 years. Then keep us updated on how you avoid direct cohercion by the presence of armed agents of the government.


I suggest reading up on our representative democracy. If you're attempting to equate prosecution and enforcement of law as legislated by duly elected representatives .... with oppressive government .... you're skipping a hell of a lot of dots. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 03:43:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
Sure, just ask Nancy Pelosi.

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/06/28/pelosi-talk-radio/


And you think it a likely scenario regarding drivers licenses and registration of automobiles?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 03:46:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
And you think it a likely scenario regarding drivers licenses and registration of automobiles?


Only when illegal immigrant numbers grow beyond... say.. 30% of our population and are allowed to drive without licenses and insurance.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 03:52:52 PM
licenses? we don need no steekn licenses.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 03:53:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
licenses? we don need no steekn licenses.



:rofl :rofl :rofl

I thought Cheech said, "Badges" but no... after a lengthy Federal investigation the following was discovered:

In the 1987 film Born in East L.A., Cheech Marin says "I don't need no stinkin' green card."

And he was right... he didn't.

You can stay, Cheech dear! :aok

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 03:54:30 PM
:rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hap on November 24, 2007, 04:07:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
By asking if more bad guys than good have been killed... what do you mean by "bad guys"?  Would that include people with criminal records?  say... fellow gang members?  would that include the man who has beaten his girlfriend or wife for what is now the last time?

Would that include suicides?   not bad or good and nothing to do with guns anyway.

I would say more bad guys than good died but even more...  I would say that with firearms being used from 1.5-3 million times a year to prevent crime.. to stop it... if even 1% of those would have been a killing of an innocent... then... you would have to factor into the equation the amount of lives saved.

The people who have made bad guys run off but were sure they would have been killed had they not had a firearm.   The bad guys wounded.. the bad guys just running off or being held till the police showed up.


My sense of it is more bad 'uns have been done in.  Jillions more in comparison.

The reason I asked is that some number = the number of gun deaths each year.  Who's getting killed? might be the next question.  I've not the answer.  Not trolling.  Just seems like a good question to ask.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on November 24, 2007, 04:19:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I suggest reading up on our representative democracy. If you're attempting to equate prosecution and enforcement of law as legislated by duly elected representatives .... with oppressive government .... you're skipping a hell of a lot of dots. ;)


Arlo,

You are playing verbal games for the sake of playing the games.

If a government cannot enforce laws ultimatly by being able to kill you or incarcerate you for non-compliance as an incentive against others walking that path, then that government cannot exist. No matter which government on this planet and how virtuous and wonderful, it's fundimental power for existence is by men with whepons to enforce its policies\laws.

The problem with any government is in the weakness of the human condition to the intoxication of power. Representative democracy is only as moral and just as the human beings controling and participating as citizens of it. As standards of morality ease so will abuse of power increase. What then is the bedrock foundation for the maintenance of power?

George Washington was the beloved hero of our nation after defeating the British. Then he had to send men with whepons against those same adoring people(We the People) to enforce a tax code on Whiskey. 5000 men with guns. We the People challenged the government of the United States over being taxed on the personal distilling of Whiskey. The government decided it needed our monies to survive. It sent armed men to collect. We the People did not agree to the tax at that time. As is done today, congress acted in it's own best intrests backed by the cohercive  threat of "force of arms".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on November 24, 2007, 04:20:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Nor is that the goal of defining the 2nd amendment. Quite plainly (imo, I suppose, though I'd wager not just I). Any form of gun control being the first step toward gun elimination has always been an exaggerated argument.

To borrow a favorite correlation from anti-gun control groups: Why aren't people up in arms over requiring licensing and registration on automobiles? Why aren't people insisting no limits to what is and isn't street legal?

;)


Because owning and driving a car is not a right under the consitution. Owning a gun is. THAT is the differance.

The anti gun crowd just has no concept of what they are talking about. What did the assult weapons ban accomplish?? Not a damn thing. OHHHHH it's now illegal to purchase any weapon that has 3 out of these 4 componets on it, bayonet lug, pistol grip, flash suppresor, or a telescoping stock. So even efater the ban went into effect I could by an AR-15/M-16 style weapon with NO flash suppresor, NO telescoping stock, and NO bayonet lug and it will STILL shoot the same ammo, and be able to kill just the same as a weapon with those items, but by God the anti gun crowd thought it was a great idea because a weapon with those items on it LOOKS scarry.

That's the mentality of the anti gun crowd. They don't know or understand the first thing about the weapons they want to get rid of, all they know is they don't like them. Don't ask them why because they couldn't tell you anything other than, "guns kill people" and that should be enough for anyone to understand.

My point of view is this. If you want me to give up MY weapons than you had better have as much if not more knowledge about my weapons than I do, and you better be able to convince me with actual FACTS to back up your argument. Thing is that will NEVER happen so I will NEVER give up my guns.

The day my government says I can no longer own my guns is the day my government no longer serves me. At that point I will be an outlaw and I will fight for my God given rights.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 04:29:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
Because owning and driving a car is not a right under the consitution. Owning a gun is. THAT is the differance.


Poor argument. Automobiles didn't exist. And you're still projecting extremist rhetoric when you rely on phrases such as "anti-gun crowd." I'm not "anti-gun." Gun control has existed since before you were born, involving special licensing and registration for certain types of guns. And I've yet to hear of a single case of legal weapons being confiscated unless they were used to commit a crime. So, while you're demanding "actual facts" to back up my argument try understanding it first and using some better ones to support your own. And relaxing your knees a bit.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 04:31:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
Arlo,

You are playing verbal games for the sake of playing the games.



Funny, I was thinking the same of you. Like I said, your dot-connecting leaves a lot to be desired, even with the faux-patriotism added for flavor.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 04:35:36 PM
wow.. what a shocker.. arlo is adding "perspective" by giving the leftie side of the arguement!  

I think it is a right to move about freely.. you can drive on private property with no license at all for instance.. there is no "right" to drive cars on public roads paid for with tax money.

perhaps it would be more to the point to ask arlo why him and his anti second amendment types don't ask for some sensible registration and control for first amendment rights.    No other right besides the second is so restricted.. we merely want to role back the restrictions to those of the other rights... no big mystery.

As for gun control being just a sensible good hearted thing not meant to confiscate... I believe that the examples around the world should be enough to show just how dishonest arlo and his lefty buddies are being.. look at england and poor old australia for instance.

and.. the government.. all government is brutal and can only work by brute force..  I don't know what country arlo is living in but I would suggest that he try to not pay his taxes and then resist when they come to arrest him...

The way it works is.. if you don't do as they say they take your stuff and/or put you in prison.. if you resist.. they kill you.   That is just the way government works.

so arlo....like I asked your brit friends.. what do you think are sensible gun control laws?  is the 20,000 we have not good enough?

and.. what gun control law ever made anyone safer?  The CDC report just said that none of em do so... what it the point?   If you aren't making us safer then what is your agenda?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 04:37:11 PM
Oh.. and if you have never heard of a single case of legal guns being confiscated then you aren't paying attention... look up hurricane katrina... those guns have still not been returned.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 04:39:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Oh.. and if you have never heard of a single case of legal guns being confiscated then you aren't paying attention... look up hurricane katrina... those guns have still not been returned.

lazs


Hurricane Katrina confiscated guns? Go figure. I'd make a case that it wasn't a proper representative of local, state or federal authority if I were you. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 04:42:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
perhaps it would be more to the point to ask arlo why him and his anti second amendment types ....


Ahhhh ... another priceless piece of rhetoric. "Anti-second amendment types" ....

Whooeee.  (Shakes head)

Get a grip. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 04:46:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Hurricane Katrina confiscated guns?  


arlo, you can't be that stupid, well maybe you are.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 04:49:53 PM
arlo.. the NRA did make such a case.   In fact.. it is so important that many states including kaliforia (just signed) has written it into law that the state can no longer confiscate legal firearms.

as for your anti second amendment bent.. well..  rhetoric eh?  I don't see how wanting to gut the amendment (what part about shall not be infringed do you not get?)  

the point being that if you gut the amendment or think "infringed" is just a suggestion... then you are no friend of the second.

I really didn't expect you to answer on the guns you would allow me tho... that would be far toooooo honest for you guys.

I have asked other gun control nuts in the past and never really got an answer.. mostly because.. I feel that they don't want everyone to see what is behind the mask.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 04:51:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
arlo, you can't be that stupid, well maybe you are.


As stupid as those struggling with the concept of sarcasm? Relax ... I'm not. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 04:56:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
As stupid as those struggling with the concept of sarcasm? Relax ... I'm not. :D


instead of trying to show how clever you are (you are not), just post straight answers.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 24, 2007, 04:59:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
instead of trying to show how clever you are (you are not), just post straight answers.


Come on john, the right to amuse oneself (even if no one else), shall not be infringed. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:01:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I really didn't expect you to answer on the guns you would allow me tho... that would be far toooooo honest for "you guys."

I have asked other gun control nuts in the past and never really got an answer.. mostly because.. I feel that they don't want everyone to see what is behind the mask.

lazs


That or you just need it hammered in with a sledge before you get it.I'm just one guy, Laz. And as "nutty" as you think gun control is, it's not a new threat to liberty. It's no different than standardizing and regulating automobiles. It's been around for years. Funny how that particular correlation (guns vs cars) is one of the pet arguments of the anti-gun control groups but when it's offered back it provokes instant disregard.

I don't stand in the way of you legally owning any gun, Laz. Nor would I. You just don't want any laws that make owning them any more inconvenient that you deem neccessary. I didn't grow up as spoiled, I reckon. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:02:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
instead of trying to show how clever you are (you are not), just post straight answers.


They're pretty damn straight. I can tell by how offended you get. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 05:09:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
They're pretty damn straight. I can tell by how offended you get. :)


you can not offend me, i have a great tolerance for mentally disadvantaged people.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 05:10:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ahhhh ... another priceless piece of rhetoric. "Anti-seond emendment types" ....

Whooeee.  (Shakes head)

Get a grip. :D


Not wanting to spoil anyone's joyful smacksmanship, but just to set the record straight, you in favor of the Second Amendment, as written?

A yes or a no or an eloquent oration with copious innuendo works! :rofl

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:17:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
Not wanting to spoil anyone's joyful smackmanship, but just to set the record straight, you in favor of the Second Amendment, as written?

A yes or a no or an eloquent oration with copious innuendo works! :rofl

TIGERESS


Yes.

To be followed by copius "innuendo":

Of course. The issue is interpretation. Some people want it to mean one thing. Some people want it to mean another. Others realize the world's changed and that the constitution is amendable .... for that very reason. What I'm against is bogus reasoning:

1. The framers of the constitution specifically penned it to support my "God given" right to own a tank.

2. I need a fully automatic belt-fed heavy machinegun to protect me and mine from criminals and the government.

Such rationalizing Rambos could just tell me they got more money than sense, enjoy dangerous toys and leave it at that and I'd probably cheer `em on and wish `em luck.

:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lasersailor184 on November 24, 2007, 05:17:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Arlo
Why aren't people up in arms over requiring licensing and registration on automobiles?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Something that has always irked me is that no one has a government defined "right" to drive a car... rather it is defined as a "privilege."
 
TIGERESS


Actually, the government has the right to regulate commerce among the states.  This means that as long as the driver / citizen isn't using his car for business purposes (i.e. transportation of goods, services or business tools), then the government has not right to tell him what he can or can't do with his car.

That is what it means.  However, because the constitution doesn't come out and expressly forbid the opposite of what is allowed (Art 1, Sect 8), most people don't realize that they can simply tell the government "No."

Unfortunately, the process and tradition is so ingrained on us, it would be a hard fight to get rid of it.  Regardless of constitutionality.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:17:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
you can not offend me, i have a great tolerance for mentally disadvantaged people.


You're forced to. Gotta live with yourself, afterall. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 24, 2007, 05:23:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
Not wanting to spoil anyone's joyful smacksmanship, but just to set the record straight, you in favor of the Second Amendment, as written?

A yes or a no or an eloquent oration with copious innuendo works! :rofl

TIGERESS

Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Yes.

To be followed by copius "innuendo":

Of course. The issue is interpretation. Some people want it to mean one thing. Some people want it to mean another. Others realize the world's changed and that the constitution is amendable .... for that very reason. What I'm against is bogus reasoning:

1. The framers of the constitution specifically penned it to support my "God given" right to own a tank.

2. I need a fully automatic belt-fed heavy machinegun to protect me and mine from criminals and the government.

Such rationalizing Rambos could just tell me they got more money than sense, enjoy dangerous toys and leave it at that and I'd probably cheer `em on and wish `em luck.

:)


That's what I thought!!! :rofl

The Smack-War may now resume! :noid :furious :mad: :aok :confused: :rofl

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 05:23:27 PM
I am not getting your point at all.   You seem to be saying that any threat to liberty that is not a new threat is ok?  

I think what is happening here is that the courts need to rule on this stuff..  I believe that the amendment has been bent to the point of breaking and that some of these ridiculous laws need to be rolled back.

As I have said about the car and license thing.. there are absolutely no restrictions... none.. on private vehicles on private property.   The only time the restrictions come into play is to grab money and to insure safety on public roads.

safety for firearms is not rocket science... far simpler than operating 2 tons of machinery hurtling down the road at others at 70 mph.   Of the two.. guns or cars.. cars are not only far more dangerous but require far more training to operate safely.

For guns.. a half a dozen simple rules learned will suffice.   they are not difficult and require little or no skill to learn and observe.   so, safety is not a factor.  

checking to see if a person is sane enough or has citizen rights to own them takes only an hour or so.

unlike cars.. guns don't wear out roads or take up space in town.. they don't require maintenance that keep them safe to operate in any real way.   and.. unlike cars... unless you are simply careless... they are no danger anyone.   The reason we ignore the guns and cars thing is because there is no real comparison.

Do you wish to continue to compare guns and cars?  maybe guns and free speech?   no?   how bout other rights?

The fact that civil rights for negros were ignored and stepped on for a long time does not mean that it was just and that the jim crow laws should not be rolled back.  

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 05:25:42 PM
arlo, i was going to say "you mentally disadvantaged people", but i thought it would look like a attack on you personally so i edited it to remove the "you" knowing that you would try to turn it back on me, as you did.

you think you are clever, but you come across as a fool.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 24, 2007, 05:30:34 PM
tigress he will not say.. he is afraid he will be dismissed if he says what he really thinks...

look at the exaggeration...  "tanks"  the framers did indeed see the difference between arms and ordinance.  they had rockets and bombs and cannon.. those were not protected.    

So what small arms would arlo ban?   I don't think there is a gun in the world that he could not find a reason to ban.   I don't think there is a registration or restriction for possesion that would be too onerous for him.

I don't believe that he thinks the second is an individual right and that therefore it can be infringed..  I think it obvious that he thinks the constitution is a flexible document that old hippies like himself can interpret to mean anything he wants.    that it is a "suggestion" to be tempered by whatever is the current whim and fad.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:32:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I am not getting your point at all. You seem to be saying that any threat to liberty that is not a new threat is ok?  


You're working too hard to miss the point. No, I seem to be saying it's neither a threat nor new.

Quote
Originally posted by lazs2

Do you wish to continue to compare guns and cars?  maybe guns and free speech?   no?   how bout other rights?

The fact that civil rights for negros were ignored and stepped on for a long time does not mean that it was just and that the jim crow laws should not be rolled back.  



Your call. Your stretch. Please bear in mind, the harder one works at rationalizing a case, the easier it usually is to shoot it full of holes (ptp). :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:35:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
arlo, i was going to say "you mentally disadvantaged people", but i thought it would look like a attack on you personally so i edited it to remove the "you" knowing that you would try to turn it back on me, as you did.

you think you are clever, but you come across as a fool.


Well damn, you sure got me there! Woohoo! Carry on, kid. :aok :D

(Just remember, you took the opportunity to jump into the deep end to wrassle. You shoulda stopped to remember if you could swim first.) :cool:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:38:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
tigress he will not say.. he is afraid he will be dismissed if he says what he really thinks...

look at the exaggeration...  "tanks"  the framers did indeed see the difference between arms and ordinance.  they had rockets and bombs and cannon.. those were not protected.    

So what small arms would arlo ban?   I don't think there is a gun in the world that he could not find a reason to ban.   I don't think there is a registration or restriction for possesion that would be too onerous for him.

I don't believe that he thinks the second is an individual right and that therefore it can be infringed..  I think it obvious that he thinks the constitution is a flexible document that old hippies like himself can interpret to mean anything he wants.    that it is a "suggestion" to be tempered by whatever is the current whim and fad.

lazs


Arlo has never said he would ban any small arm. I understand you feel threatened and all but you're projecting more "boogyman" on me than is there, chicken Lazzle. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 05:46:58 PM
arlo like Internet, arlo having fun.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:50:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
arlo like Internet, arlo having fun.


You're getting there. And what, pray tell, are you doing right now? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 24, 2007, 05:54:23 PM
watching the DIY channel.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 24, 2007, 05:54:30 PM
Laz, I have not called you Righty or "jerk off" as the case maybe.

I am staying out of the personnel side of this. I have said I am for the 2nd amendment though. I am curious why does it make a difference to you from the law side of this argument? Why does where I live make any difference? Last, why do you feel the need to label people?

Do you need help with a proper argument? You seem very intelligent! Argue your case to the SC not to me. To me  you're just sitting there whining and calling me names. I have laid out a very light dusting off a possible areas where an argument could be made, not my beliefs. I could have picked the other side of the argument as well, I just did not.
 
I do believe the timing of this case is not a coincidence.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 05:55:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
watching the DIY channel.


Did you manage to do it yourself? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 10:48:02 PM
Ever notice how the people who are most willing to raise your taxes are also the ones most opposed to the Second Amendment?  Criminal never want their victims to be able to defend themselves.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:07:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
Ever notice how the people who are most willing to raise your taxes are also the ones most opposed to the Second Amendment?  Criminal never want their victims to be able to defend themselves.


Freud would have a field day here. :)

Xargos, where does the funding for the war come from? Which taxes really represent the war tax? And with that much investment couldn't the government give every adult in the nation a free M-16 along with a monthly clip of ammo and have quite a bit left over? Wait a sec ....

$586.00 a rifle ....

Age structure: (2007 est.)

0–19 years: 27.4% (male 42,667,761; female 40,328,895)
20–64 years: 60.1% (male 89,881,041; female 90,813,578)
65 years and over: 12.6% (male 15,858,477; female 21,991,195)

Leaving out 19 years of age and younger .... round up to 230 million souls ....

Almost 135 billion ... for the rifles, anyhow.

Cost of Iraq war to date: 471 billion and counting.

Hell, Halliburton pizzed off more than the cost of arming the entire citizenry with "the modern day equivilant of muskets."

Granted, I haven't taken into account felons or the mentally disabled.

I could see a tax. But who gets their M-16 first? How does one apply? Is there a seperate tax for body armor? Do public schools make bootcamp mandatory?

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 11:20:30 PM
But I guess taxes going to people who are unwilling to work is OK?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 11:23:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Timothy McVeigh thought he was part of a "militia." ;)


And Hillary Clinton thinks she's human.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:25:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
But I guess taxes going to people who are unwilling to work is OK?


Don't whine-change the subject. We're talking taxes and guns, boyo. I've paid enough in SSI alone to have my own arsenal. And if the whole "point" of the right-sided argument surrounding amendment numero dos is over "God-given right to gun ownership" and "every man is a militia protecting this nation from itself" and maybe even "criminals got nice guns, why can't we have some too?" then gawdammit W, where's my M-16?

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:26:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
And Hillary Clinton thinks she's human.


Well that was just a random neuron misfire moment. Keep up with me here. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 11:30:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Well that was just a random neuron misfire moment. Keep up with me here. ;)


lol...   :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 11:35:08 PM
Arlo, I never thought we should have gone into Iraq to began with, but since we are somewhat stuck their I believe our troops should have the best gear that money can buy.  I have no problem with my taxes protecting them, but I'd rather see them withdrawn.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:37:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
Arlo, I never thought we should have gone into Iraq to began with, but since we are somewhat stuck their I believe our troops should have the best gear that money can buy.  I have no problem with my taxes protecting them, but I'd rather see them withdrawn.


Well then ... there goes your M-16, man. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: FrodeMk3 on November 24, 2007, 11:40:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Freud would have a field day here. :)

Xargos, where does the funding for the war come from? Which taxes really represent the war tax? And with that much investment couldn't the government give every adult in the nation a free M-16 along with a monthly clip of ammo and have quite a bit left over? Wait a sec ....

$586.00 a rifle ....

Age structure: (2007 est.)

0–19 years: 27.4% (male 42,667,761; female 40,328,895)
20–64 years: 60.1% (male 89,881,041; female 90,813,578)
65 years and over: 12.6% (male 15,858,477; female 21,991,195)

Leaving out 19 years of age and younger .... round up to 230 million souls ....

Almost 135 billion ... for the rifles, anyhow.

Cost of Iraq war to date: 471 billion and counting.

Hell, Halliburton pizzed off more than the cost of arming the entire citizenry with "the modern day equivilant of muskets."

Granted, I haven't taken into account felons or the mentally disabled.

I could see a tax. But who gets their M-16 first? How does one apply? Is there a seperate tax for body armor? Do public schools make bootcamp mandatory?

:aok


Hey Arlo...What happens' when you factor in illegal aliens??? :lol

Just joking. I know that there's no way to get a reliable number on those-It would be best guess. But they seem to be working alotta the menial jobs' that would normally be paying taxes' back into the system, aren't they?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:44:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
You're Militia, you have to supply your own gear.  You and I are not a Standing Army.


Mneh. That's "rich man militia" talk. If the arguments of "God-given right", "protection from our own government" and "equalizing against the criminals" have feet to stand on then they need to be universal truths and universally applied.

You claimed one can't be pro-tax and pro-gun. Really now? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:45:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by FrodeMk3
Hey Arlo...What happens' when you factor in illegal aliens??? :lol

Just joking. I know that there's no way to get a reliable number on those-It would be best guess. But they seem to be working alotta the menial jobs' that would normally be paying taxes' back into the system, aren't they?


If they wanna hide from "la migre" it's hard to apply for the M-16. :cool:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 24, 2007, 11:46:59 PM
I withdrew that post Arlo because I misread a statement of yours.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 24, 2007, 11:48:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Xargos
I withdrew that post Arlo because I misread a statement of yours.


Not a prob. I thought we were on a roll. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: sgt203 on November 24, 2007, 11:49:58 PM
The text of a post I made from 3/07 about this very issue:

I for one have always beleived the right for Citizens to KEEP and bear arms is just that, a right for each individual citizen to own, keep and bear arms.

The constant assaults against this position and a recent court ruling from Washington DC (which is being appealed by the City of Washington DC) which stated this right does extend to the individual citizen have made me want to look into his deeper and see what the framers of the US Constitution had in mind with the second amendment.

I did some research and have posted what I found below..

United States Bill of Rights (ratfied December 15, 1791)

The Second Amendment " A well regulated militia, being neccessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed".


Having looked at this in the abstract, standing alone, I can see where some may feel this means this is for a "Militia" (army) and not the individual, however standing alone also "the right of the people" seem to be fairly clear also.

To understand what the founders of this country were trying to say I looked at the US Declaration of Independence. A part of this jumped out at me as fairly important to the state of mind of the founding fathers of this country. ....."but when a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security".

The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4, 1776 and the first 10 amendments were ratified by the States on December 15, 1791. Originally the Bill of Rights only applied to the Federal Goverment but many series of 20th century court cases by the Supreme Court have stated that these rights (most of them) apply to the states.

So I looked at the Individual State Constitutions for the original 13 colonies.

Pennsylvania Adopted Sept 28, 1776

Section 21 Right to Bear Arms.

The right OF THE CITIZENS to bear arms in defense of THEMSELVES AND THE STATE shall not be infirnged

New Hampshire June 2, 1784

Artilce 2-a The Bearing of Arms

All person have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the State.

Georgia (as revised Jan 2005)

Article 1 Section 1 RIGHTS OF PERSONS

Thye right of the poeple to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but the general assembly shall have the power to prescribe the manner in which arms may be BORNE.

Massechusetts Bill of Rights 1780

Article 17.
The people have the right to keep and bear arms for the common defense....

Rhode Island 1663-1843 new Constitution adopted 1780

Section 22 Right to bear Arms
The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Virginia June 1788

Article 17
That the people have the right to keep and bear arms...(amended)

North Carolina August 1788

Article 17
That the people have the right to keep and bear arms (amended)

***North Carolina and Virginia read exactly the same***

Delaware Sept 11, 1776 and Maryland May 8, 1867

Both read..

That a well regulated militia is the proper and natural defense of a free Government.

Del article 18 Maryland Art 28.

New York April 20, 1777

Article XL..

And whereas it is of the utmost importance to the safety of every state that it should always be in a condition of defense; and it is the duty of every man who enjoys the protection of society to be prepared and willing to defend it, this convention therefor, in the name and by the authority of the good people of this state, doth ordain, determine and delcare that the militia of this state, at all times hereafter, as well in peace as in war. shall be armed and disciplined and in readiness for service...

My conclusions:

Most of the constitutions of these states were ratified PRIOR to the United States Bill of Rights and a majority make it unambiguoius as to the intent that the CITIZENS have the right to keep and bear arms. There are some exceptions where the INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS are not expressly stated New York, Delaware and Maryland and to some extent Massechusetts.

However the MAJORITY OF THE STATES THAT WERE NEEDED TO RATIFY THE UNITED STATES BILL OF RIGHTS CLEARLY BY THEIR OWN CONSTITUTIONS INFER THIS RIGHT UPON THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN, NOT UPON THE STATES.

In as much as the United States Bill of Rights sets forth the MINIMUM STANDARDS OF RIGHT FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES.. Those states who have less than plain defining language as to the individual right ARE BOUND TO EXTEND THESE MINIMUM RIGHTS TO THEIR CITIZENS..
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 12:10:31 AM
Carry that M-16 wherever you go. Don't forget the ammo. A modern day minuteman isn't much use without the ammo.

That means:

- To the office
- Weddings
- Honeymoons
- Funerals
- Bar Mitzvahs
- Seeing the mistress
- Bowling
- Skiing
- Vegas
- and on and on .....

Maybe there should be a hefty fine if we're ever caught without our M-16s or the ammo they require.

May come a day where you damn the oppressive government that shackled that toy to you but one must remember why it's there.

I'm all for this. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Xargos on November 25, 2007, 12:25:33 AM
There is a old law in my State that requires you to bring a rifle to church on Sundays...lol

http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/south-carolina/
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 25, 2007, 09:47:48 AM
arlo..  you are right.. the more ridiculous you get with your comparissons the easier it is to see how foolish you are.    cars can't be compared but.. anyone can buy a car.  he needs nothing but cash.  It can be given to him by anyone for any reason.   He can have as many as he wants and never tell anyone in government.   still want to compare?   How bout the horror of the (gasp) M16!!!! you act like it is a poison snake   thousands of men carry them with them to church and school and the bathroom every day with no problems whatsoever.

I would prefer a handgun tho for light social work with the m16 or whatever home in the gun safe MOST of the time.. but I would prefer that it be my choice and not yours.

cars are hundreds of times more dangerous than guns... you could never learn to operate one safely by reading a half a dozen rules for instance..   A chain saw is more complex than a firearm...

It is true that the same people who want to raise taxes for socialist reasons want gun control.   the gun control thing is split almost perfectly along party lines.  pretty insane to pretend it is not.   I believe it is probly not much more than the fact that the democrats these days represent the taxi riding loafer wearing city metrosexuals who fear guns.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 25, 2007, 09:55:10 AM
bingalong...  I don't think it is too much to ask if you are from this country or not.   I think it sheds light on the arguement and...  gives me a point of reference.. If all you know about semi autos and handguns is what you have read or seen in movies for instance.. it gives you a distorted view.

I believe that I have argued all the points you have made.  I don't really think your points hold water.   Please tell me where you think I am wrong.

But...  I am intrigued by your comment... Why do you think the timing is no coincidence?

I was a little shocked..  I am sure that the gun grabbers would have wanted to wait till they had more liberal socialist revisionists on the SC.. this seems an odd time... also... The democrats are going to have to work hard to appear moderate this election... this will blow em out of the water.. how will they dodge gun control questions?  even the lefty media is gonna have a hard time ignoring the case.   The democrats are gonna have to show their stripes and I don't think most of America is going to like it.. some people comfortable in their blueness are going to squirm and realize a vote for the dems is a vote to lose rights.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 25, 2007, 10:01:56 AM
and... this is the way I see it.   There is nothing by the founders that would indicate that the second was anything but an individual right..  They absolutely meant it to be one and for any type of personal defense.    

Be that right or wrong.. be that outdated or merely brilliant and timeless....

That is what it was meant to be at the time.

My take is that the sc needs to affirm that it was meant to be that.

My take is that if the PEOPLE don't like that.. if they now think that man has changed so much that we are not in danger of tyranny from within or without or that no criminals exist anymore... then fine.. there is a mechanism that was put in the constitution for change.

That mechanism is not by distorting what the constitution says through some liberal court who tries to "modernize" it.

Let the gun grabbers have the guts to do it the right way.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 25, 2007, 12:09:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong...  I don't think it is too much to ask if you are from this country or not.   I think it sheds light on the arguement and...  gives me a point of reference.. If all you know about semi autos and handguns is what you have read or seen in movies for instance.. it gives you a distorted view.

You have a distorted view! I live right here in the good ole USofA.
 
I fall in the same category as Hap I guess. owned them, now dont.
among them:
Mossburg 500 pump
Ithaca .22 lever SS
Remington .22 semi
My fathers M1 30carbine "Genral motors 1943"
Glenfield/Marlin 30A 30/30
and a Freedom Arms Casul .454 71/2" w/ a 4x4 leupold on top with pachmiers.
 
Puts that to bed!

"I believe that I have argued all the points you have made. I don't really think your points hold water. Please tell me where you think I am wrong."

Ah you think I'm a lefty well im not a righty either.
I like to think of my self as a Demican or a Republicrat
The laws and judgements maybe?
So far you have not shown me one law/act/article/amendment that supports the way you think only tried to attack mine with your version/interpretation of existing law... which amounts to nothing.

"But... I am intrigued by your comment... Why do you think the timing is no coincidence?"

Well I think one of two things will happen,
1. they want to make sure the SC address this before they are removed from office making sure the 2nd stays in tact.
2. Or, something to to do with the patriot act and more rights get taken away.
Never can tell with those "rightys".
Either way its being addressed now before the Democrats take over the WH.

I see the 9th is not real just a bunch of sissy "lefty" blowhards who's opinion means nothing... hehe okay lazs:rolleyes:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 02:56:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo..  you are right.. (and he shoulda stopped there but the ocd whine mode kicked in).


Unknot the wet panties, Lassie. I'm all for the "God-given one-man citizen militia M-16 program." Better than blood-sweat-and-tears American tax dollars being spent on stem cell research or something less useful, eh? I'm not scared of M-16s. Hell, they're easy to break down, clean and put back together. Lighter than most sporting rifles. Can shoot more ducks with a pull of the trigger. And ... well ... God mandated I get one.

Handguns are militia useless. Maybe easier to put to your temple and cheat the government of the satisfaction when they're breaking in the door to take your liberty away, though.

I'm not scared of chainsaws, either. Still militia useless. Except for building log cabin fortresses to inbreed in the mountains with.

True that the same (fill in the people who have a different political outlook than you) all want to do the same (fill in the perception of the same evil thing you fear them doing to you)? Sorry, Lassie, life really is more complicated than you want it to be.

Sure thought you'd be all for it. Hell, you're more fickle and less temperate than most women I know. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 03:14:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

I fall in the same category as Hap I guess. owned them, now dont.
among them:
Mossburg 500 pump
Ithaca .22 lever SS
Remington .22 semi
My fathers M1 30carbine "Genral motors 1943"
Glenfield/Marlin 30A 30/30
and a Freedom Arms Casul .454 71/2" w/ a 4x4 leupold on top with pachmiers.
 


The gun I miss mostest:

(http://www.buffalobillsshootingstore.com/images/product/1557.jpg)

(Closest equivalent pic I could find online. I was never the one to take glamour pics of my guns)

I balanced it, treated the spring, filed the sight and smoothed the hammerhorn. Hefty. Fun toy. Dangerous tool. *sigh*

Had an M1A1 myself. As well as a British .303 with a modified sport stock and a Winchester lever-action 30-30.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: EagleDNY on November 25, 2007, 03:51:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
Of course the citizens of the US really wouldn't have to fire a shot to bring our government to it's knees. All we really need is an organized tax revolt.


You got that right.  Imagine the effect of 10 million or so small business owners refusing to file their taxes and send in the checks to the feds for one year.  What if they just choked the system to death by filing 10 million extension requests?

That would be the big wakeup call to Washington - the day the congress can't stop shoveling taxpayer pork over to their constituents for votes...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 25, 2007, 04:13:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Unknot the wet panties,  


arlo has wet panties?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 04:17:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
arlo has wet panties?


Dago is offering a free remedial reading and basic comprehension course. Just thought you needed to know. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 25, 2007, 04:45:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Unknot the wet panties, Lassie. .....Dago is offering a free remedial reading and basic comprehension course. Just thought you needed to know


why don't you drop the sophomoric humor and just state your facts.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 04:47:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
why don't you drop the sophomoric humor and just state your facts.


I can do either (and have). Why don't you pick and stick, yourself? :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 25, 2007, 05:02:08 PM
Sometimes not knowing how to answer is the doorway to realization, yes? Of course, the decision to enter or not .... well .....  :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 26, 2007, 09:47:58 AM
arlo.. you are making a fool of yourself with your pitiful jon stewart imitation.

You have no point.  You have not explained why an M16 is not a good choice for some defensive situations.. you claim handguns are worthless too.. I would venture to say that no army in the world agrees with you... no resistance fighter or terrorist or insurgent or counter insurgent agrees with you... certainly no one who has ever faces a bad guy with a knife or gun agrees with you.

I like 1873 colts and their clones too.. I like makarovs and kimbers and rugers and all sorts of handguns and rifles and even a few shotguns now and then..  

You have failed to make any point as to why I shouldn't own some or all of them.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 26, 2007, 09:59:54 AM
bingalong... there.. now we have that out of the way... you are a "moderate"... A gun owner who doesn't own guns.   you are neither left nor right but think the whole thing is a right wing conspiracy... I hope you are correct actually.

I doubt it tho... from the way the NRA and the brady bunch et all is treating the thing.. it was just a shock to both sides..   I do believe that both sides fear this coming to a head but it was always do.. it is good that bush was in to put those judges in when he did...

As for your arguements..  I can find nothing at the time the second was wrote that would indicate it was anything other than an individual right and that it was for the defense of the individual against tyranny and for protection and hunting or whatever.. the choice was for the individual.

Showing cases after that... especially in lower courts is meaningless.   They change and are overruled constantly..  if you do that then the final word has to be the latest right?   the overturning of the DC ban based on individual rights.  by your reasoning.. the court has said it is an individual right.

The only real SC case was miller and it seems to me that they affirmed that every man was the militia signed up or not.   Miller was far from military.. he was a rumrunner.   It seemed that they felt the only restriction on arms that the government could make was if the arm had no use in any military fashion.   That would mean that every gun would be allowed that I can think of.

I admit to being surprised by the timing.  It is fortuitous to me.   I want to see the lying democrats with their posed pics at the skeet shoot have to explain what the second means to them...  I want the spotlight put on their instance that we can't be trusted with firearms.

All you who would vote for democrats need only look at the liberal judges they appoint when they get in.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Slash27 on November 26, 2007, 10:48:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

They will be just as indangered with cases < I mean you wouldnt want to run out right?> of "ammo" in the house.



Been in many house fires have ya?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 11:17:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Slash27
Been in many house fires have ya?


NORCO CA -- More than a million rounds of ammunition, numerous weapons and a tunnel were found in a man's home after a fire that exploded bullets and forced a neighborhood evacuation, authorities said Friday. Eppler said that when firefighters arrived he convinced McKiernan to come to the front of the house but the man didn't think they were doing a good enough job because they weren't hosing down the roof, and he tried to re-enter the home. After McKiernan was restrained and put in a police car, ammunition began exploding, Eppler said. The explosions forced evacuation of the area and kept firefighters at a distance. The blaze caused the roof to collapse before the fire was extinguished.
Tempe Arizona:
I live at the complex." and I was awoken by ammo going off it sounded like a war. The ammo was going off for a good two hours. What in hell would a man be doing with that much ammo? And the wepons were they for hunting? or for killing men? there is more to thise story then being told. i too live at this complex and was lying in bed talking to my 8 year old daughter when the ammo started going off right outside my window!! at first we weren't sure what is was then after about the 3rd or 4th shot, i grab my 3 kids (all under age 9), their shoes, and my cat and ran for cover. we barely made it out before the smoke from the fire filled my apartment since my windows were open. there is no feeling in the world like running b/c you're afraid a stray bullet is going to hit you!
ORTING, Wash. --
Firefighters took a defensive stance against a house fire near Orting after flames set off ammunition stored in the garage, firefighters said. Fire destroyed a house and two vehicles in the driveway at a gated development south of Orting. "Upon our arrival, we did a defensive attack for firefighter safety purposes. As the ammunition was continuing to go off we used a large hose and ground monitors to attack the garage and try to cool that down and stop that ammunition from going off," said Jesse Mitchell of Orting Valley Fire & Rescue. It wasn't clear how much ammunition was in the garage, but firefighters said a lot of rounds went off.

Listen at the end of this film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsfwiRfvB80


Ummm ... no I have not ...why slash?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 26, 2007, 11:35:26 AM
ok... so a "million" rounds were being stored and everyone was "forced" to evacuate after the rounds cooking off killed and maimed..  how many firefighters and neighbors?

Oh wait.. that number would be.... zero.

But... I have no problem with city or state ordinances that call for safe storage of ammo past a reasonable amount.   1 million rounds would indicate sales.  A business in a residential area is already covered.

I have not found one case of people being killed or seriously injured by ammo stored for private use.

Contrast that with paint and gasoline and kerosene and any of a number of quite legal flammables.

You are going to have to do better if you want to make me give up keeping and bearing arms.

Oh..  I touched on the "gun owner that no longer owns guns" thing.   It is always interesting to see that and the reasons why.   they often taint the arguement... often it is because of a loved one who forces the issue.. the man then acts like he agrees.. and even argues with others.. in order to save his dignity.  

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 26, 2007, 11:36:29 AM
Oh... I am going to my sons for a few days... It will be fun to see where this thread has morphed when I get back.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 11:46:08 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
ok... so a "million" rounds were being stored and everyone was "forced" to evacuate after the rounds cooking off killed and maimed..  how many firefighters and neighbors?

Oh wait.. that number would be.... zero.

But... I have no problem with city or state ordinances that call for safe storage of ammo past a reasonable amount.   1 million rounds would indicate sales.  A business in a residential area is already covered.

I have not found one case of people being killed or seriously injured by ammo stored for private use.

Contrast that with paint and gasoline and kerosene and any of a number of quite legal flammables.

You are going to have to do better if you want to make me give up keeping and bearing arms.

Oh..  I touched on the "gun owner that no longer owns guns" thing.   It is always interesting to see that and the reasons why.   they often taint the arguement... often it is because of a loved one who forces the issue.. the man then acts like he agrees.. and even argues with others.. in order to save his dignity.  

lazs


you simply said they did not explode and there was no danger
wrong again

Or maybe they break in and steal them all Eh? Including the gun safe mounted to the floor. Who has them now? The bad guys lazs. I suppose I was just arming the Militia:rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Slash27 on November 26, 2007, 12:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
NORCO CA -- More than a million rounds of ammunition, numerous weapons and a tunnel were found in a man's home after a fire that exploded bullets and forced a neighborhood evacuation, authorities said Friday. Eppler said that when firefighters arrived he convinced McKiernan to come to the front of the house but the man didn't think they were doing a good enough job because they weren't hosing down the roof, and he tried to re-enter the home. After McKiernan was restrained and put in a police car, ammunition began exploding, Eppler said. The explosions forced evacuation of the area and kept firefighters at a distance. The blaze caused the roof to collapse before the fire was extinguished.
Tempe Arizona:
I live at the complex." and I was awoken by ammo going off it sounded like a war. The ammo was going off for a good two hours. What in hell would a man be doing with that much ammo? And the wepons were they for hunting? or for killing men? there is more to thise story then being told. i too live at this complex and was lying in bed talking to my 8 year old daughter when the ammo started going off right outside my window!! at first we weren't sure what is was then after about the 3rd or 4th shot, i grab my 3 kids (all under age 9), their shoes, and my cat and ran for cover. we barely made it out before the smoke from the fire filled my apartment since my windows were open. there is no feeling in the world like running b/c you're afraid a stray bullet is going to hit you!
ORTING, Wash. --
Firefighters took a defensive stance against a house fire near Orting after flames set off ammunition stored in the garage, firefighters said. Fire destroyed a house and two vehicles in the driveway at a gated development south of Orting. "Upon our arrival, we did a defensive attack for firefighter safety purposes. As the ammunition was continuing to go off we used a large hose and ground monitors to attack the garage and try to cool that down and stop that ammunition from going off," said Jesse Mitchell of Orting Valley Fire & Rescue. It wasn't clear how much ammunition was in the garage, but firefighters said a lot of rounds went off.

Listen at the end of this film
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsfwiRfvB80


Ummm ... no I have not ...why slash?




Always use the extreme example and try to pass it off as normal.:aok


And what am I supposed to be impressed by in the video exactly?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 01:12:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Slash27
Always use the extreme example and try to pass it off as normal.:aok

Yes I guess every normal fire has amunition in it :) your right. It explodes goes off etc.... is the point.


And what am I supposed to be impressed by in the video exactly?


Good points :aok

I found all your weapons bye the way:D
http://www.musictoyz.com/images/jpg/slash3.jpg

More extremes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AcVSEY2DP0

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1448175417903565701&q=hollywood++bank+robbery&total=65&start=10&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3



:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 26, 2007, 02:54:41 PM
Bingalong,

There was a mythbuster episode that dealt with ammunition in a fire. Their experiments indicated while it ain't the most healthy thing to have in a fire, small arms ammo is also not the major hazard your opinion pieces have portrayed it. Bullets and brass will not have the energy and velocity anything like when it's fired in a gun. Lotsa noise but not that much danger from it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 26, 2007, 03:07:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo.. you are making a fool of yourself with your pitiful jon stewart imitation.

You have no point.  You have not explained why an M16 is not a good choice for some defensive situations..


Keep saying that to yourself over and over. Why don't you want me to want an M-16? Why can't you make up your mind whether you're onboard for the "one-man God-ordained M-16 militia program?" I still have never said I wanted to take away your toys, ma'am. Is it Pamprin time again at your place? :confused:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 03:25:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
Bingalong,

There was a mythbuster episode that dealt with ammunition in a fire. Their experiments indicated while it ain't the most healthy thing to have in a fire, small arms ammo is also not the major hazard your opinion pieces have portrayed it. Bullets and brass will not have the energy and velocity anything like when it's fired in a gun. Lotsa noise but not that much danger from it.


Well if it was on mythbusters :O :rofl

I guess i have to concede the militia part the afgan militia blew back the russky's right?

more extremes:
 ....and look here a few militia members blow up and invading armys ammo dump. I just wonder what small arms he is talking about? in the fire?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_8WMB2xomM&feature=related
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 26, 2007, 03:41:24 PM
the Russians left Afghanistan because of the length and cost of the war and the use of American stinger missiles by the afgans.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 26, 2007, 03:44:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
the Russians left Afghanistan because of the length and cost of the war and the use of American stinger missiles by the (Taliban).


There's a lesson in that. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 03:50:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
the Russians left Afghanistan because of the length and cost of the war and the use of American stinger missiles by the afgans.


you mean US govrenment backed the militia? hmmm think they might do the same here?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 26, 2007, 03:53:32 PM
Gawddam, W ... where's my M-16?! :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 26, 2007, 04:36:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Gawddam, W ... where's my Stinger Missle!:D


Fixed

I mean were a militia right? at least as good as afgan's?

:confused:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Rich46yo on November 26, 2007, 05:14:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
the Russians left Afghanistan because of the length and cost of the war and the use of American stinger missiles by the afgans.


                        Thats a little of a simplification. Its true the Russians started looking for a way out for numerous reasons, one of which was the cost of the war. But dont forget Russian politicians consistently short-changed their commanders in Afghanistan with sub-par units, equipment, and supply. Almost all their top motor-rifle divisions stayed on station looking at NATO.

                     What did work was their Spetsnaz units, or special forces. But most of their other combat units weren't worth a damn.

                    And its true that we Yanks supplying stingers to the Mujahadeen was a big factor too. What that did was lessen the threat of Russian air power and Helicopters. Tactical air power was very effective for the Russians and the stingers changed the equation considerably. I would not however say it was "the reason " the Russians pulled out.

                  I get an even bigger kick out of people saying how we created Al Qaeda and empowered Bin Laden, and Saddam too.:lol  Such statements show a total ignorance of actual history. My apologies if I veered to far from the subject at hand.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 26, 2007, 05:42:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Rich46yo
I get an even bigger kick out of people saying how we created Al Qaeda and empowered Bin Laden, and Saddam too.:lol  Such statements show a total ignorance of actual history. My apologies if I veered to far from the subject at hand.


I've seen historical data pointing to that and none disproving it yet. It's hard for me to take someone's claim as such being "historical ignorance" without historical data to counter with. Just sayin'. Gimme some "actual history" to counter this history text with. :)


"The basis of the Taliban was provided when, in the early 1980s, the CIA and the ISI (Pakistan's Interservices Intelligence Agency) provided arms to any group resisting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, and started the process of gathering radical Muslims from around the world to fight against the Soviets. Osama Bin Laden was one of the key players in organizing these U.S.-backed training camps for the Muslims. The U.S. poured funds and arms into Afghanistan and "by 1987, 65,000 tons of U.S.-made weapons and ammunition a year were entering the war".

"The Taliban were based in the Helmand, Kandahar and Uruzgan regions, and were overwhelmingly ethnic Pashtuns and predominantly Durrani Pashtuns. They received training and arms from Pakistan, the U.S. as well as other Middle Eastern countries who had been recruited by the U.S. to thwart the Soviet invasion of this region."

http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/PP&O/SIG/BOOKSUMMARIES/BookSum-Taliban.htm

Historical text focused on the origins of the Taliban (circa 2000)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 26, 2007, 05:52:05 PM
Bingalong,

Last response as I don't have any respect for trolls. Keep in mind that blowing up an insurgent / terrorist / military ammo dump usually involves more than just small arms. That kind of situation does not conform to the examples you provided earlier.

I brought up mythbusters as it's something easily verified and you can go visit their web site to find the episode. It confirmed the experience I have personally had.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Slash27 on November 26, 2007, 06:01:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Good points :aok

I found all your weapons bye the way:D
http://www.musictoyz.com/images/jpg/slash3.jpg

:aok


There's a mini gun hidden in the Honey Burst Les Paul and a flame thrower in the double neck SG.


:noid
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 27, 2007, 11:17:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Freud would have a field day here. :)

Xargos, where does the funding for the war come from? Which taxes really represent the war tax? And with that much investment couldn't the government give every adult in the nation a free M-16 along with a monthly clip of ammo and have quite a bit left over? Wait a sec ....

$586.00 a rifle ....

Age structure: (2007 est.)

0–19 years: 27.4% (male 42,667,761; female 40,328,895)
20–64 years: 60.1% (male 89,881,041; female 90,813,578)
65 years and over: 12.6% (male 15,858,477; female 21,991,195)

Leaving out 19 years of age and younger .... round up to 230 million souls ....

Almost 135 billion ... for the rifles, anyhow.

Cost of Iraq war to date: 471 billion and counting.

Hell, Halliburton pizzed off more than the cost of arming the entire citizenry with "the modern day equivilant of muskets."

Granted, I haven't taken into account felons or the mentally disabled.

I could see a tax. But who gets their M-16 first? How does one apply? Is there a seperate tax for body armor? Do public schools make bootcamp mandatory?

:aok


Correct me if I am wrong, but...

Looks to me like the war has been put on the Country's credit card instead of raising taxes to pay for it. The national debt has almost doubled since Bush took office.

Someone sometime will have to pay it down eventually; I doubt the righties or lefties want to do that on their turn at watch and want the other party to have to raise taxes and take the heat.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 11:33:59 AM
the democrat candidates have already said they will tax the rich.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 27, 2007, 02:34:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
the democrat candidates have already said they will tax the rich.


hahahaha the rich don't have the collective earning power that collectively, the non-rich has.

Who are the rich? define Rich... :rofl

The Dems will tax us all, IMV.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 03:10:17 PM
I'm just repeating what they said. They say they will roll back bush's tax cuts.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on November 27, 2007, 03:27:24 PM
OK that's it!!!

Your all in trouble NOW!

Cause I'm gettin one of THESE........................ ......


http://www.backyardartillery.com/machinegun/
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 03:32:02 PM
(http://www.faireconomy.org/images/CBOIncomeChangeChart.gif)
http://www.faireconomy.org/estatetax/ETWealth.html

Just info. Never hurts, eh? :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: soda72 on November 27, 2007, 03:33:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
(http://www.faireconomy.org/images/CBOIncomeChangeChart.gif)
http://www.faireconomy.org/estatetax/ETWealth.html

Just info. Never hurts, eh? :)


Should you be at work?

:cool:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 03:36:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
Correct me if I am wrong, but...

Looks to me like the war has been put on the Country's credit card instead of raising taxes to pay for it. The national debt has almost doubled since Bush took office.

Someone sometime will have to pay it down eventually; I doubt the righties or lefties want to do that on their turn at watch and want the other party to have to raise taxes and take the heat.

TIGERESS


I didn't say anything about raising taxes. I said for what the war costs we could have armed everyone above the age of 19 in the U.S. with M-16s and had plenty enough left over. Cut Halliburton loose from leeching/contracting and there'd be enough still left for the GWOT. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 03:40:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by soda72
Should you be at work?

:cool:


Someone make you my boss? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 27, 2007, 04:11:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I didn't say anything about raising taxes. I said for what the war costs we could have armed everyone above the age of 19 in the U.S. with M-16s and had plenty enough left over. Cut Halliburton loose from leeching/contracting and there'd be enough still left for the GWOT. :)


I know... It wasn't directly in reference to your post... more on the lines of when the price of the IRAQ War will be paid. I started a thread on the subject.

http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=220612

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 04:44:45 PM
the longest govt bond is 30 years, so if the govt stops borrowing money they could pay off the debt in 30 years,  but it will never happen.

the govt needs one of them debt counseling services.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: EagleDNY on November 27, 2007, 05:04:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
(http://www.faireconomy.org/images/CBOIncomeChangeChart.gif)
http://www.faireconomy.org/estatetax/ETWealth.html

Just info. Never hurts, eh? :)


Here's a little more relevant info:
Tax Burden Paid by Income Percentage (http://www.taxfoundation.org/press/show/22652.html)

Oh, and on the estate tax - here's another interesting number:

Amount in Estate Taxes Paid by the Kennedy Family on a 500-Million Dollar Estate (after going through a fiji-islands trust set up by their high-paid tax lawyers):  $134,330.90  (0.04%)

That number, incidentally, is the same amount that would normally be charged to the estate of some farmer or small business guy with assets of 2.26 million who didn't have an army of high-paid tax lawyers working for him.  

So the next time big Ted Kennedy stands up and complains about the rich not paying their "fair share", tell him to go pound sand.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on November 27, 2007, 05:12:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Tigeress
I know... It wasn't directly in reference to your post... more on the lines of when the price of the IRAQ War will be paid. I started a thread on the subject.

http://forums.hitechcreations.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=220612

TIGERESS


Can you name any war we've been in that was paid for up front?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 05:17:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
Here's a little more relevant info:
 


Actually, your opinion of relevancy is relative to prespective. Ain't it? No different than mine. But your argument still seems to beg more taxation on the rich, by your Kennedy family example. (Wait .... you thought I was a Democrat, didn't ya? ;)). And the top five percent makes equivalently more. You act as if their paying more in taxes is a real tragedy. Guess I'm not seeing reason to weep. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 05:19:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
Can you name any war we've been in that was paid for up front?


Making the expense, waste and mismanagement of the current one justifiable how? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 27, 2007, 05:25:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
Here's a little more relevant info:
Tax Burden Paid by Income Percentage (http://www.taxfoundation.org/press/show/22652.html)

Oh, and on the estate tax - here's another interesting number:

Amount in Estate Taxes Paid by the Kennedy Family on a 500-Million Dollar Estate (after going through a fiji-islands trust set up by their high-paid tax lawyers):  $134,330.90  (0.04%)

That number, incidentally, is the same amount that would normally be charged to the estate of some farmer or small business guy with assets of 2.26 million who didn't have an army of high-paid tax lawyers working for him.


Life is not fair... and, that's the way its been since the time wealth was first invented. I finally stopped loosing sleep over the super rich and the unfairness of what they don't pay. It's a universal constant.

There are other things which can be controlled.

At least the money the super rich spends usually finds its way into the economy in the way of jobs and business for smaller busineses.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: EagleDNY on November 27, 2007, 05:28:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
the longest govt bond is 30 years, so if the govt stops borrowing money they could pay off the debt in 30 years,  but it will never happen.

the govt needs one of them debt counseling services.


The feds took in 2.4 TRILLION dollars in revenue last year - then entire defense dept, with war funding bills included, spent just under $700 billion.  It aint the war that is going to break the bank folks, it's what the government does with that other 1.7 trillion dollars.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 05:32:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
The feds took in 2.4 TRILLION dollars in revenue last year - then entire defense dept, with war funding bills included, spent just under $700 billion.  It aint the war that is going to break the bank folks, it's what the government does with that other 1.7 trillion dollars.


Pay interest on debt. Lucrative contracts for Brown and Root.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: soda72 on November 27, 2007, 05:44:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Someone make you my boss? ;)


Dick Cheney said he might put you up for sell....  He's a little worried about not making it through surgery..

I told him I'd think about it...

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 05:46:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by soda72
Dick Cheney said he might put you up for sell....  He's a little worried about not making it through surgery..

I told him I'd think about it...

:D


I come cheap. DON'T. DON'T come cheap! ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 05:46:50 PM
don't forget the big govt jet to fly Pelosi from cal to DC and back couple times a week.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 05:48:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
don't forget the big govt jet to fly Pelosi from cal to DC and back couple times a week.


Cause SOH rates a moped and the dynamic duo don't? Whatchoothinkyoutawkinboutwil lis? ;) :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: EagleDNY on November 27, 2007, 05:51:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Actually, your opinion of relevancy is relative to prespective. Ain't it? No different than mine. But your argument still seems to beg more taxation on the rich, by your Kennedy family example. (Wait .... you thought I was a Democrat, didn't ya? ;)). And the top five percent makes equivalently more. You act as if their paying more in taxes is a real tragedy. Guess I'm not seeing reason to weep. :D


The real relevant point was that the "tax the rich" gag is just that - a gag.  The super-rich have the lawyers and loopholes to avoid the taxes.  The guys that end up paying the big tax bills are the middle class and small business guys who are just out there earning a living.  

You could have upped the estate tax to 99% and the Kennedy's wouldn't have been the ones that would be hurt by it - they've got the offshore trusts and foundations holding their cash.  On the other hand, the farmer holding a few thousand acres of nice real estate that's been in the family 50 years - his family gets a million dollar estate tax bill when grandpa dies.  Thats tax fairness?

If you really want to "tax the rich", then you should tax them like everybody else.  Do a flat tax with no deductions, or a Federal VAT so that everybody pays the same rate and I would bet that the total number of dollars paid into the system by the "rich" would suddenly skyrocket.  

The only problem I really see with it is that when the revenue skyrockets, the porkers in Congress will just spend that much more.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 05:52:23 PM
you were telling us where the money went, i was just helping you.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 06:04:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
The real relevant point was that the "tax the rich" gag is just that - a gag.  The super-rich have the lawyers and loopholes to avoid the taxes.  The guys that end up paying the big tax bills are the middle class and small business guys who are just out there earning a living.  


I understand. But the whole Ted Kennedy thing is a bit of a "I don't like Ted Kennedy" distractor. Kinda like something irrelevant added to your relevancy. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 06:05:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
you were telling us where the money went, i was just helping you.


Not doing a very good job, though. Keep trying. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 27, 2007, 06:15:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Not doing a very good job, though. Keep trying. ;)


i don't want to bore people with pages of text, so i will just post a link.
http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2007
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 06:20:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
i don't want to bore people with pages of text, so i will just post a link.
http://www.cagw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=reports_pigbook2007


Getting better. Relevancy over personal grudges. :aok  Thanks.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: EagleDNY on November 27, 2007, 06:26:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I understand. But the whole Ted Kennedy thing is a bit of a "I don't like Ted Kennedy" distractor. Kinda like something irrelevant added to your relevancy. :)


Being as Ted Kennedy is the champion of the estate tax, and one of the biggest bloviators on making the rich "pay their fair share", I thought illustrating the hypocrisy was relevant.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 27, 2007, 06:27:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
Being as Ted Kennedy is the champion of the estate tax, and one of the biggest bloviators on making the rich "pay their fair share", I thought illustrating the hypocrisy was relevant.


I'm sure it is, for a different issue. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on November 27, 2007, 07:03:08 PM
Quote
The super-rich have the lawyers and loopholes to avoid the taxes. The guys that end up paying the big tax bills are the middle class and small business guys who are just out there earning a living.
Thats an incredibly ignorant statement, even more so the last decade or 2 with the 'tax-breaks-for-the-rich' mantra that has resulted in middle and lower paying even LESS taxes. I may be the only one who finds it troubling that the voting majority can now TAKE money from high-earners and use it for themselves


Percentiles Ranked by................AGI Threshold on.................Percentage of              
AGI.......................... ...................Percentile s...........................F edl Income Tax

Top 1%...................................... $364,657............................39.38%
.
Top 5%........................................$145,283............................59.67%

Top 10%......................................$103,912............................70.30%

Top 25%......................................$62,068..............................85.99%

Top 50%......................................$30,881..............................96.93%

Bottom 50%.............................<$30,881..............................3.07%

link (http://www.ntu.org/main/page.php?PageID=6)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 29, 2007, 08:59:51 AM
arlo... what makes you think that the second gives you the right to demand that other people pay for your gun of choice?    I guess you think it is like that amendment that says that everyone is entitled to free health care..  

which one was that again?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 29, 2007, 09:08:13 AM
bingalong.. like mav.. I am starting to think that you are either a troll or... to be kind.. you simply don't know the first thing about firearms and ammo.

This is pretty common with those who hate or are afraid of firearms.

the second does not protect "ordinance".   Storage of dangerous chemicals and amounts is a city by city thing and perfectly legal so long as it does not infringe on the right to keep and bear arms...  the DC thing is perfect as an example.. they required that the arms be locked and/or taken apart with the ammo stored seperately.

The court rightly ruled that a firearm that was in peices and/or locked with no ammo... was not a firearm at all and violated the second.

The extreme examples that you and arlo throw out are nothing but manufactured hysteria.  

I was also interested in the fact that you thought criminal would steal my half ton safe by ripping it out of  the floor and removing a wall of my home and then drive it to their shop where they would cut into it with thousands of dollars of tools.    hysteria...  aren't you worried they will steal my big block elky and run over a crapload of kids?  that really does happen you know.

You guys are looking like little old ladies and simpering jon stewart wannabees..

Pick a point and I will tear it a new one for you or.. simply be sarcastic and hysterical and prove to everyone that you really don't have anything worthwhile to say about the subject.. that it is too complex for you to understand or that your prejudice and fear make it impossible for you to make sense or hear it,

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 29, 2007, 09:51:25 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
Can you name any war we've been in that was paid for up front?


Can't think of one, Mav.

But really I am thinking more along the lines of paying by raising taxes as we go if necessary rather that just putting it on credit and leaving it there thus forcing another administration to have to deal with raising taxes to get it paid down.

I am wondering if the American Public gets an immediate tax hike to cover the expenses of the IRAQ war as we go would that get people more involved in our country's government. A Federal War Tax say collected as we go in the form of a Federal Sales Tax on everything... No war; no Federal Sales Tax; want to spend more? Up the Federal Sales Tax.

Seems to be a lot of apathy exists about spending money obtained on credit and a lot of hand wringing when it comes to paying the bills.

Not many people seem to be aware of how much of our taxes goes to pay the interest on the national debt each year.

Why not make a linkage between the War and paying the bills for it as we go instead of the smoke and mirrors?

TIGERESS

Edit: I often feel the American Public is treated like children by our government (the power bases of the Lefties and Righties). "There, There. Trust us like good little boys and girls; it's for your own good... Daddy knows best."

Sometimes I feel as though the power bases for the Lefties and Righties are in collusion and taking turns playing good cop; bad cop... slapping each other on the back in private and laughing at us about it. And, fuel the fires of division between left and right to keep people distracted and occupied with... the shell game.

Seems like there should be a Moderate mainstream grassroots "We The People" party.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 29, 2007, 10:47:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by EagleDNY
The feds took in 2.4 TRILLION dollars in revenue last year - then entire defense dept, with war funding bills included, spent just under $700 billion.  It aint the war that is going to break the bank folks, it's what the government does with that other 1.7 trillion dollars.


Below from --> http://www.federalbudget.com/

In Fiscal Year 2006, the U. S. Government spent $406 Billion of your money on interest payments* to the holders of the National Debt.

* It's true that we have to pay interest on the National Debt. But some citizens own a portion of the national debt, in the form of savings bonds and other government bonds. So some of the interest payment goes to them. You may be one of them. You'd want to keep your interest income coming. But the interest payment is being paid by taxpayers, and you may be one of them also...it's a tangled web.
.............................

IF you do a bit of simple math and divide the annual interest payment by the total number of people , you get this...

$405,000,000,000/300,000,000 = $1350 per every man, woman, and child per year

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 29, 2007, 11:41:27 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong.. like mav.. I am starting to think that you are either a troll or... to be kind.. you simply don't know the first thing about firearms and ammo.

This is pretty common with those who hate or are afraid of firearms.

the second does not protect "ordinance".   Storage of dangerous chemicals and amounts is a city by city thing and perfectly legal so long as it does not infringe on the right to keep and bear arms...  the DC thing is perfect as an example.. they required that the arms be locked and/or taken apart with the ammo stored seperately.

The court rightly ruled that a firearm that was in peices and/or locked with no ammo... was not a firearm at all and violated the second.

The extreme examples that you and arlo throw out are nothing but manufactured hysteria.  

I was also interested in the fact that you thought criminal would steal my half ton safe by ripping it out of  the floor and removing a wall of my home and then drive it to their shop where they would cut into it with thousands of dollars of tools.    hysteria...  aren't you worried they will steal my big block elky and run over a crapload of kids?  that really does happen you know.

You guys are looking like little old ladies and simpering jon stewart wannabees..

Pick a point and I will tear it a new one for you or.. simply be sarcastic and hysterical and prove to everyone that you really don't have anything worthwhile to say about the subject.. that it is too complex for you to understand or that your prejudice and fear make it impossible for you to make sense or hear it,

lazs


1st of all you brought up ordinance storage and said small arms don't blow up. I was just proving you wrong like I continue to do.

I'm not talking about your safe. I was talking about mine and it was pulled through the wall. So be ready to walk in one day and have it gone even 2 tons :)

Laz you are just a little to right for me telling every one who they are what  they think and making assumptions that are wrong about:D

You have not torn one thing apart yet. Matter fact you haven't shown me one thing in your favor to keep your second amendment rights.  Butting your head and giving your opinion will not change the laws :)

You say your still the militia . I say you are wrong you have lost that right and have showed you how. Denial will not get your rights back. I am absolutely positive the lawyers for the second will have plenty of arguments that you cannot seem to make :)  and they will be based on existing laws, cases, and acts.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Chairboy on November 29, 2007, 11:49:02 AM
Bingolong, out of curiosity, what do you think is more dangerous in a house fire, a propane tank or a cabinet of ammo?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 29, 2007, 11:55:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Chairboy
Bingolong, out of curiosity, what do you think is more danger

ous in a house fire, a propane tank or a cabinet of ammo?



D. Chairboy with a match
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 29, 2007, 12:08:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I'm not talking about your safe. I was talking about mine and it was pulled through the wall.
 


you could have saved a lot of damage to your house if you had left your door unlocked and the guns laid out on the table. Next time use a little planning.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 29, 2007, 02:28:37 PM
bingalong...  I am sure that I am not the only one that wonders why in the hell you had a 2 ton safe for the three or four guns that you own... and.. that a criminal mastermind team would bother to tear out a wall in your house to steal the entire safe and take it somewhere to cut open just to steal what would be a street value in guns of less than $1,000 and would be so useless to criminals as to probly not be saleable.

As to your whole arguement that the second is not an individual right and that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" is somehow conditional on them being part of some government army...  you have proved no such thing.

I asked you to show me any paper or document from the time of the founders that hinted at anything other than an individual right and you could not.

I told you that ammo was not ordinance and that it was, in reasonable quantities... not in the least dangerous compared to more common combustables that we all own.

in short... you appear to know little or nothing about firearms and ammo and ordinance and...

If the SC judges the case based on the original intent.. they have no choice but to go with the very latest court decision... and the miller decision that state that it is indeed an individual right.

sooo... I don't really think you have much of anything.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 29, 2007, 02:48:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong...  I am sure that I am not the only one that wonders why in the hell you had a 2 ton safe for the three or four guns that you own... and.. that a criminal mastermind team would bother to tear out a wall in your house to steal the entire safe and take it somewhere to cut open just to steal what would be a street value in guns of less than $1,000 and would be so useless to criminals as to probly not be saleable.

As to your whole arguement that the second is not an individual right and that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" is somehow conditional on them being part of some government army...  you have proved no such thing.

I asked you to show me any paper or document from the time of the founders that hinted at anything other than an individual right and you could not.

I told you that ammo was not ordinance and that it was, in reasonable quantities... not in the least dangerous compared to more common combustables that we all own.

in short... you appear to know little or nothing about firearms and ammo and ordinance and...

If the SC judges the case based on the original intent.. they have no choice but to go with the very latest court decision... and the miller decision that state that it is indeed an individual right.

sooo... I don't really think you have much of anything.

lazs


Sorry I do not tell them to be criminals I suppose the same thing applies to diamonds, computers, tv's, cameras and so on.. for the resale point of view.
Once again I didn't say "I" had a 2 ton safe just saying... oh never mind . You don't have much Laz especially the rights you think you have. You bore me and you remind me of my ex-wife. :lol always got an answer almost always wrong. She used to try think for every one too as you do. Bet she still does.
Some things do not change, your rights are not one of them.

Good luck in June
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on November 29, 2007, 03:16:06 PM
I agree..........


"TIGERESS

Edit: I often feel the American Public is treated like children by our government (the power bases of the Lefties and Righties). "There, There. Trust us like good little boys and girls; it's for your own good... Daddy knows best."

Sometimes I feel as though the power bases for the Lefties and Righties are in collusion and taking turns playing good cop; bad cop... slapping each other on the back in private and laughing at us about it. And, fuel the fires of division between left and right to keep people distracted and occupied with... the shell game.

Seems like there should be a Moderate mainstream grassroots "We The People" party."


Watch em or just look at the history of both!

Especially within the last 15 years.

If Libertarians become popular you can figure it would be a sure BET that many of em will do a party change!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 29, 2007, 04:37:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bj229r
I may be the only one who finds it troubling that the voting majority can now TAKE money from high-earners and use it for themselves

Bottom 50%.............................<$30,881..............................3.07%

link (http://www.ntu.org/main/page.php?PageID=6)


I find it troubling that you post statistics that show 50% of the citizens taxed earn right above the poverty threshold and your instinctive reaction is how unfair it is that they pay less tax and receive more benefit. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 29, 2007, 04:50:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo... what makes you think that the second gives you the right to demand that other people pay for your gun of choice?  (Then sideissue)  I guess you think it is like that amendment that says that everyone is entitled to free health care..  

which one was that again? (Who knows, that's a different subject entirely)

lazs


Other people? I pay taxes, lazzie. AAMOF I've paid more than enough in taxes to have way more than an mere M-16 out of it. And if I want some of my leftover taxes to be used to make sure the "Divinely mandated militia for the defense of this nation from itself and criminals" is fully armed and ready for the threat (and not just the wealthier selfish bass-tards who just want themselves armed against the poor they fear and hate so much), so be it. Granted, my government does use taxes for infrastructure and other things. But, as I've clearly shown, my government also pays a helluva lot for a war I, as a taxpayer, didn't vote to get us into.

But voters aren't asked before a war is "declared." Congress apparently isn't even needed for that, anymore. But congress does fund them. And I, as a taxpayer, have every right to demand my taxes be used for whatever I want them used for other than wars. I'm sure you've heard the phrase "write your congressman."As I've obviously illustrated, for what my government pays for the war in Iraq they could arm everyone in the nation with an M-16 and have plenty left over.

I thought you were all for unimpeded gun ownership. Just `cause you have issues about you wanting them but you don't want your poor neighbor to have one is no reason to flip-flop now, boyo. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 29, 2007, 06:59:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
As I've obviously illustrated, for what my government pays for the war in Iraq they could arm everyone in the nation with an M-16 and have plenty left over.
 


you lost me, what does arming every american with a M16 have to do with the "war" in Iraq?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on November 29, 2007, 07:07:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
you lost me, what does arming every american with a M16 have to do with the "war" in Iraq?


My, you are lost. It's the God mandated right ...  nay duty .... of every American to be armed well enough to protect this country from itself. Alas, not every American can afford it. Matter of fact, just the rich, spoiled kids can afford the deadliest of toys. Therefore what better use for tax dollars than to balance the playing field and make America a better, well-armed place to live, in liberty and M-16s for all? Costs less than a war in Iraq.

I know, you're still lost. That's ok, I'll be your advocate for liberty and firepower. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: sgt203 on November 29, 2007, 10:48:38 PM
well this went to heck in a hand basket....

When I logged into this thought this was a debate about the 2nd amendment so im going to try and bring it back to that..

Nothing in the 2nd MANDATES you to own a gun, it does however protect your right to own one if you choose.

In reality it is that simple nothing more, nothing less.

The framers of the constitution were extremely wary of overly broad and powerful government having to much control over their everyday lives. With NO ability to keep that government in check. Allowing Citizens to keep and bear arms was their form of checks and balances, no more than they built into the government itself with the separate braches.

For those people who take a constitutionalist view of the amendments it is very clear that the "right of the people" means just that... You and I, we are the people.

I do feel however when the case from Washington DC is heard by the Supreme Court it will not be an undivided court. There will be a dissenting opnion issued in this case.

I further believe that the nature of this case leaves the court with little avenue to not address the issue of if the second amendment is an individual right.

Personally I think it needs addressed at this time while judicial conservatives(with a moderate swing vote) are in a position of power.

I fear to wait and address this issue at another time may allow for "international laws" or other nations courts to influence the outcome. It would not be the first time judicial liberals have allowed international law and precedent to have a say in what is constitutional or not in our country.

This is a case that is about what our rights, as american citizens are, not what some "international community consensus" may be. I am a citizen of the United States first and foremost, then a citizen of the international community.

Do I believe that every home should have a firearm NO. Do I believe that it is a right of every law abiding citizen of the United States to own and possess a firearm if they so choose. MOST CERTAINLY.

$.02

<>
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: vorticon on November 29, 2007, 11:28:34 PM
Quote
Some things do not change, your rights are not one of them.


your rights do not ever change. only the laws regarding them, and peoples willingness to accept breaches of them.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 30, 2007, 08:23:47 AM
bingalong...  I guess that you have lost me.. you give an example of how dangerous normal guns and ammo are to store that... well... doesn't prove your point at all... you give an example of how easily a safe can be pulled through the wall of a house and dragged away by criminals that is no example at all.

You get mad at me when I point out that you have no point and "answer" your error filled statements and then say... "you have an answer for everything"

reminds me of my ex (see a pattern there?)

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 30, 2007, 08:31:54 AM
arlo... you are off in pot land I fear...  You are saying that you have paid enough taxes... taxes that were never intended by the constitution in the first place...

That you have paid enough taxes that you should get an M16 from the government?   I have paid enough taxes that the government should buy me a new vette... what is your point?

Is your point that we need more socialism or we need more m16's?    I don't want to pay for your gun.

Now.. we do have a program that I agree with and you would like....

CMP.. civilian markmanship program (why would they have such a thing?  look it up for revealing answer).

This program sells surplus military rifles to CITIZENS at a reduced price... many have bought 45 auto HANDGUNS and M1 garand SEMIAUTO HIGH POWERED RIFLES from the government.  

This seems fair.. the guns are reconditioned and sold at very reasonable prices.

you take your M16 and I will take my garand and we will shoot at each other at 800 yards and see who wins.

Should I be allowed to have this gun?  Do you think this is an effective gun?  some were even found in Iraq.   Those old ought six rounds will go right through body armor.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 30, 2007, 12:39:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong...  I guess that you have lost me.. you give an example of how dangerous normal guns and ammo are to store that... well... doesn't prove your point at all... you give an example of how easily a safe can be pulled through the wall of a house and dragged away by criminals that is no example at all.

You get mad at me when I point out that you have no point and "answer" your error filled statements and then say... "you have an answer for everything"

reminds me of my ex (see a pattern there?)

lazs


okay laz
lets start again

The Militia Act of 1792, Passed May 8, 1792, providing federal standards  for the organization of the Militia.
http://www.constitution.org/mil/mil_act_1792.htm
read this
The militia act of 1903 or the Dick act,



The Militia Act of 1903 organized the various state militias  into the present National Guard system. The Army National Guard is part of the United States Army, comprising approximately one half of its available combat forces and approximately one third of its support organization. The Air National Guard is part of the United States Air Force.

 it dose not say the RESERVE militia its says the UNORGANIZED militia. In either event what is the name of your militia?
when you get past this one we will move on to the next.

your interpretation:
"the "militia" is still defined as every able bodied man between the age of 18 and 45 sooo...

That is the "people" you cant' infringe.

Now.. the one sticking point is the "man" part and the "45" part. I have a feeling that womens groups and AARP might get a little bit upset with the gender and age discrimination. Federal law now prohibits discrimination based on age and/or gender.

So the militia would be..... everone who is able bodied (that would have to be "not insane") that is over 18.

that would include those who had been criminals but had served their time.

That would also be historical as... taking away a free mans rights because of his past record is only a recent obscenity."

Lets say it is reserve:

TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES Subtitle E--Reserve Components PART I--ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION CHAPTER 1003--RESERVE COMPONENTS GENERALLY Sec. 10101. Reserve components named:
The reserve components of the armed forces are: (1) The Army National Guard of the United States. (2) The Army Reserve. (3) The Naval Reserve. (4) The Marine Corps Reserve. (5) The Air National Guard of the United States. (6) The Air Force Reserve. (7) The Coast Guard Reserve
c) Reserve Components. - The following definitions relating to the reserve components apply in this title: (1) The term "National Guard" means the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. (2) The term "Army National Guard" means that part of the organized militia of the several States and Territories, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, active and inactive, that - (A) is a land force; (B) is trained, and has its officers appointed, under the sixteenth clause of section 8, article I, of the Constitution; (C) is organized, armed, and equipped wholly or partly at Federal expense; and (D) is federally recognized.

TITLE 10--ARMED FORCES Subtitle E--Reserve Components PART I--ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION CHAPTER 1003--RESERVE COMPONENTS GENERALLY Sec. 10102. Purpose of reserve components:
The purpose of each reserve component is to provide trained units and qualified persons available for active duty in the armed forces, in time of war or national emergency, and at such other times as the national security may require, to fill the needs of the armed forces whenever more units and persons are needed than are in the regular components.

TITLE 10 - ARMED FORCES Subtitle A - General Military Law PART I - ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL MILITARY POWERS CHAPTER 13 - THE MILITIA -HEAD- Sec. 312. Militia duty: exemptions -STATUTE:
 (a) The following persons are exempt from militia duty: (1) The Vice President. (2) The judicial and executive officers of the United States, the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. (3) Members of the armed forces, except members who are not on active duty. (4) Customhouse clerks. (5) Persons employed by the United States in the transmission of mail. (6) Workmen employed in armories, arsenals, and naval shipyards of the United States. (7) Pilots on navigable waters. (8) Mariners in the sea service of a citizen of, or a merchant in, the United States. (b) A person who claims exemption because of religious belief is exempt from militia duty in a combatant capacity, if the conscientious holding of that belief is established under such regulations as the President may prescribe. However, such a person is not exempt from militia duty that the President determines to be noncombatant.

2006
(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are -
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.

Once again what is the name of your registered UNORGANIZED militia THAT YOU ARE PART OF?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 30, 2007, 12:50:23 PM
Bingolong, you misread the 2nd amendment.

the militia and ownership of guns are two different things, what the 2nd says is, because we need a militia the people should have guns.

it does not say because we need a militia the militia shall be armed, because that makes no sense.

arming of the military is covered in the main part of the constitution, they did not need a separate amendment to say that.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 30, 2007, 01:09:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
Bingolong, you misread the 2nd amendment.

the militia and ownership of guns are two different things, what the 2nd says is, because we need a militia the people should have guns.

it does not say because we need a militia the militia shall be armed, because that makes no sense.

arming of the military is covered in the main part of the constitution, they did not need a separate amendment to say that.


The title of this thread is "what is a militia." not ownership of guns.
Keep up please.
The SC did not ask what is the meaning of owenership of guns, they ask, AGAIN, “violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with with any state-regulated militia , but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes.”
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on November 30, 2007, 02:05:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
The title of this thread is "what is a militia." not ownership of guns.
Keep up please.
The SC did not ask what is the meaning of owenership of guns, they ask, AGAIN, “violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with with any state-regulated militia , but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes.”


Just in case you're assuming a non-existent connection, "state-regulated" is not synonomous with "well regulated".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 30, 2007, 02:06:48 PM
sorry, the thread got so long i forgot what it was about. i think a state militia is what ever the state says it is.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 30, 2007, 02:19:19 PM
bingalong..  the acts still refer to the militia as both the organized and the unorganized militia.   for instance... you and I are part of the unorganized militia.

Again.. there is nothing in any federal ruling or anything in the constitution that says that the militia is anything other than every free man.  

Also.. as was stated.. the militia was not the conditional to having the right to keep and bear arms but simply one reason..  it is obvious that the militia is every free man and that the second protects the god given right of every citizen to keep and bear arms.

Again... The original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment was to preserve and guarantee, not grant, the pre-existing right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Although the amendment emphasizes the need for a militia, membership in any militia, let alone a well-regulated one, was not intended to serve as a prerequisite for exercising the right to keep arms.

The Second Amendment preserves and guarantees an individual right for a collective purpose. That does not transform the right into a "collective right." The militia clause was a declaration of purpose, and preserving the people's right to keep and bear arms was the method the framers chose to, in-part, ensure the continuation of a well-regulated militia.

There is no contrary evidence from the writings of the Founding Fathers, early American legal commentators, or pre-twentieth century Supreme Court decisions, indicating that the Second Amendment was intended to apply solely to active militia members.


lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on November 30, 2007, 02:22:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong..  the acts still refer to the militia as both the organized and the unorganized militia.   for instance... you and I are part of the unorganized militia.

Again.. there is nothing in any federal ruling or anything in the constitution that says that the militia is anything other than every free man.  

Also.. as was stated.. the militia was not the conditional to having the right to keep and bear arms but simply one reason..  it is obvious that the militia is every free man and that the second protects the god given right of every citizen to keep and bear arms.

Again... The original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment was to preserve and guarantee, not grant, the pre-existing right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Although the amendment emphasizes the need for a militia, membership in any militia, let alone a well-regulated one, was not intended to serve as a prerequisite for exercising the right to keep arms.

The Second Amendment preserves and guarantees an individual right for a collective purpose. That does not transform the right into a "collective right." The militia clause was a declaration of purpose, and preserving the people's right to keep and bear arms was the method the framers chose to, in-part, ensure the continuation of a well-regulated militia.

There is no contrary evidence from the writings of the Founding Fathers, early American legal commentators, or pre-twentieth century Supreme Court decisions, indicating that the Second Amendment was intended to apply solely to active militia members.


lazs


I totally agree with you on this, Lazs. That is how I see it.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on November 30, 2007, 02:22:36 PM
and...  I do not think that the court will hear on "who is the militia".   The ruling will be on once and for all explaining to those who have no concept of the written word that the founders indeed meant for it to guarantee an individual right.

That is what is in question here.   the lower court ruling was that having a firearm dissasembled or locked up made it not a firearm and thererfore infringed on the individuals right to keep and bear arms.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 30, 2007, 04:22:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
and...  I do not think that the court will hear on "who is the militia".   The ruling will be on once and for all explaining to those who have no concept of the written word that the founders indeed meant for it to guarantee an individual right.

That is what is in question here.   the lower court ruling was that having a firearm dissasembled or locked up made it not a firearm and thererfore infringed on the individuals right to keep and bear arms.

lazs


Who knows maybe they will outlaw private militias. Maybe they will say.
Its the "State's" exclusive right to name its militias. The states say "our militia is the NATIONAL GUARD!" then you dont need to keep and bear arms to be in a militia.  Join something? have a commanding officer, training and arms? paid for and issued bye the gov? As I have said before you are not the militia anymore, you just refuse to acknowledge it. The "law" not the constitution requires you to be registered to be in a militia and your militia to be recognized by the state and it may just change again.

I assume you do not belong to any of these.

List of militia in the United States:

U.S. Federal militia forces:
United States National Guard
Naval Militia

U.S. States' militia:
Virginia Militia
State Defense Forces
Texas State Guard
New Hampshire Militia

Private militia:
California Militia
Michigan Militia
Indiana Militia Corps
Texas Emergency Reserve
Unorganized Hawaii State Militia
Ranch Rescue

So the simple answer is "Bingo, I'm not in one of those militias."
Or, "yes Bingo I belong to xxx"
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on November 30, 2007, 04:27:08 PM
then again , the state of florida may just say every one with a florida CCW is now in the florida militia. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on November 30, 2007, 04:42:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
then again , the state of florida may just say every one with a florida CCW is now in the florida militia. :D


http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/weapons/apply.html
   
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0790/Sec06.HTM

ummm. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on November 30, 2007, 04:45:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
 for instance... you and I are part of the unorganized militia.


Is an unorganized militia a well regulated one?

Just playing devils advocate here--
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 01, 2007, 10:18:13 AM
Ok.. first of all..  they can't really rule on "unorganized militia" because no one can missinterpret that term.    They are not there to do so in any case.

holden.. the right is not dependent on being in any kind of militia.   It simply says that if you ever need one... it is great that we have the right to keep and bear arms so that you can draw from that pool... it is not a conditional right based on if you are in or if the country even need or even who is the militia.

An unorganized militia is simply the whole of the people and yes...  that is who you would draw from (when called or needed) to form an organized one.

As it stands now.. there are two defenitions of militia.. the organized one and the unorganized one.   they would have to change that but... even if they did... that would not mean that the states or the feds had the right to bar "the people"...  the citizens.. the right to keep and bear arms.

What this case is about is that DC has infringed... that DC has sidestepped the constitution by making a law that allowed you to keep and bear something that is not really a firearm.

The court ruled that it is an individual right.. the militia was never in question.. it never has been in SC cases on the second.. what was in question was weather a firearm all apart and locked and with no ammo was really a firearm and that if you were forced to do that with your firearm then were your rights to keep and bear arms infringed.

The court said yes.. DC was infringing on the second and that the second clearly was an individual right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 01, 2007, 10:27:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
holden.. the right is not dependent on being in any kind of militia.   It simply says that if you ever need one... it is great that we have the right to keep and bear arms so that you can draw from that pool... it is not a conditional right based on if you are in or if the country even need or even who is the militia.


"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 reason stated for the non infringement of the inborn right to arm oneself is the necessity of a well regulated militia.  I understand that.  

The militia should be well regulated, not my right to keep and bear arms.  That is my interpretation.

I can also see the argument of those who wish to regulate my right, not the militia.  I think they are wrong, but I can see their argument.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 01, 2007, 10:28:14 AM
And to answer bingalongs question.. if he still doesn't get it...

I am not a part of any of the organized militias he sites.    I am however part of the unorganized militia as is every able bodied man here.

Try to read what bingalong is evading and you will see how utterly ridiculous his case is.. if the second was conditional on "the people" being only the militia.. and the militia defined as whatever the states and feds said it was... then it is just an amendment to allow the government to arm it's soldiers.

Taken further... once you were part of this so called militia.. you could never be disarmed.. you would not have to be on active duty and you could own any firearm and carry it that you wanted.

The amendment could have been made much simpler by saying that the state had the right to arm it's soldiers.. that is ludicrous and not worth mentioning.

nope.. "the people" and "infringed' mean exactly what they appear to mean.

You should not have to be part of a debate team to have free speech..  

I have here an analouge...

""A well-educated electorate being necessary to the preservation of a free society, the right of the people to read and compose books shall not be infringed."

Would that mean to you that only those who the government signed up to be in the education system could write or read books?

of course not.. it is silly.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 01, 2007, 10:34:37 AM
holden.. you have it.. you are seeing the only logical way.   This is not just your opinion nor is it open for debate if you take it in context of what the founders intended.   Their intent is quite clear..

They did not mean for rights to be conditional.   The stated them so that the government would keep their hands off.

I think that if you read what the founders wrote then the intent is clear

   

        We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed;
                ---Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. Memorial Edition 16:45, Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.

        No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
                 ---Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776.

    The thoughtful reader may wonder, why wasn't Jefferson's proposal of "No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms" adopted by the Virginia legislature? Click here to learn why.

        They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
                 ---Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.

        To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character.
                 ---Alexander Hamilton

    Quotes from the Founders During the Ratification Period of the Constitution

        [The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
                 ---James Madison,The Federalist Papers, No. 46.

        To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.
                 ---John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)

    John Adams recognizes the fundamental right of citizens, as individuals, to defend themselves with arms, however he states militias must be controlled by government and the rule of law. To have otherwise is to invite anarchy.

    The material and commentary that follows is excerpted from Halbrook, Stephen P. "The Right of the People or the Power of the State Bearing Arms, Arming Militias, and the Second Amendment". Originally published as 26 Val. U. L.Rev. 131-207, 1991.

        Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive.
                 ---Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution (Philadelphia 1787).

        Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American...[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.
                 ---Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

    During the Massachusetts ratifying convention William Symmes warned that the new government at some point "shall be too firmly fixed in the saddle to be overthrown by anything but a general insurrection." Yet fears of standing armies were groundless, affirmed Theodore Sedwick, who queried, "if raised, whether they could subdue a nation of freemen, who know how to prize liberty, and who have arms in their hands?"

        [W]hereas, 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; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it.
                 ---Richard Henry Lee, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

    The Virginia ratifying convention met from June 2 through June 26, 1788. Edmund Pendleton, opponent of a bill of rights, weakly argued that abuse of power could be remedied by recalling the delegated powers in a convention. Patrick Henry shot back that the power to resist oppression rests upon the right to possess arms:

        Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.

    Henry sneered,

        O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone...Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation...inflicted by those who had no power at all?

    More quotes from the Virginia convention:

        [W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually...I ask, who are the militia? They consist of now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and rich and poor...
                 ---George Mason

    Zacharia Johnson argued that the new Constitution could never result in religious persecution or other oppression because:

        [T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them.

    The Virginia delegation's recommended bill of rights included the following:

        That the people have a right to keep and bear arms; that a well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defence of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and therefore ought to be avoided as far as the circumstances and protection of the community will admit; and that, in all cases, the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.

    The following quote is from Halbrook, Stephen P., That Every Man Be Armed: The Evolution of a Constitutional Right, University of New Mexico Press, 1984.

        The whole of that Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals...t establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.
                 ---Albert Gallatin to Alexander Addison, Oct 7, 1789, MS. in N.Y. Hist. Soc.-A.G. Papers, 2.

    Gallatin's use of the words "some rights," doesn't mean some of the rights in the Bill of Rights, rather there are many rights not enumerated by the Bill of Rights, those rights that are listed are being established as unalienable.

    Roger Sherman, during House consideration of a militia bill (1790):

        [C]onceived it to be the privilege of every citizen, and one of his most essential rights, to bear arms, and to resist every attack upon his liberty or property, by whomsoever made. The particular states, like private citizens, have a right to be armed, and to defend, by force of arms, their rights, when invaded.
                 14 Debates in the House of Representatives, ed. Linda Grand De Pauw. (Balt., Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1972), 92-3.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 01, 2007, 01:55:07 PM
I put this link to this article elsewhere in another thread, but I think it sorta fits in here too.

Please keep in mind that much of what is contained within the article is the writers opinion but LINKS to articles that the writer believes give proof to his argument are contained within this article and THOSE are interesting...........


http://www.jpfo.org/smith/smith-is-it-too-late.htm
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 01, 2007, 02:40:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
holden.. you have it.. you are seeing the only logical way.  


I apparently have a problem with that on many issues.  It seems to piss off some people.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 01, 2007, 03:10:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo... you are off in pot land I fear...  You are saying that you have paid enough taxes... taxes that were never intended by the constitution in the first place...

That you have paid enough taxes that you should get an M16 from the government?   I have paid enough taxes that the government should buy me a new vette... what is your point?

 


I don't smoke pot, darlin'. I'm just supporting the various "good arguments" here and offering a practical way to make the dream a reality. I'm really not sure why you feel threatened by that. It should give you a woody just thinking about it. :D

p.s. I like Garands, as well. I'm not into pizzing contests over whatever imaginary ownership of any particular gun inspires you to try to play. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on December 01, 2007, 03:36:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
holden.. you have it.. you are seeing the only logical way.   This is not just your opinion nor is it open for debate if you take it in context of what the founders intended.   Their intent is quite clear..

They did not mean for rights to be conditional.   The stated them so that the government would keep their hands off.

I think that if you read what the founders wrote then the intent is clear

   

        We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed;
                ---Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. Memorial Edition 16:45, Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.

        No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms.
                 ---Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776.

    The thoughtful reader may wonder, why wasn't Jefferson's proposal of "No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms" adopted by the Virginia legislature? Click here to learn why.

        They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
                 ---Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.

        To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character.
                 ---Alexander Hamilton

    Quotes from the Founders During the Ratification Period of the Constitution

        [The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.
                 ---James Madison,The Federalist Papers, No. 46.

        To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.
                 ---John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)

    John Adams recognizes the fundamental right of citizens, as individuals, to defend themselves with arms, however he states militias must be controlled by government and the rule of law. To have otherwise is to invite anarchy.

    The material and commentary that follows is excerpted from Halbrook, Stephen P. "The Right of the People or the Power of the State Bearing Arms, Arming Militias, and the Second Amendment". Originally published as 26 Val. U. L.Rev. 131-207, 1991.

        Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive.
                 ---Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution (Philadelphia 1787).

        Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American...[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.
                 ---Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

    During the Massachusetts ratifying convention William Symmes warned that the new government at some point "shall be too firmly fixed in the saddle to be overthrown by anything but a general insurrection." Yet fears of standing armies were groundless, affirmed Theodore Sedwick, who queried, "if raised, whether they could subdue a nation of freemen, who know how to prize liberty, and who have arms in their hands?"

        [W]hereas, 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; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it.
                 ---Richard Henry Lee, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.

    The Virginia ratifying convention met from June 2 through June 26, 1788. Edmund Pendleton, opponent of a bill of rights, weakly argued that abuse of power could be remedied by recalling the delegated powers in a convention. Patrick Henry shot back that the power to resist oppression rests upon the right to possess arms:

        Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.

    Henry sneered,

        O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone...Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation...inflicted by those who had no power at all?

    More quotes from the Virginia convention:

        [W]hen the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually...I ask, who are the militia? They consist of now of the whole people, except a few public officers. But I cannot say who will be the militia of the future day. If that paper on the table gets no alteration, the militia of the future day may not consist of all classes, high and low, and rich and poor...
                 ---George Mason

    Zacharia Johnson argued that the new Constitution could never result in religious persecution or other oppression because:

        [T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them.

    The Virginia delegation's recommended bill of rights included the following:

        That the people have a right to keep and bear arms; that a well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defence of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and therefore ought to be avoided as far as the circumstances and protection of the community will admit; and that, in all cases, the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.

    The following quote is from Halbrook, Stephen P., That Every Man Be Armed: The Evolution of a Constitutional Right, University of New Mexico Press, 1984.

        The whole of that Bill [of Rights] is a declaration of the right of the people at large or considered as individuals...t establishes some rights of the individual as unalienable and which consequently, no majority has a right to deprive them of.
                 ---Albert Gallatin to Alexander Addison, Oct 7, 1789, MS. in N.Y. Hist. Soc.-A.G. Papers, 2.

    Gallatin's use of the words "some rights," doesn't mean some of the rights in the Bill of Rights, rather there are many rights not enumerated by the Bill of Rights, those rights that are listed are being established as unalienable.

    Roger Sherman, during House consideration of a militia bill (1790):

        [C]onceived it to be the privilege of every citizen, and one of his most essential rights, to bear arms, and to resist every attack upon his liberty or property, by whomsoever made. The particular states, like private citizens, have a right to be armed, and to defend, by force of arms, their rights, when invaded.
                 14 Debates in the House of Representatives, ed. Linda Grand De Pauw. (Balt., Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1972), 92-3.


Lazs,

Don't ever accuse me of writing a wall of words again. I am bookmarking your post for future reference... in case you do. :D :p

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: WWhiskey on December 02, 2007, 09:13:45 AM
:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 02, 2007, 10:52:12 AM
yep.. I admit that in order to make the point I had to quote a tiny amount of the writings of the time.    Look at who said these things.. you won't see... "arlo guthrie" or "phiniyus t hip" or "al gore".. these were the founders and it is indisputable what they meant.

By quoting them I had hoped to lay to rest the arguement of intent.

As for the militia... who cares?  the intent was also that it be the whole body of the people but...  even so... the "militia" is not a condition of a right just as education is not a condition of free speech.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 02, 2007, 10:56:23 AM
arlo.. now we are getting somewhere...  

You are trying to "help" me in the only way you know how... get the government to give me something.

While I appreciate the thought and the fact that you really can't be expected to understand anything but socialism...  it is indeed pretty disgusting to me.

I don't need you to buy me a rifle.... I don't need you to force some doctor to take care of me with other peoples money...  I just need you to get out of my way when I do for myself.

Sooo... no, socialism, no matter what the cause.. does not thrill me.   You are again, having trouble convincing me that the end justifies the means.

Just allow me to exercise my rights and we will have no trouble... I won't even use your money to do it.

How bout that?  pretty fair eh?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 02, 2007, 02:16:29 PM
"yep.. I admit that in order to make the point I had to quote a tiny amount of the writings of the time.    Look at who said these things.. you won't see... "arlo guthrie" or "phiniyus t hip" or "al gore".. these were the founders and it is indisputable what they meant.

What they meant in 1776

By quoting them I had hoped to lay to rest the arguement of intent."

The law has changed and reads differently now. you have not laid to rest anything

"As for the militia... who cares?  the intent was also that it be the whole body of the people but...  even so... the "militia" is not a condition of a right just as education is not a condition of free speech."

As you wish

"Being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


your arguments just dont hold water they are not up to date or current with todays law. You can site the framers all you want it dose not change the existing law.
The only ruling made has been to declare it a collective right not an individual right, It has not been reversed. I dont care if you agree or not with miller it's wht the SC has said. I'm sure you dont agree with roe VS wade either.


Here's another Quote from HalBrook:

"There is a hidden history of the Second Amendment which is long overdue to be written. It is this: during the ratification period of 1787-1791, Congress and the states considered two entirely separate groups of amendments to the Constitution. The first group was a declaration of rights, in which the right of the people to keep and bear arms appeared. The second group, consisting of amendments related to the structure of government, included recognition of the power of states to maintain militias. The former became the Bill of Rights, while the latter was defeated. Somehow, through some Orwellian rewriting of history, as applied to the issues of the right of the people to keep and bear arms and the state militia power, that which was defeated has become the meaning of that which was adopted".

George Washington, letter to the Continental Congress, September 24, 1776:
 To place any dependence on Militia, is, assuredly resting upon a broken staff. Men just dragged from the tender scenes of domestick life; unaccustomed to the din of Arms; totally unacquainted with every kind of military skill, which being followed by a want of confidence in themselves, when opposed to Troops regularly train'd, disciplined, and appointed, superior in knowledge and superior in Arms, makes them timid, and ready to fly from their own shadows. (-- 6 The Writings of George Washington 110, 112, J. Fitzpatrick, ed., 1931-44)  

Alexander Hamilton, Here I expect we shall be told that the militia of the country is its natural bulwark, and would beat all times equal to the national defense. This doctrine, in substance had like to have lost us our independence. It cost millions to the United States that might have been saved. The facts which from our own experience forbid any reliance of this kind are too recent to permit us to be the dupes of such a suggestion. The steady operations of war against a regular and disciplined army can only be successfully conducted by a force of the same kind. Considerations of economy, not less than of stability and vigor, confirm this position. The American militia, in the course of the late war, have, by their valor on numerous occasions, erected eternal monuments to their fame; but the bravest of them feel and know that the liberty of their country could not have been established by their efforts alone, however great and valuable they were. War, like most other things, is a science to be acquire and perfected by diligence, by perseverance, by time, and by practice. (-- Rossiter, p. 166)

John Randolph to St. George Tucker, 11 September 1789
A majority of the Senate for not allowing the militia arms & if two thirds had agreed it would have been an amendment to the Constitution. They are afraid that the Citizens will stop their full Career to Tyranny & Oppression.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 02, 2007, 02:18:11 PM
cont.
Read IT: the whole thing
The Militia Act of 1792, Passed May 8, 1792, providing federal standards for the organization of the Militia. An ACT more effectually to provide for the National Defence, by establishing an Uniform Militia throughout the United States.
I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be enrolled in the militia, by the Captain or Commanding Officer of the company, within whose bounds such citizen shall reside, and that within twelve months after the passing of this Act. And it shall at all time hereafter be the duty of every such Captain or Commanding Officer of a company, to enroll every such citizen as aforesaid, and also those who shall, from time to time, arrive at the age of 18 years, or being at the age of 18 years, and under the age of 45 years (except as before excepted) shall come to reside within his bounds; and shall without delay notify such citizen of the said enrollment, by the proper non-commissioned Officer of the company, by whom such notice may be proved. That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of power and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and power-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a power of power; and shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned Officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five years from the passing of this Act, all muskets from arming the militia as is herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound; and every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements, required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes.

II. And be it further enacted, That the Vice-President of the United States, the Officers, judicial and executives, of the government of the United States; the members of both houses of Congress, and their respective officers; all custom house officers, with the clerks; all post officers, and stage-drivers who are employed in the care and conveyance of the mail of the post office of the United States; all Ferrymen employed at any ferry on the post road; all inspectors of exports; all pilots, all mariners actually employed in the sea service of any citizen or merchant within the United States; and all persons who now are or may be hereafter exempted by the laws of the respective states, shall be and are hereby exempted from militia duty, notwithstanding their being above the age of eighteen and under the age of forty-five years.

III. And be it further enacted, That within one year after the passing of the Act, the militia of the respective states shall be arranged into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies, as the legislature of each state shall direct; and each division, brigade, and regiment, shall be numbered at the formation thereof; and a record made of such numbers of the Adjutant-General's office in the state; and when in the field, or in serviced in the state, such division, brigade, and regiment shall, respectively, take rank according to their numbers, reckoning the first and lowest number highest in rank. That if the same be convenient, each brigade shall consist of four regiments; each regiment or two battalions; each battalion of five companies; each company of sixty-four privates. That the said militia shall be officered by the respective states, as follows: To each division on Major-General, with two Aids-de-camp, with the rank of major; to each brigade, one brigadier-major, with the rank of a major; to each company, one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four serjeants, four corporals, one drummer, and one fifer and bugler. That there shall be a regimental staff, to consist of one adjutant, and one quartermaster, to rank as lieutenants; one paymaster; one surgeon, and one surgeon's mate; one serjeant-major; one drum- major, and one fife-major.

IV. And be it further enacted, That out of the militia enrolled as is herein directed, there shall be formed for each battalion, as least one company of grenadiers, light infantry or riflemen; and that each division there shall be, at least, one company of artillery, and one troop of horse: There shall be to each company of artillery, one captain, two lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, six gunners, six bombardiers, one drummer, and one fifer. The officers to be armed with a sword or hanger, a fusee, bayonet and belt, with a cartridge box to contain twelve cartridges; and each private of matoss shall furnish themselves with good horses of at least fourteen hands and an half high, and to be armed with a sword and pair of pistols, the holsters of which to be covered with bearskin caps. Each dragoon to furnish himself with a serviceable horse, at least fourteen hands and an half high, a good saddle, bridle, mail-pillion and valise, holster, and a best plate and crupper, a pair of boots and spurs; a pair of pistols, a sabre, and a cartouchbox to contain twelve cartridges for pistols. That each company of artillery and troop of house shall be formed of volunteers from the brigade, at the discretion of the Commander in Chief of the State, not exceeding one company of each to a regiment, nor more in number than one eleventh part of the infantry, and shall be uniformly clothed in raiments, to be furnished at their expense, the colour and fashion to be determined by the Brigadier commanding the brigade to which they belong.
 
V. And be it further enacted, That each battalion and regiment shall be provided with the state and regimental colours by the Field-Officers, and each company with a drum and fife or bugle-horn, by the commissioned officers of the company, in such manner as the legislature of the respective States shall direct.
VI. And be it further enacted, That there shall be an adjutant general appointed in each state, whose duty it shall be to distribute all orders for the Commander in Chief of the State to the several corps; to attend all publick reviews, when the Commander in Chief of the State shall review the militia, or any part thereof; to obey all orders from him relative to carrying into execution, and perfecting, the system of military discipline established by this Act; to furnish blank forms of different returns that may be required; and to explain the principles of which they should be made; to receive from the several officers of the different corps throughout the state, returns of the militia under their command, reporting the actual situation of their arms, accoutrements, and ammunition, their delinquencies, and every other thing which relates to the general advancement of good order and discipline: All which, the several officers of the division, brigades, regiments, and battalions are hereby required to make in the usual manner, so that the said adjutant general may be duly furnished therewith: From all which returns be shall make proper abstracts, and by the same annually before the Commander in Chief of the State.

VII. And be it further enacted, That the rules of discipline, approved and established by Congress, in their resolution of the twenty-ninth of March, 1779, shall be the rules of discipline so be observed by the militia throughout the United States, except such deviations from the said rules, as may be rendered necessary by the requisitions of the Act, or by some other unavoidable circumstances. It shall be the duty of the Commanding Officer as every muster, whether by battalion, regiment, or single company, to cause the militia to be exercised and trained, agreeably to the said rules of said discipline.

VIII. And be it further enacted, That all commissioned officers shall take rank according to the date of their commissions; and when two of the same grade bear an equal date, then their rank to be determined by lots, to be drawn by them before the Commanding officers of the brigade, regiment, battalion, company or detachment.
IX. And be it further enacted That if any person whether officer or solder, belonging to the militia of any state, and called out into the service of the United States, be wounded or disabled, while in actual service, he shall be taken care of an provided for at the publick expense.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 02, 2007, 02:19:14 PM
cont.
X. And be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the brigade inspector, to attend the regimental and battalion meeting of the militia composing their several brigades, during the time of their being under arms, to inspect their arms, ammunition and accoutrements; superintend their exercise and maneuvres and introduce the system of military discipline before described, throughout the brigade, agreeable to law, and such orders as they shall from time to time receive from the commander in Chief of the State; to make returns to the adjutant general of the state at least once in every year, of the militia of the brigade to which he belongs, reporting therein the actual situation of the arms, accoutrement, and ammunition, of the several corps, and every other thing which, in his judgment, may relate to their government and general advancement of good order and military disciple; an adjutant general shall make a return of all militia of the state, to the Commander in Chief of the said state, and a duplicate of the same to the president of the United States. And whereas sundry corps of artillery, cavalry and infantry now exist in several of the said states, which by the laws, customs, or usages thereof, have not been incorporated with, or subject to the general regulation of the militia.
XI. Be it enacted, That such corps retain their accustomed privileges subject, nevertheless, to all other duties required by this Act, in like manner with the other militias. [Act of February 28, 1795, made small revisions in Sections 2, 4, 5, and 10 of Act of May 2, 1792. The 1795 act was the authority for ruling in Houston v. Moore, 1820. Other revisions were enacted April 18, 1814]

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed or the execution thereof obstructed, in any state, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by this act, [words requiring notification by an associate justice or district judge were omitted in 1795 revision. The revision gave the President more authority] the same being notified to the President of the United States, by an associate justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to call forth the militia of such state to suppress such combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. And if the militia of a state, where such combinations may happen, shall refuse, or be insufficient to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, if the legislature of the United States be not in session, to call forth and employ such numbers of the militia of any other state or states most convenient thereto, as may be necessary, and the use of militia, so to be called forth, may be continued, if necessary, until the expiration of thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session.
 
Sec. 4. And be it further enacted, That the militia employed in the service of the United States, shall receive the same pay and allowances, as the troops of the United States, [omitted in 1795: "who may be in service at the same time, or who were last in service, and shall be subject to the same rules and articles of war"]: And that no officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the militia shall be compelled to serve more than three months in any one year, nor more than in due rotation with every other able-bodied man of the same rank in the battalion to which be belongs.
 
Sec. 5. And be it further enacted, That every officer, non-commissioned officer or private of the militia, who shall fail to obey the orders of the President of the United States in any of the cases before recited, shall forfeit a sum not exceeding one year's pay, and not less than one month's pay, to be determined and adjudged by a court martial; and such officers shall, moreover, be liable to be cashiered by sentence of a court martial: [words added in 1795:] and be incapacitated from holding a commission in the militia, for a term not exceeding twelve months, at the discretion of the said court: and such non-commissioned officers and privates shall be liable to be imprisoned by the like sentence, or failure of payment of the fines adjudged against them, for the space of one calendar month for every five dollars of such fine. Sec. 10. [revised to read:] And be it further enacted, That the act, intitled "Act to provide for calling forth the militia, to execute the laws of Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions," passed the second day of May one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, shall be, and the same is hereby repealed.

During the War of 1812, neither the standing army nor the militia acquitted themselves well. The one bright spot in the land engagements of that war was the victory at New Orleans. Militia consisting of backwoodsmen and pirates under Andrew Jackson, at that point a regular army officer, handily defeated the regular British army. During this war the militias of several states refused to leave the United States to invade Canada. The New York militia refused to cross over into Canada. Their mission to repel invasions did not include moving onto alien soil.  Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong refused to honor President James Madison's request to call up the militia to support the regular army. As the crisis grew, the Governor of Connecticut joined in the boycott. They found support in the state court.  The United States Supreme Court disagreed, calling this an act of nullification, and ordering that the states comply with a reasonable action of the President in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief.
During the Spanish-American War, one militia unit refused to serve abroad because service in Cuba had nothing to do with the powers extended to the national government under the Militia Clause of the United States Constitution.  Fighting with Spain in Cuba had nothing to do with repelling invasions.
In the Mexican War, the militia was not a factor because its service was limited to the territorial confines of the United States. Volunteers appeared to swell the ranks of the military from both  the enrolled and unenrolled militia. Many volunteers were frontiersmen who had considerable experience in both the Texas War for Independence of a decade earlier and fighting the Amerindians. Likewise, the Spanish-American War of 1898 enrolled volunteers because service was outside the national territories. And, again, some militia, notably western frontiersmen, acquitted themselves as well as the standing army.
The Civil War was a clear application of the Militia Clause in that the militia was called to quell civil insurrection. The Union Army fought the war with an odd and often ill-defined mixture of regular army, militia, and volunteers. It is difficult to say whether the officers of the regular army, those of the volunteers, or those of the militia, acquitted themselves worst overall. Few Union commanding officers, at least in the first two years of the war, are remembered for their outstanding generalship. The major weakness of the militia was that its members were enlisted for only three months' service. The day before the first battle of Manassas (or First Bull Run); two union militia regiments left the field since their ninety day enlistment had expired.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 02, 2007, 02:20:23 PM
cont.
Between 1865 and 1898, without any threat of war, save for the Indian skirmishes, there was little interest in either the regular army or the militia. Most militiamen and regular soldiers trained only for parade service and guard duty. A recent historian of the army called this period "the twilight of the old army." Professor Wiener,  commenting on the Militia Clause in his highly significant article,  noted that "the States relied more and more upon select bodies of men trained after a fashion ... and dressed in harlequin uniforms."
Although Wiener singled out the militia for ridicule, it was no more the proper subject of criticism for lapses in training than was the standing army. Following the lead of his professional military sources, Wiener argued for greater federal control over the organization, discipline, and equipment of the state militias.

The first major revision of the 1792 Militia Act came in 1901 with the Army Reorganization Act  which, among other things, reorganized the militia. This law was the brain child of Elihu Root, Secretary of the Army under President Theodore Roosevelt.
 
The Dick Act  followed. It organized the militia so that the enrolled militia of the states was to be known now as the National Guard. These units were to be trained by regular army instructors and equipped through federal funding. Militia officers were to be trained at regular army schools. The militia was to attend regular drills and army camps. Still sensitive to the problems of federalism, the national government provided a number of escape clauses and provisions for approval by the states of training schedules. Militia called out under the Militia Clause of the Constitution were limited to nine months of service.

In 1908 Congress again amended the basic militia law.  The National Guard was to be called out before an order for volunteers was issued. The nine month enlistment rule was repealed and Congress authorized itself to determine, by appropriate legislation, the length of service. The militia was to be available for deployment anywhere, without territorial or geographic limitations. However, in 1912 the United States Attorney General advised that there was no constitutional authority to order militiamen to serve outside the  United States.  The military authorities got around this limitation by getting militiamen to volunteer for service outside the continental United States.

The National Defense Act of 1916  provided for the training of militia officers and created a system of training for civilians, especially college students. The National Guard attained dual status. Each guardsman took an oath of allegiance to his state and to the federal government. Each man agreed to a simultaneous dual enlistment, in the national and the state National Guard. All cooperating state National Guard units were to receive federal money for training and equipment. They were to consist of trained, tactical units.

As war in Europe came, Congress, acting under the 1916 law, drafted national guardsmen into federal service. The act allowed for the creation of an army reserve. No serviceman had to accept the new oath and those who had previously enlisted could refuse to take the new dual obligation oath.

In June 1920 Congress responded to states' rights arguments and refined the legal conception of the militia. The Army Reorganization Act of 1920  allowed states to refuse to release National Guardsmen to a national draft. In peacetime the state National Guard units were separated from the United States Army.

In 1933, the National Defense Act Amendment  placed the "one army" concept into the law. National Guard units were henceforth to be considered integral parts of the United States Army. The well regulated militia was to be attained only by placing the militia under the Army, not the Militia, Clause of the Constitution.
With the Act, Congress made several changes to the militia system. The Act served to reaffirm the system of dual service. National  Guardsmen were enrolled simultaneously in the National Guard of their states and the National Guard of the United States, a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. Now whole units of the state National Guard could be called into federal service.

In 1952 the federal government acted to bring state organized militia training under federal standards.  For reasons that were purely political, he act contained a clause that said that " t he Army National Guard of the United States or the Air National Guard of the United States may not be ordered to active duty under this subsection without the consent of the governor...."  Many state officials and officers in state National Guard units had wished to limit the federalization of the enrolled state militias. These officers had argued that the Militia Clause limited the Army Clause. Rather than debate the constitutional questions at that moment, Congress agreed to place this restriction on the training of the state militias.

In the 1960s Congress considered cutting the appropriations to the Office of the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) and the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice (NBPRP). These programs provided low cost ammunition for civilian rifle practice and assisted citizens in obtaining obsolete and obsolescent small arms which would otherwise be destroyed. They also sponsor national rifle and pistol shooting matches and support the United States Olympic and other international shooting teams. The Secretary of the Army authorized a study to be done on contract by a private consulting firm to determine the value of its support to the unenrolled militia.
The Arthur D. Little firm won the contract. The firm was headed by former General James Gavin.
The report was prepared during 1965 and submitted to the United States Army in 1966. It concluded that among the unenrolled militia, when comparing those which had  prior training with firearms with those who had not had such expose, the trained militiamen: (a) had fewer casualties in battle, (b) were more likely to use their weapons in battle, (c) qualified in training more quickly with their small arms, (d) learned how to field strip their weapons and learned the nomenclature of the parts more quickly, and (e) were able to clear jammed or obstructed weapons more rapidly. In short, arms- trained unenrolled militiamen made a better reservoir of manpower for the enrolled militia or army than untrained men and the program was cost- effective.

There was no further legislative activity until the Montgomery Amendment  was passed in 1986. That amendment to the armed forces appropriation bill of 1986 was offered in response to the action taken by several governors who withheld their permission for their state National Guard units to participate in federally scheduled training exercises in Honduras.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 02, 2007, 02:21:19 PM
cont.
The militias were instituted in America, as they had been in Europe two millennia earlier, as a means of protecting the citizens, their families, and their property from barbarian marauders. On both cases, the citizens had both a right and an obligation to keep and maintain their own arms and to bear these arms in defense of the nation and in defense of their own lives, families, and property. As in Europe, the great, or unenrolled, militia was used only locally. These citizen-soldiers seldom had uniforms or uniform weaponry,  and fought as much as levees en masse as militia. In America there was democracy shown both in the formation of militias and in the selection of militia officers.
Centralized control of colonial militias, rejected at first in Benjamin Franklin's proposed military union, the Albany Plan, became partially a reality during the Revolution, as a matter of necessity and not of principle. The new Constitution created a vehicle, the Militia Clause, which allowed for some minimal centralized control over the militias. The Anti-Federalists objected because they feared that even greater centralization of control over the state militias would follow. That centralization did not occur until the twentieth century, but, once begun, it proceeded in a rapid fashion.
Three major factors are important in the reconstruction of the militia at the federal level. First, after nearly one hundred years of benign neglect, the national government began to take an interest in the state militias. The movement was spearheaded by Secretary of War Elihu Root, backed by professional military men whose biased histories of the armed forces led to the conclusion that the militias as constituted in 1900 were of little practical military value.
Second, Root's ideas, and General Emory Upton's martial histories, were accepted by Professor Wiener. These materials formed the basis of his article. Since none rose to challenge Wiener, his article, in turn, was accepted by successive Supreme Courts and formed the base of their post-1940 decisions.
A third major factor in the reformulation of the militia was the reinterpretation of the Second Amendment in the federal appeals courts. Before 1939 the federal courts had done little with the Second Amendment. In 1939 the United States Supreme Court found it to be a source of protection of individual rights to keep and bear arms. The armed citizenry was to be coveted and protected as a reservoir of trained manpower for the armed services. But the 1942 appeals court decision reinterpreted the Second Amendment, making it into a collective, not an individual, right. Its exclusive function after Cases was to buttress the Militia Clause.
The traditional role of the unenrolled militia had been that of providing a steady supply of manpower already trained in the use  of current small arms. After centralization through early twentieth century law, and after Cases, the national government looked at the state National Guard units as the sole reservoir of trained manpower for the regular armed forces. The enrolled state militias, rather than the unenrolled militia, are now viewed as a primary source of manpower for the standing army.
Economic inducements supplemented federal law in making the enrolled militia into the National Guard, which has both state and federal standing. Legislation affected only the enrolled militia. The role of the unenrolled militia is ill-defined today, except that it may still be regarded as a secondary reservoir of manpower for the regular army and a primary reservoir for the states' National Guard units.
Federal legislation and court decisions, notably Perpich, have reduced state control over militias, while expanding the national role in controlling and deploying these military units. Because of the dual enlistment provision, and because the national government provides arms, training, remuneration, equipment, and other support for the militias, the traditional state controls over the militia have been reduced. National Guard units are still composed of residents of a state or territory, but are subject to significant federal controls, including training when, where and under what conditions the national government may set. The nation has completed a cycle, moving from a wholly state controlled militia system to a militia that, for all intents and purposes, belongs to the federal government, and is under its orders, whenever and however the national government wills and legislates. The state militias have moved over into the select militias favored initially by George Washington and many Federalists and feared and opposed by the Anti-Federalists.
The fears of the Anti-Federalists, and of a few Federalists, that a strong national government would necessarily be tyrannical, especially if backed by a standing army, have proved to be unfounded. The states, at least since the American Civil War, had not found it necessary to defend their power, or the liberties of their citizens, by force of arms, against the national government.In the twentieth century, no one seriously suggests that the primary defense of the nation should be entrusted to the militia in any guise. Modern military technology and advanced military training techniques alone require more standardized training than the states can give on their own.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 02, 2007, 03:34:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo.. now we are getting somewhere...  

You are trying to "help" me in the only way you know how... get the government to give me something.



Not really. I can think of quite a few ways ta help ya.

Prozac probably the cheapest.

And .... yeah .... the argument that it's all about militias to protect us from our own government must mean all it takes are the few, the proud, the one's able to afford expensive toys. I know you think you got Dixon, Ca. covered all by your lonesome but ..... Laz, darlin' .... militia of one .... not unlike `ol Tim McVeigh .... I'm doubtful.

Not onboard, Laz? Beech on, honey. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 02, 2007, 04:39:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Prozac probably the cheapest.

Laz, darlin' .... .

 Beech on, honey. :D



arlo at his best.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 02, 2007, 04:55:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
arlo at his best.


Not really but let me warn ya. Jealosy is an ugly thing, john. No need for you to grovel. Or bluster. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: sgt203 on December 03, 2007, 12:17:29 AM
Bingalong posted::

In the twentieth century, no one seriously suggests that the primary defense of the nation should be entrusted to the militia in any guise. Modern military technology and advanced military training techniques alone require more standardized training than the states can give on their own.

I wholeheartedly agree with this point. Any militia unit would overmatched in any engagement with an organized and trained armed force. As such defense of the nation should not be entrusted alone to the states or militia units.

Well trained, well equipped units are needed to defend this nation. As such we have the Army, Navy, Airforce and Marines.

What you are basically arguing here is we no longer need the 2nd, as we no longer need the "militia".

This requires us to accept the notion that one armed citizen has no hope of making any difference during a armed conflict. I wholeheartedly reject this argument.

In WWII do you think one armed citizen with the opportuinity to kill Hitler would not have made a difference??

Did all the resistance fighters in both Europe and the Pacific, with inferior firepower, not make a difference??

They could have and did make a difference.

I believe in my right to possess a firearm, not merely for the defense of my country, but for the defense of myself, my family and my loved ones.

We have guns, the world has guns, the criminals have guns. To take away my right to own and possess a firearm leaves me and those I love at the mercy of those who choose to prey on the weak and defenseless.

I refuse to silently allow myself or my family to be at the mercy of those who have no mercy.

God bless those who do.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 12:36:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by sgt203
In WWII do you think one armed citizen with the opportuinity to kill Hitler would not have made a difference??


Not a good argument. Hitler gave head to a pistol when divisions of organized armies from the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom were closing in. Pretty sure a farmer in Raleigh, North Carolina wouldn't have had the remotest opportunity.

Quote
Originally posted by sgt203
Did all the resistance fighters in both Europe and the Pacific, with inferior firepower, not make a difference??


That's just it. They didn't require a collector's arsenal of exotic guns. If the U.S. was invaded I'm sure there's a way the citizenry could figure out how to arm itself with whatever it took. Pretty much exactly how the resistance in any theater of war during WWII did. Sporting weapons first. Captured exotic weapons from the invading army next. Arms shipped in from supporting alliances with the means as a possible third.

But let's get realistic, rationalizing the 2nd as the last line of national defense without enforcing and equipping those you expect to do so is just a method of helping the gun industry make a bigger buck from exotic arms.

Quote
Originally posted by sgt203
I believe in my right to possess a firearm [snip] for the defense of myself, my family and my loved ones.


If you require an exotic military weapon to do so and can afford to collect them then I see your living in a location that requires such for self/home defense and putting your family at risk more irresponsible than your right to collect such weapons for such a "neccessity."

Quote
Originally posted by sgt203
We have guns, the world has guns, the criminals have guns. To take away my right to own and possess a firearm leaves me and those I love at the mercy of those who choose to prey on the weak and defenseless.


Who's outlawing all firearms in the U.S.? Who's even suggesting it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I like guns. Most all of `em. I don't like bogus rationalization.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exotic guns should be legal cause Americans like dangerous toys and we're all about liberty. But they should be damned hard to get cause Billy Jo Bob's as crazy and pizzed as a socially retarded whacked out college student in Virginia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: sgt203 on December 03, 2007, 03:22:24 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo

Who's outlawing all firearms in the U.S.? Who's even suggesting it?

Exotic guns should be legal cause Americans like dangerous toys and we're all about liberty. But they should be damned hard to get cause Billy Jo Bob's as crazy and pizzed as a socially retarded whacked out college student in Virginia.
 EDITED...

In fact Arlo I believe that is exactly what is at stake in the current DC case the Supreme Court is about the hear. Call it whatever you want but if the Supreme Court says that the 2nd Amendment is not applicable as an individual right you can bet the farm there will be wholesale passages of laws in Town's, Cities, Counties and States. They will restrict your right to own and possess any firearms as you will no longer have the protection of the 2nd amendment.

If you mean by "exotic" full auto weapons, I agree with you they should be, and to an extent are, difficult to get. If you get any more general than that you are going to have extreme difficulties with those who are going to define "exotic".

I think you are may have missed my point though with my reference to WWII and Hitler. It was meant only to illustrate that a single individual with a firearm could make a difference. I only used Hitler to illustrate that had "John Q Public" had a firearm and the opportunity to kill him, do you think that would have made a difference in world events, had he been assasinated by someone.Not having any firearm would mean ZERO chance to make that difference.  It was meant as a illustration only, no more than say the actual assasination of John F Kennedy. Did that impact world events, that was 1 man 1 gun ( not trying to open up a can of worms). That is the only point.

And yes Resistance Fighters didnt require a collectors arsenal of weaponry to start, they could have used Muskets to start. But they did need firearms. If you or I were in that situation today wouldnt it be more comforting to start this resistance with say a Semi-Auto Rifle other than a six shooter. To an extent I agree this make the firearms industry wealthy and is quite far fetched this would ever become a reality, but this is in my opinion what the 2nd amendment was for... to provide the citizens with the means for common defense. From within and without.

And yes I certainly do not need a full auto belt fed machine gun for self defense nor would I say 99.9% of this country. I personally only own a handgun. For personal self defense I find this and/or shotgun more than adequate for protecting myself and my family.

But my concern is simply this current case will render firearms ownership illegal and jsut as concerning, impracticle for self defense, if D.C. wins this case. I am even weary of allowing people to decide what is "exotic" for as with most anything else the politicos do they will screw it up or make no sense in what they do happen to do.

Let me just give you a simple idea of why I say this. Years ago there was ammunition on the market called "Black Talons". These rounds received some nasty press and the "Brady Bill" outlawed this ammunition. I know I carried it.  It was produced by Winchester. Well you could no longer purchase "Black Talons" it was illegal. The exact same bullet was renamed the "Ranger SXT". Exact same Ballistics, configuration, penetration, weight... everything.... No modifications other that changing the name. It was now instantly legal and I still carry it today.

I had no problems with the 5 day waiting period, I have no problems with the insta-check system, I have no problems with the current laws as to purchasing Automatic Weapons for those who like to do this type of shooting.

I am concerned in allowing those with political and personal agendas deciding "what is good and what is bad" in respect to firearms.  

If someone can come up with some decent common sense laws in relation to firearms, that could protect both the rights of the individual and serve as a legitimate deterent to gun related crimes I would not put up a big fuss.

However, that is a very far fetched ideal, linking common sense to anything that take place in our Nations Capital, for if it is there im certainly not seeing very much of it.

And I dont not think I was making "bogus rationalzations" I think we are looking at this from differing points of view as to what is at stake. It is simply my point of view that should the Supreme Court say the 2nd does not apply to the individual ownership of any firearm by a private citizen is in dire peril of becoming illegal.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 03, 2007, 09:02:10 AM
bingalong... washington was no fan of the militia and... I don't care what "serious thinker" today dismisses an armed populace giving trouble to an army..  a few thousand arabs here and there have done wonders tho against armies..russians might tell you.

Be that as it may..  you have not disproven the fact that the militia is or isn't outdated... it still exists.   As it exists today it is two parts.. it is the organized (national guard or whatever) and the unorganized which.. is still defined as every able bodied man.

So far as me being in the militia or even worrying about the government.. It is moot.. I don't worry and.. I don't care to join a militia other than by default.   I don't think that any war.. civil or revolution would be good for anyone.  

But the point remains that the founders all expected that every free man who wished would have his right to keep and bear arms protected.

now.. arlo may think that it is all about the government and such and that I am worried about that..  tyranny is not just about governments tho.. the reason to be armed is not just against your own government... there happen to be bad people in the world who like to prey on others that they percieve to be helpless.

If arlo thinks that the bad people do not exist anymore or that we need to be armed against them.. then I would say that he does not need prozac... he does need to cut down on the dose tho.

These "exotic" weapons he speaks of... what would they be?   why... could they be the evil "assault weapon" that has killed so many?  oops.. wait.. it never really did.. maybe the machine gun?   oops.. it never did either?

well.. I guess he means the "potential" to cause harm?   sorta like the "potential" of giving out concealed carry permits.. you all recall right?   there was gonna be shootings at every fender bender!

Arlo and his lefty friends thrive in the world of hysteria and lies and exaggeration..   the off hand blown out of proportion jon stewart immitation...  but.. he seems to be losing it.. three name callings in one post!  you can almost see the spittle fly.

But.. arlo or bingalong.. show me one thing that the founders said that even hints that the second was not simply an individual right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 03, 2007, 09:14:12 AM
"exotic" weapons?

must be a new buzz word for the gun ban people.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 03, 2007, 09:18:02 AM
Yep... which "exotic weapons" have been a problem?   Which ones would arlo ban and why?   oh wait.. he doesn't want to say other than the M16... which.. so far as I know.. has killed no one in this country.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 10:51:51 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingalong... washington was no fan of the militia and... I don't care what "serious thinker" today dismisses an armed populace giving trouble to an army..  a few thousand arabs here and there have done wonders tho against armies..russians might tell you.

The afgan militia? Backed bye the US government?

"Be that as it may..  you have not disproven the fact that the militia is or isn't outdated"...

Yes I have Its outdated.


"So far as me being in the militia or even worrying about the government.. It is moot.. I don't worry and.. I don't care to join a militia other than by default.   I don't think that any war.. civil or revolution would be good for anyone."

There is no defualt.  If you read the 1792 militia act. You would know your not in/a militia defualt or otherwize. You have no regiment, commanding officer, training , hell I bet you dont even have your napsack.
Anyway following the law to it's current place , which you cant seam too,  the militia belongs to the government now and is used to supply  the standing army or reserves .
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 03, 2007, 02:40:48 PM
bingalong.. the militia is defined as either... organized or unorganized.   I am part of the unorganized militia by default of being a citizen of the US.

Another way... a simple way to look at the second is simply... the way it is written...  

In WWI and WWII and.. on the southern side of the civil war.. it was said that the American troops were better than other green troops simply because we were marksmen.  I believe that the founders point out that this was a good thing.. that in order to form a well regulated militia you needed to draw from an armed populace.

Which brings me back to something you said... the CMP is far from disbanded and is selling surplus guns and ammo... even drawing from stores of greek ammo.. to sell to the civilian population.

also.. on the militia...

"Collective rights theorists argue that addition of the subordinate clause qualifies the rest of the amendment by placing a limitation on the people's right to bear arms. However, if the amendment truly meant what collective rights advocates propose, then the text would read "[a] well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the States to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." However, that is not what the framers of the amendment drafted. The plain language of the amendment, without attenuate inferences therefrom, shows that the function of the subordinate clause was not to qualify the right, but instead to show why it must be protected. The right exists independent of the existence of the militia. If this right were not protected, the existence of the militia, and consequently the security of the state, would be jeopardized." (U.S. v. Emerson, 46 F.Supp.2d 598 (N.D.Tex. 1999))"

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 03:03:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Arlo and his lefty friends thrive in the world of hysteria and lies and exaggeration..  


Not to be confused with Laz and his backwoods militia mentality thriving on the same, I suppose. I'll compare spittle guages any day. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 03:04:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
"exotic" weapons?

must be a new buzz word for the gun ban people.


Not new. Not buzz. And I'm not a "gun ban people." Keep up. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 03, 2007, 03:05:06 PM
arlo.. what is a "militia mentality"?  I have never even thought about the militia.. you are the one who seems worried about it.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 03:06:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
oh wait.. he doesn't want to say other than the M16... which.. so far as I know.. has killed no one in this country.
 


M-16s and liberty for all, Laz. Why do you have a problem with better uses for taxes? Why do you hate America? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 03:07:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo.. what is a "militia mentality"?  I have never even thought about the militia.. you are the one who seems worried about it.
 


Ahhhh, you think my proposal involves "worry", Mr. Projector. ;) :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 03:23:33 PM
Silveira v. Lockyer 2002
The Court engaged in an extensive analysis of the history of the Second Amendment and its attendant case law, and it ultimately determined that the Second Amendment does not guarantee individuals the right to keep and bear arms. Because the Second Amendment affords only a collective right to own or possess guns or other firearms, the district court's dismissal of plaintiffs' Second Amendment claims is AFFIRMED. . . . The constitutional challenges to the validity of the California Assault Weapons Control Act are all rejected, with the exception of the claim relating to the retired officers provision.

Questions
http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/beararms.htm

1. Does the historical evidence support the conclusion that the Second Amendment guarantees the right of individuals to possess firearms?
2.  If the Second Amendment does create an individual right, how broad is the right?  Does it include the right to possess arms that would be useful to a militia today--hand grenades, rocket launchers, etc.?  Or does it create only a right to possess arms that would have been used by a militia in 1791--muskets?  Or is the right answer somewhere between these extremes?
3.  The Second Amendment speaks of the right to bear arms.  Does this suggest, for example, that there is no right to possess weapons that could not be carried, such as cannons?
4.  If the underlying concern that inspired the Second Amendment--fear of an abusive federal government oppressing states and their citizens--no longer exists, should that affect how we interpret the Amendment?
5.  What is the argument for choosing what provisions of the Bill of Rights we will give full effect?
6.  If the test for whether a provision of the Bill of Rights is incorporated into the 14th Amendment is whether the right in question is "fundamental to the American scheme of justice" what conclusion should we come to with respect to the right to keep and bear arms?
7. Which of the following regulations of firearms is constitutional?: (1) an age restriction, (2) a four-day waiting period for purchase of a firearm, (3) a ban on the carrying of concealed weapons.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 03:32:07 PM
Quote
There is no defualt. If you read the 1792 militia act. You would know your not in/a militia defualt or otherwize. You have no regiment, commanding officer, training , hell I bet you dont even have your napsack.


The Militia Act of 1792 was never well enforced, and from the very beginning there was no real penalty associated with not following the act to the letter. Militia's proved to be well suited for defense, but poorly suited as offensive units under federal control and G. Washington was trying to put in place a system that would enhance that specific militia capability -- enemies foreign. Some organizational issues were stated in the act but many were not, and it was generally regarded as being more of a recommendation than anything else.

However, the arms intent behind the militia (even in the Act) was very clear in that the unorganized militia would be the citizens of the US (within certain constraints that shaped society in general at the time) and that they would have their own arms. Nor does this reflect the "enemies domestic" rationale behind the 2nd.

You can look at the position of person who is credited with essentially drafted the 2nd, Trench Coxe. I don't think the intent of the 2nd gets any clearer than this. It addresses both federal AND state concerns:

Quote
   The powers of the sword are in the hands of the yeomanry of America    from sixteen to sixty. The militia of these free commonwealths, entitled and accustomed to their arms, when compared with any possible army, must be tremendous and irresistible. Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves... Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birth-right of an American ... The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or    state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.


Even a Federalist like Hamilton, who supported a more organized militia model (believing, debatable, that the good people of a state would not willingly follow a federal tyrant stated):

Quote
[T]he people, without exaggeration, may be said to be entirely the masters of their own fate. Power being almost always the rival of power, the general government will at all times stand ready to check the usurpations of the state governments, and these will have the same disposition towards the general government. The people by throwing themselves into either scale, will infallibly make it preponderate. If their rights are invaded by either, they can make use of the other as the instrument of redress. How wise will it be in them by cherishing the union to preserve to themselves an advantage which can never be too highly prized!


He certainly would not have supported the current select militia state/federal National Guard system to fill that role. He even acknowledges that the state government just might have to be addressed as a tyrant.

The more formal, organized role of the militia has certainly been neglected. Militia's against foreign enemies work best on defense, and worst on offense and that purpose has been largely taken over by the National Guard (a federal, select militia) because of that reality. This was not entirely unforeseen and was part of the whole general/select militia/standing army debate at the time.

However, that neglect does not eliminate the central conceptual role of an armed population deterring domestic tyranny. As legal scholars Brannon P. Denning and Glenn Harlan Reynolds summarize on the issue:

Quote
In this light, the Second Amendment could be understood as an example of very careful drafting indeed: a government obligation (to maintain a militia) coupled with an individual right (to keep and bear arms) that ensures that the key element of a universal militia (an armed citizenry) cannot be extinguished by government neglect.[129] At the very least, the clear constitutional statement regarding the necessity of a well-regulated (universal) militia for the security of a free state should give us pause. The logical consequence of this statement is that a state lacking such a militia is either insecure or unfree.[130]


Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 03:34:19 PM
Quote
Which brings me back to something you said... the CMP is far from disbanded and is selling surplus guns and ammo... even drawing from stores of greek ammo.. to sell to the civilian population.


I have a Garand, Carbine and a load of ammo delivered fresh from the CMP to my door :)

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 03:39:48 PM
Quote
Silveira v. Lockyer 2002


Yeah, what a surprise coming from Stephen Reinhardt on the 9th Circus court in San Francisco.

Here's the an alternative view on his "impartiality" and judgement where the 2nd is concerned:

Quote
Second Amendment Showdown in the 9th Circuit Cloakroom

Less than three months ago, the Center for Individual Freedom took aim at the latest misfire from über liberal Judge Stephen Reinhardt and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit -- namely, 69 pages of anti-gun propaganda masquerading as a constitutional decision in which the oft-overturned judge opined that "[t]he historical record makes it ... plain that the [Second] Amendment was not adopted in order to afford rights to individuals with respect to private gun ownership or possession."  To read more about "Judge Reinhardt's Ricochet," click here.  Now, even Reinhardt's own judicial colleagues on the West Coast are unwilling to remain silent in the face of his tendency to substitute personal political prejudices for the rule of law.

In a new Second Amendment ruling issued by the 9th Circuit on Tuesday, three of Reinhardt's brethren, Judges Arthur L. Alarcón, Ronald M. Gould and Diarmuid F. O'Scannlain, took the highly unusual step of criticizing a fellow sitting jurist in a published legal opinion for the entire world to see.  The judges forcefully reminded Reinhardt that even life-tenured federal jurists cannot exercise unlimited power and are bound to follow precedent, at the very least.  These legal warning shots reduced Reinhardt's freshly published musings about the Second Amendment to mere "dicta" because "[t]here was simply no need for [his] panel's broad digression."

The new case, Nordyke v. King, No. 99-17551 (9th Cir. Feb. 18, 2003), would have passed wholly unnoticed if it were not for Reinhardt's judicial activism a few months earlier.  After all, the Nordyke panel didn't need to break any new constitutional ground to affirm an Alameda County, California, ban on the possession of guns on county property, which had the effect of preventing gun shows from using the public fairgrounds.  Instead, the panel only had to follow past precedent.  Nevertheless, Reinhardt had refused to do the same just a few months prior on the very same issue, so the judges took the opportunity to put him back in his place.

In a "passing" footnote weighty and lengthy enough to span good parts of 2 pages in the concise 10-page decision, the judges took apart Reinhardt's analysis of the Second Amendment, noting it was "both unpersuasive and, even more importantly, unnecessary."  Reinhardt's "decision to re-examine the scope and purpose of the Second Amendment was improper" since his "panel was [already] bound" by prior 9th Circuit precedent established six years earlier in 1996, the judges explained.

The footnote went as far as judges ever do in accusing Reinhardt of taking the law into his own hands.  The Reinhardt panel's "rather lengthy reconsideration of [a 9th Circuit precedent] was neither warranted nor constitutes the binding law of this circuit," the judges wrote, reminding the activist judge that "'only the court sitting en banc may overrule a prior decision of the court.'"

In non-legal speak, the oh-so-polite footnote admonished Reinhardt that a renegade judge out to further his own political mission cannot single-handedly rewrite the law.  Instead, under the rules of the appellate court, only the 9th Circuit judges sitting "as a whole," or "en banc," could change a legal rule established in a prior decision.

The judges also took aim at the merits of Reinhardt's political maneuvering designed to reduce the Second Amendment to little more than a historical curiosity.  Openly inviting the full 9th Circuit or the Supreme Court to finally recognize that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right "keep and bear arms," Judges O'Scannlain and Alarcón praised the 5th Circuit's decision in United States v. Emerson as a "very thoughtful and extensive review of both the text and historical record surrounding the enactment of the Second Amendment."

Judge Gould went even farther in his own special concurrence, explicitly refuting Reinhardt's historical and constitutional twisting of the Second Amendment.  "I conclude that an 'individual rights view' of the Second Amendment is most consistent with the Second Amendment's language, structure, and purposes, as well as colonial experience and pre-adoption history," Judge Gould wrote, while at the same time urging that prior 9th Circuit precedent subscribing to the collective rights theory "can be discarded by our court en banc or can be rejected by the Supreme Court."

It seems there's a gun fight out West -- a Second Amendment showdown in the 9th Circuit cloakroom.
http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/legal_issues/legal_updates/other_noteworthy_cases/second_amendment_showdown.htm


That is why Parker is so important.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 03:40:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
"Collective rights theorists argue that addition of the subordinate clause qualifies the rest of the amendment by placing a limitation on the people's right to bear arms. However, if the amendment truly meant what collective rights advocates propose, then the text would read "[a] well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the States to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." However, that is not what the framers of the amendment drafted. The plain language of the amendment, without attenuate inferences therefrom, shows that the function of the subordinate clause was not to qualify the right, but instead to show why it must be protected. The right exists independent of the existence of the militia. If this right were not protected, the existence of the militia, and consequently the security of the state, would be jeopardized." (U.S. v. Emerson, 46 F.Supp.2d 598 (N.D.Tex. 1999))"

lazs


This is what Scalia concludes form emerson.
Justice Scalia concludes by stating that "t is very likely that modern Americans no longer look contemptuously, as Madison did, upon the governments of Europe that ‘are afraid to trust the people with arms,’ The Federalist No. 46; and the . . . Constitution that Professor Tribe espouses will probably give effect to that new sentiment by effectively eliminating the Second Amendment. "
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 03:55:08 PM
Quote
This is what Scalia concludes form emerson.
Justice Scalia concludes by stating that "t is very likely that modern Americans no longer look contemptuously, as Madison did, upon the governments of Europe that ‘are afraid to trust the people with arms,’ The Federalist No. 46; and the . . . Constitution that Professor Tribe espouses will probably give effect to that new sentiment by effectively eliminating the Second Amendment. "


Dude, you missed an important part of that quote:

Quote
. Justice Scalia concludes by stating that "t is very likely that modern Americans no longer look contemptuously, as Madison did, upon the governments of Europe that `are afraid to trust the people with arms,' The Federalist No. 46; and the . . . Constitution that Professor Tribe espouses will probably give effect to that new sentiment by effectively eliminating the Second Amendment. But there is no need to deceive ourselves as to what the original Second Amendment said and meant. Of course, properly understood, it is no limitation upon arms control by the states." Id.


It the comes down to balancing what might be considered reasonable restrictions (as noted in Parker) and the fairly absolute sounding "shall not be infringed..." Other cases will decide that.

Then there is the fact that Lawrence Tribe has changed his mind since then:

Quote
The first is from Laurence Tribe's famed treatise on the Constitution, the latest version of which Tribe altered in recognition of the growing power of the individual-rights view of the amendment—a view he had long rejected. The second is by Sanford Levinson, who—before he stopped believing in the Constitution altogether—wrote an illuminating law review article called "the embarrassing second amendment." The final quotation is from Akhil Reed Amar's ambitious history, The Bill of Rights. One can still muster strong arguments in favor of a collective-rights conception of the Second Amendment, the view that has prevailed in most other circuits; and the individual-rights view does not necessarily doom all gun control (though it probably does doom the most sweeping bans). But the simple truth is that the individual-rights view is in intellectual ascendancy, and not just among gun-loving wing nuts. If Silberman is a radical with blithe disregard for public safety, he is in exceptionally strong company.
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2007/0319governance_wittes.aspx


Even the liberal Brookings Institute, which noted the above, accepts the individual rights position but, of course, calls to amend the Constitution. And, that is the hones option.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 03:55:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon
Yeah, what a surprise coming from Stephen Reinhardt on the 9th Circus court in San Francisco.

Here's the an alternative view on his "impartiality" and judgement where the 2nd is concerned:



That is why Parker is so important.

Charon


What a surprise form the 5th rightytightys :rolleyes: cant wait to critique  who they do  not agree with.
The decision stands yes?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 04:00:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon
Dude, you missed an important part of that quote:

 

It the comes down to balancing what might be considered reasonable restrictions (as noted in Parker) and the fairly absolute sounding "shall not be infringed..." Other cases will decide that.

Then there is the fact that Lawrence Tribe has changed his mind since then:



Even the liberal Brookings Institute, which noted the above, accepts the individual rights position but, of course, calls to amend the Constitution. And, that is the hones option.

Charon


I didnt miss it. I just deemed it unimportant as you do the 9th's decision.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 04:10:44 PM
Quote
What a surprise form the 5th rightytightys  cant wait to critique who they do not agree with.


As noted, much of their decision was based in no small part on liberal Constitutional Scholars like Lawrence Tribe. BTW, the 5th Doesn't have a reputation as being right wing, rather a reputation as being more strict Constitutionalists. Meaning, they don't try to make law from the bench (on this or other issues like Reinhardt is know for) but rather see if it reflects the Constitution.

Some more Reinhardt follies:

Quote
"How can you tell a judge is a liberal?" Reinhardt asked law students during a speech at Georgetown University. "Liberal judges believe in a generous or expansive interpretation of the Bill of Rights. We believe that the meaning of the Constitution was not frozen in 1789; that, as society develops and evolves, its understanding of constitutional principles also grows.

"We believe that the Founding Fathers used broad general principles to describe our rights," Reinhardt continued, "because they were determined not to enact a narrow, rigid code that would bind and limit all future generations."


Quote
Reinhardt is not shy either about trying to influence other judges. In 1994, he urged then-Supreme Court nominee Stephen Breyer to "do justice, not just administer law," if confirmed. Regarding the Constitution, Reinhardt wrote to Breyer that he should "Carry on the work of the court's great progressive thinkers.

"It was progressive justices with a view of the Constitution as a living, breathing document who gave full measure to that instrument," Reinhardt wrote, "not the legal technocrats, not those whose view of the Constitution was frozen as of 1789.

"When lawyers and judges adhere too rigidly to legal rules," according to Reinhardt, "they lose sight of the broader purposes for which those rules were created: to do justice."

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewSpecialReports.asp?Page=%5CSpecialReports%5Carchive%5C200511%5CSPE20051117a.html


Personally, I would rather changes to the Constitution, if needed, come from the legislative branch rather than the personal, conservative or progressive, opinions of individual jurists. There is a mechanism in place to do just that.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 03, 2007, 04:13:53 PM
Quote
I didnt miss it. I just deemed it unimportant as you do the 9th's decision.


I just figured you deemed it inconvenient to your argument.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 04:38:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon
I just figured you deemed it inconvenient to your argument.

Charon


O really who decides properly?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 06:26:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2


"Another way... a simple way to look at the second is simply... the way it is written... "

Well regulated militia?

"In WWI and WWII and.. on the southern side of the civil war.. it was said that the American troops were better than other green troops simply because we were marksmen.  I believe that the founders point out that this was a good thing.. that in order to form a well regulated militia you needed to draw from an armed populace."

Armed, trained, commanded, populace?

Which brings me back to something you said... the CMP is far from disbanded and is selling surplus guns and ammo... even drawing from stores of greek ammo.. to sell to the civilian population.

also.. on the militia...

"Collective rights theorists argue that addition of the subordinate clause qualifies the rest of the amendment by placing a limitation on the people's right to bear arms. However, if the amendment truly meant what collective rights advocates propose, then the text would read "[a] well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the States to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." However, that is not what the framers of the amendment drafted. The plain language of the amendment, without attenuate inferences therefrom, shows that the function of the subordinate clause was not to qualify the right, but instead to show why it must be protected. The right exists independent of the existence of the militia. If this right were not protected, the existence of the militia, and consequently the security of the state, would be jeopardized." (U.S. v. Emerson, 46 F.Supp.2d 598 (N.D.Tex. 1999))"


Yes well..

The Second Amendment protects “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.” Contrast this language with that of the Fifth Amendment (“no person shall”) and the 6th Amendment (“the accused shall”). The Bill of Rights makes a meaningful distinction between the rights of “the people” and of “persons.” This distinction is especially clear in the 4th Amendment, which states that the collective “people” have a right “to be secure” in their individual “persons.” The Second Amendment contains only the collective language: “the right of the people.” Despite any protestation to the contrary, the text of our Constitution does draw a significant distinction between collective and individual rights.
When the 2nd Amendment was ratified, the “Militia” did of course consist of virtually all adult (white) males , we should understand the “the Militia” and “the People” as roughly equivalent. But using such an understanding to justify unlimited gun rights grossly oversimplifies the 2nd Amendment language referring to a “well-regulated Milita.” It’s difficult to argue that a populace with unlimited access to guns constitutes a “well-regulated Militia” for the simple reason that such a populace is not “regulated” at all where weapons are concerned. The inclusion of the words “well-regulated” in the 2nd Amendment should leave us with two questions: Regulated by whom? And what sorts of regulations are permissible?
The Bill of Rights was an anti-Federalist measure designed to place explicit limits on the Federal government, generally in favor of state governments. Indeed, the 1st Amendment (at the time of its ratification) did not invalidate state-established churches or state sedition laws, it refused federal Congress the ability to establish an official religion and restrict freedom of speech. Considering that at the time of the Founding functional militias were often organized by states, and considering that the Bill of Rights as a whole was originally intended to protect the states from federal excess, it is reasonable to say that “well-regulated Militia” can be understood as one organized by and subject to the regulations of a state or local government. It’s much more difficult to claim that a mass of citizens armed with whatever weapons they desire constitutes in any way a “well-regulated Militia.”
The Constitution does not permit “regulation” that would effectively ban weapons, such laws would violate the right to “keep and bear Arms.” But should we believe that state and local governments can therefore pass no laws regulating the kinds of weapons that their people are permitted to own and carry? Such a holding would threaten anti-terrorist statutes prohibiting the ownership of bomb-making materials. Doesn’t it stand to reason that local governments can pass laws restricting ownership of certain categories of dangerous weapons? Shouldn’t elected officials be permitted to make legislative findings that unlimited handgun ownership poses a risk to public safety and legislate accordingly? The Supreme Court has historically shown broad deference to the “police powers” of local governments to protect the health or safety of their citizens. The law at issue in D.C. v. Heller does exactly that. Some people may contest the findings underpinning the law, or they may believe that it’s simply bad policy, but our democratic system provides recourse for those folks: elect new leaders.
 The Second Amendment has never been subject to the Fourteenth Amendment doctrine of incorporation, a long-term judicial effort to protect certain enumerated rights from both state and federal infringement. Perhaps the right to keep and bear arms is conspicuously absent from the incorporation doctrine because the Second Amendment does in fact explicitly permit local regulation of the “Militia.” Much as the First Amendment right to assemble is constrained when it threatens public safety (You have no constitutional right to stage an anti-gun protestin the middle of I-95, for example), so too the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms is constrained by the right and duty of local governments to protect their citizens. This is hardly a radical view. It’s a notion that comes straight from the language and history of the Second Amendment and previous Bill of Rights jurisprudence.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: sgt203 on December 03, 2007, 11:14:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I didnt miss it. I just deemed it unimportant as you do the 9th's decision.


NO Bingolong you didn't "deem it unimportant" you deemed it to be detremental to your argument.. so you left it out. Blow smoke elsewhere... You didnt think you would get called on it now your back peddaling.

This is unfortunately alot of what we see when our politicians "debate" a point. The careful and calculated misconstruing, misstating, or flat out omission of the facts all in the name of supporting their point of view.

Your points up till now I have read listened to and tried to understand. However you have now made yourself irrelevant as it is obvious you are not debating a point of view you are pushing for a specific agenda.

You and those like you are what is wrong with our Jurists "legislating from the bench" and the FAR LEFT in general. The end justifys the means.

Pity really.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 11:27:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by sgt203
NO Bingolong you didn't "deem it unimportant" you deemed it to be detremental to your argument.. so you left it out. Blow smoke elsewhere... You didnt think you would get called on it now your back peddaling.

This is unfortunately alot of what we see when our politicians "debate" a point. The careful and calculated misconstruing, misstating, or flat out omission of the facts all in the name of supporting their point of view.

Your points up till now I have read listened to and tried to understand. However you have now made yourself irrelevant as it is obvious you are not debating a point of view you are pushing for a specific agenda.

You and those like you are what is wrong with our Jurists "legislating from the bench" and the FAR LEFT in general. The end justifys the means.

Pity really.


As I told lazz I will tell you, I dont have an agenda and I could just as easily taken the other side of the argument and I am for the 2nd. Just because you dont like the law
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 03, 2007, 11:36:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
As I told lazz I will tell you, I dont have an agenda and I could just as easily taken the other side of the argument and I am for the 2nd. Just because you dont like the law


Next are you going to say you're just trying to make the world safe for Democracy?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 03, 2007, 11:41:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Next are you going to say you're just trying to make the world safe for Democracy?


Well that was a random neuron-misfire moment. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 03, 2007, 11:46:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Next are you going to say you're just trying to make the world safe for Democracy?


Look I have posted the "Militia" subject because i think thats the hindge.  If you  dont like the way the law reads today not in 1776 well I dont know what to tell ya.
Today's truth is not yesterdays ideal. I have said what I think the SC is going to possible do and why I think they ask all I've heard is a bunch of bloviating :).

So I got a little Shoot me!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 04, 2007, 06:58:57 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Look I have posted the "Militia" subject because i think thats the hindge.  If you  dont like the way the law reads today not in 1776 well I dont know what to tell ya.


That law didn't read anything in 1776...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: B@tfinkV on December 04, 2007, 07:04:36 AM
some laws of 1776 -

"you killed my father, prepare to die"

"he stole my oxen so i drowned him"

"your wife is pretty, im going to kill you and take her."
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 04, 2007, 08:19:38 AM
charon pretty much answered your questions on the rulings..  I also think it pertinent that Tribe has done a 180.. it is difficult to find a constitutional scholar that sees the second as some sort of oxymoron "collective right".

I don't think that what is the militia has anything to do with the second... whatever it is... if we need it.. we need to draw from a people who's right to keep and bear arms is not infringed.

as for your... well.. your sites.. 7 questions..  I have answered most throughout this thread.. yes, the second is an individual right..  no..it does not include hand grenades and such although I would say a state had a right to license and regulate them if they desired.. same for cannon and such.. that was around then and not considered "arms".    

The rest of the questions.. silly of course.. the possibility of a tyrannical government going away? on what planet?  and even if it did.. that would not affect the second.. tyranny can be one on one.....as for the 14th.. if self defense is not fundamental to justice then I don't want to live here... ever call 911?

most of the questions are for mush headed school kids.. like a homework assignment.. they repeat each other and answer each other and lead with the teacher/essayists agenda...  

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 04, 2007, 08:31:39 AM
now.. on the ruling..  I would be happy if the sc concluded that the second was an individual right and that the federal government had no right to make any laws.. this, as tribe suggests, would get rid of broad, sweeping bans like the magazine and "assault weapons" ban...

Further... if they concluded that the states had the right to regulate/control guns .. so long as the control did not infringe on the peoples right to keep and bear arms that were useful to his defense or the defense of his fellows.  In other words... they could regulate (or not) machine guns and such but not entirely.. they could not ban them say.  

I would be happy if they made it "shall issue" in every state...  The regulation of which would be up to said states but not in such a way to deprive people of their rights... no "negros can't carry concealed" type of restrictions or "$5000 and 4 years state gun of school before allowed to carry" type of thing.  

This would get rid of the federal bans now in place and things like the DC ban but still allow the states some room.. they could permit .50 cal guns or high capacity mags say without banning them.  They could "regulate" but not ban "arms".

It would bring up more cases of course as someone with 15 speeding tickets somewhere lost his right to carry in some blue state..or.. some guy who was on parole wanted to get a machine gun permit but.. it would all work out pretty quickly.

I see a net relaxing of the unfair laws and bans with rights protected from being simply legeslated or voted away.   I have seen guns that were perfectly legal suddenly make their owners criminals with the stroke of a pen.  

That is why we fight the lefties on every little law they come up with.. they are never happy and want more and more bans.. there idea of "sensible gun control" is no guns for anyone..   they just want to keep guns out of the wrong hands but guess what people...  you have the wrong hands.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 04, 2007, 09:06:07 AM
charon has a good link to the ultra left wing brookings institute where the guy, like bingalong "had guns but..."    in any case.. he admits that no scholar worth a damn sees the second as anything but an individual right protected by the feds.

He says so because.. he fears that if the second can be made moot... why not the others by simple state and lower court decisions?   hell.. the way we got in this whole gun control mess in the first place was a bunch of KKK aholes trying to control the negros from having guns.

No.. the brookings guy takes the only logical out.. he admits that the second is as it looks.. a protection for the individual and that trivializing it is a bad move... soooo..

He suggests that we get rid of it entirely.. he feels that there are enough loafer wearing taxi riders like himself in the blue areas to just get the amendment repealed..  that nothing else is fair or desirable

I partially agree.. As I have said.. if you don't like the amendment then repeal it.

That is really the showdown that is needed.. not some obvious affirmation that the second is about protecting individual rights and then figuring out ways to skirt those rights.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 04, 2007, 12:14:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
That law didn't read anything in 1776...


:aok
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/de02.htm#art30
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/ma02.htm
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/nh09.htm
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/nj15.htm
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/pa08.htm
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/charlott.htm
http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/arms.htm


You getting the idea or should I continue?

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/18th.htm  :rolleyes:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 04, 2007, 01:27:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Look I have posted the "Militia" subject because i think thats the hindge.  If you  dont like the way the law reads today not in 1776 well I dont know what to tell ya.
Today's truth is not yesterdays ideal. I have said what I think the SC is going to possible do and why I think they ask all I've heard is a bunch of bloviating :).

So I got a little Shoot me!


OK

For the record.  Many think there is NO other way for the Supremes to go but to rule that the 2nd is for individuals.

I however am concerned.  I've read information on 2 of the Judges, that are supposed to be conservatives, that COULD indicate they will decide otherwise.

Something that also SEEMS convenient is the timing, our next Pres could start out by signing a law banning personal firearms.

Hopefully I'm just seeing phantoms where nothing exist.

A point that MIGHT be worth consider, IF the decision is AGAINST individual ownership................

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lasersailor184 on December 04, 2007, 01:59:23 PM
I'm going to declare that any who attempt or actually do take any gun from any legal american is guilty of treason, with the punishment of Death, with no chance of reprieve, ever.  Then I will enact it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 04, 2007, 02:31:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lasersailor184
I'm going to declare that any who attempt or actually do take any gun from any legal american is guilty of treason, with the punishment of Death, with no chance of reprieve, ever.  Then I will enact it.


Interesting..............

and now there is a definite possibility that you have just placed yourself completely under the control of the Patriot Act!

You are defying the LAW, the Government, and that which has been declared by our LEGAL system to be correct.

SOOOOO they decide to declare you a terrorist/enemy of the state and then declare that it is open season on terrorist/enemies of the state.


The founders of this Nation understood some things.....


“There is in all of us a strong disposition to believe that anything lawful is also legitimate. This belief is so widespread that many persons have erroneously held that things are ‘just’ because the law makes them so.” —Frederic Bastiat


And the people, because the Government says you are a terrorist, will believe you are a terrorist.  Your neighbors when told by the AUTHORITIES of your status may even help them bring you under control.  Sadly the following SEEMS to be too often, and at times even popular, but true....


“It is proof of a base and low mind for one to wish to think with the masses or majority, merely because the majority is the majority. Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.” —Giordano Bruno



There are ALWAYS present in every age, every country, individuals that SEEK to control others, aka the people.  AND sadly there are always those that will follow them and do their bidding, at times with a seemingly great JOY.

"When bad men combine, the good must associate, else they will fall one by one, an un-pitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle"
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 04, 2007, 02:37:02 PM
Sheessszzz! I feel like I just went through dentallobotomy class! Well thanks finally I try to answer and I will a few.

"I don't think that what is the militia has anything to do with the second... whatever it is... if we need it.. we need to draw from a people who's right to keep and bear arms is not infringed."

Well I think you are wrong here. I think they asked about the states well-regulated militia, exactly because DC is not a state. Not to slither out of rendering an opinion. Sort of like the "Free zone" or "no mans land" so to speak.


"as for your... well.. your sites.. 7 questions.. I have answered most throughout this thread.. yes, the second is an individual right.. no..it does not include hand grenades and such although I would say a state had a right to license and regulate them if they desired.. same for cannon and such.. that was around then and not considered "arms"."

I hope they do make it an individual right. I agree with most of this  however...

"now.. on the ruling.. I would be happy if the sc concluded that the second was an individual right and that the federal government had no right to make any laws.. this, as tribe suggests, would get rid of broad, sweeping bans like the magazine and "assault weapons" ban..."
"Further... if they concluded that the states had the right to regulate/control guns .. so long as the control did not infringe on the peoples right to keep and bear arms that were useful to his defense or the defense of his fellows. In other words... they could regulate (or not) machine guns and such but not entirely.. they could not ban them say."
 
I don’t think any one in the "Population" needs a machine gun or a cannon registered or not.


"This would get rid of the federal bans now in place and things like the DC ban but still allow the states some room.. they could permit .50 cal guns or high capacity mags say without banning them. They could "regulate" but not ban "arms"."

Are you not allowed 50 caliber guns> you surely don’t need a >50 Barret or a BMI for home protection.. yes? But you can own a Model 500 or an Eagle no problem or the even more powerful .454!  but then again  

http://videos.emule.com/play/drunk-woman-vs---50-caliber-pistol-(-qRJzpQXb7c (http://videos.emule.com/play/drunk-woman-vs---50-caliber-pistol-(-qRJzpQXb7c)
Maybe not, maybe more regulation is required.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 04, 2007, 02:40:57 PM
cont.
"I see a net relaxing of the unfair laws and bans with rights protected from being simply legeslated or voted away. I have seen guns that were perfectly legal suddenly make their owners criminals with the stroke of a pen."

Yes...I would like them to relax the unfair laws as well. I think were a little apart on the unfairness however. The Pen is mightier than the sword?


"No.. the brookings guy takes the only logical out.. he admits that the second is as it looks.. a protection for the individual and that trivializing it is a bad move... soooo..
He suggests that we get rid of it entirely..
I partially agree.. As I have said.. if you don't like the amendment then repeal it."

Yep.. That’s what is provided for I agree. But most parts are defined already the unorganized/private militia is/are not. I hope they do the minimal...just define that. Get rid of the yahoo paramilitary think they are badass militia its my right types with machine guns. I don’t see any mention of one of the reasons to own a gun as being fun to own. You know what I mean?

"That is really the showdown that is needed.. not some obvious affirmation that the second is about protecting individual rights and then figuring out ways to skirt those rights."

I agree here as well. Removing the "militia" part makes it easier to attack Sooo... you should want that to stay. It is really the most important part of the questions asked by the SC.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 04, 2007, 08:39:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

You getting the idea or should I continue?  


Quote
Originally linked by Bingolong Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Supreme Court will consider whether individuals have a constitutional right to own firearms, agreeing to decide an election-year fight over the District of Columbia's decades-old handgun ban.


"a constitutional right to own firearms" I was under the impression that the thread was about the 2nd amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, a document written a decade later than 1776.

So I made an offhand humorous remark. I humbly apologize.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 05, 2007, 08:49:47 AM
ok.. now we are making some progress... seems that the only points that we differ on is what is the militia and what arms you think I "need" (read can be banned).

"need" has nothing to do with it.. the people who like to shoot 2,000 yard competitions "need" a .50... If there is a tyrant in power..you "need" a .50 to take out his and his henchmens limmo's.

Machine guns?  they are fun... fun fulfills a "need" for some.. no one "needs" to climb mountains for instance.  I don't want you or anyone else defining "need" so far as recreation and defense goes.

As to the militia..  the earlier act that you are so fond of still puts me in the militia as it is every able bodied free man.. It is not my problem that my state is lax in organizing it.

this was exactly the problem... the states didn't do it.  soooo.. the current defenition.. the one we are bound by right this minute... says that I am in the "unorganized militia"

either way.. I am in the militia.. as are you.   The age and physical stuff would not stand civil rights scrutiny.  

Further.. I have a draft card.   At one time we all did.  It said that I could be called to service...  even tho I did nothing but sign up.   In fact.. the draft still looms over all of us.   it could happen again next week.   If a militia is so outdated then so is the draft.  we don't need to draw from the citizens.

We will see a relaxing of gun bans but we will see more differences in the states gun laws but the feds will have to protect our absolute right to keep and bear arms.. no DC bans for instance.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 05, 2007, 08:53:21 AM
And.. another interesting thing will happen if the SC rules it as an individual right..

The AntiamericanCommieLawyersUnio n will be in a bind of their own making...

Their only excuse for selling second amendment rights down the river is (besides being commies) that it is a "collective right".. not worth them getting into.. nothing they can do about it.

Their real agenda will be out in the open if they don't take individual rights cases based on the second as newly interpreted.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 12:03:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
"ok.. now we are making some progress... seems that the only points that we differ on is what is the militia and what arms you think I "need" (read can be banned)."

I think you went backwards again.


"need" has nothing to do with it.. the people who like to shoot 2,000 yard competitions "need" a .50... If there is a tyrant in power..you "need" a .50 to take out his and his henchmens limmo's.

Okay I like to shoot 3 mile competitions . There is a new gun out that can shoot that far .75 caliber all the sudden I have a "Need" for that gun, NO, thats laughable. What did they "need" to kill the tyrant when the constitution was written? Hinckley didn't need a 50, either did Booth or Oswald. Are you saying you only "need" a 50 for a tyrant? So you can shoot him at 2000 yrds, you cant shoot him at 1000?


"Machine guns?  they are fun... fun fulfills a "need" for some.. no one "needs" to climb mountains for instance.  I don't want you or anyone else defining "need" so far as recreation and defense goes."

Again nice try. Mountains don't shoot people. You don't have a need for those Guns . You do have a "want" I want to shoot 2000, and I "Want" a 50 that can do it. Hell I "want" to shoot 3 miles guess I need a cannon?  My Dad had a good saying for "want". "Want in one hand, crap in the other, see which one fills up first."


"As to the militia..  the earlier act that you are so fond of still puts me in the militia as it is every able bodied free man.. It is not my problem that my state is lax in organizing it.
this was exactly the problem... the states didn't do it.  soooo.. the current defenition.. the one we are bound by right this minute... says that I am in the "unorganized militia" either way.. I am in the militia.. as are you.   The age and physical stuff would not stand civil rights scrutiny. "

No, its not but until the state does organize it you aren't in it!
Nope, the framers state what your duty as a militia men is. If it was not fully implemented is "Not my problem".
 

"Further.. I have a draft card.   At one time we all did.  It said that I could be called to service...  even thou I did nothing but sign up.   In fact.. the draft still looms over all of us.   it could happen again next week.   If a militia is so outdated then so is the draft.  we don't need to draw from the citizens."

Yep me too, are you trying to say that draftees are the militia?
when you get drafted for whom do you serve?


"We will see a relaxing of gun bans but we will see more differences in the states gun laws but the feds will have to protect our absolute right to keep and bear arms.. no DC bans for instance."

I think some guns will be outright banned. Not allowing you to have 50 is not an intrusion of your rights/needs. You have the right to be armed, just with what will be answered, you don't need a 50 or a machine gun, you want them and again I don't see "Need/Want" to have "Fun" at a "competition" in there as a reason for a gun either. Lets stick to what the documents say huh? I have proven your not the militia. Now lets work on your "Needs".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 01:09:39 PM
btw,

Un-organized Militia dose not mean no organization its the difference between Fed/State and the people... however it still has organized, trained and registered componets thats what the contitution says!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 05, 2007, 01:09:45 PM
who will decide my "needs", Barbara Boxer? :rofl


boxer at senate news show, "with this gun you don't have to aim, you just spray and shoot." Then she tries to insert the magazine in backwards.
:lol
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 01:19:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
who will decide my "needs", Barbara Boxer? :rofl


boxer at senate news show, "with this gun you don't have to aim, you just spray and shoot." Then she tries to insert the magazine in backwards.
:lol



some "need" insulin an 85 year old man "wants" to have sex he "needs" viagra he also so wants a 50, he cant even lift it,  he dont need it.

I need to shoot 2000yrds. If I "want" the "need to" that bad there is a place I can do it. I'm joining the service.:D :rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 05, 2007, 01:22:49 PM
Bingolong, the question i asked was who would decide my needs, you side stepped the question.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 01:37:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
Bingolong, the question i asked was who would decide my needs, you side stepped the question.


you do of course just dont confuse your "needs" with your "wants".

I want many things do I need them? no.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 05, 2007, 02:24:16 PM
Quote
Un-organized Militia dose not mean no organization its the difference between Fed/State and the people... however it still has organized, trained and registered componets thats what the contitution says!


Says you. Unfortunately for that position, even mainstream liberal thought on the issue, including Lawrence Tribe, who is broadly considered to be a Constitutional Icon even by most conservatives in those circles, has shifted. Tribe actually received no small amount of hate mail from gun control supporters after he changed his position on the issue. They realized the ramifications of his scholarship to their crusade.

And, as noted by Brookings (and others), he is not alone on the issue among liberal leaning scholars. They seem to agree with a much looser definition of what constitutes a militia, just as the Framers were clear in a far more loose view of why "the people" should have arms independent of government control, even if it's a state government. The people may decide to support the state against the fed. government, or the fed. government against the state, but they would need their own firearms to make that choice. They may decide to support neither.

I'm not aware of the constitution spelling out a restrictive and definitive  definition of militia, even in the Federalist Papers where you see more general discussion. However, there is abundant and clear support for the right of the people to bear arms against enemies, foreign and domestic. Some of us swore an oath to that effect, and even though we got to "play" with some serious weapons in the service we have a very personal connection to the underlying meaning of that oath. That firearm ownership is enjoyable is an unrelated bonus, just like using firearms for hunting.

Now as to wants and needs, you seem to want a variety of restrictions on firearms you feel others do not need. So, just exactly which classes of firearms would you personally like to see restricted and why (and provide facts and statistics to show the common good arguments). This is certainly an issue that will come up after the case is decided, regardless of which way it is decided.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 05, 2007, 02:28:19 PM
bingalong...  I don't think that even you would say that "need" is a condition of rights.   I don't think that anyone would say that a .50 was not useful as a militia arm or for recreation... or for defense for that matter.   That does not mean that is could not be regulated.. it would mean that no one could be barred or unreasonably "infringed" from owning one.

I don't follow what your problem is with some types of weapons over others.   machine guns and .50's have never been a problem to the public.   Is your criteria "need" or is it "potential for harm"  you don't seem very clear.

"Need" is a slippery and elusive slope...  who determines "need"?  "need" for what?  for home defense a single shot shotgun is probly good enough for absolute "need".. for street.. a revolver.. for militia.. a machine gun.

And.. as for the militia.. the current defenition.. is the organized and the unorganized militia.   it is two part.   Those not in an organized militia are by default, in an unorganized one.  

Even by the first definition in 1792.. we were all part of the militia.. it was up to the states to organize it.   Not the "peoples" fault if they didn't.. we did our part.. we had the guns.

I am sure that you are right on one thing tho.. no matter what is ruled.. that it is an individual right.. there will always be some micromanager who thinks he has the right to determine what the rest of his fellows "need".

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 05, 2007, 02:32:03 PM
damn.. musta been writing when charon was... I don't think we can expect an answer on what is "needed" and what bingalong would allow us to have or why.

He would probly do like fienstein and just look at a gun digest and throw out every gun that looked sinister.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 02:48:09 PM
You dont need a 50 or a machine gun to hunt!  you want it!
It's not what I will allow, why do you feel the need to make this personal.

The law states that you are not the militia anymore :lol  Go sign up show me your enlistment in your militia :lol  

restrictive and definitive definition of militia,
I misspoke I'm sorry is this not the law of the time?



That every citizen, so enrolled and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and belt, two spare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch, with a box therein, to contain not less than twenty four cartridges, suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of power and ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot-pouch, and power-horn, twenty balls suited to the bore of his rifle, and a quarter of a power of power; and shall appear so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to exercise or into service, except, that when called out on company days to exercise only, he may appear without a knapsack. That the commissioned Officers shall severally be armed with a sword or hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five years from the passing of this Act, all muskets from arming the militia as is herein required, shall be of bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a pound; and every citizen so enrolled, and providing himself with the arms, ammunition and accoutrements, required as aforesaid, shall hold the same exempted from all suits, distresses, executions or sales, for debt or for the payment of taxes.


III. And be it further enacted, That within one year after the passing of the Act, the militia of the respective states shall be arranged into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions, and companies, as the legislature of each state shall direct; and each division, brigade, and regiment, shall be numbered at the formation thereof; and a record made of such numbers of the Adjutant-General's office in the state; and when in the field, or in serviced in the state, such division, brigade, and regiment shall, respectively, take rank according to their numbers, reckoning the first and lowest number highest in rank. That if the same be convenient, each brigade shall consist of four regiments; each regiment or two battalions; each battalion of five companies; each company of sixty-four privates. That the said militia shall be officered by the respective states, as follows: To each division on Major-General, with two Aids-de-camp, with the rank of major; to each brigade, one brigadier-major, with the rank of a major; to each company, one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four serjeants, four corporals, one drummer, and one fifer and bugler. That there shall be a regimental staff, to consist of one adjutant, and one quartermaster, to rank as lieutenants; one paymaster; one surgeon, and one surgeon's mate; one serjeant-major; one drum- major, and one fife-major.

IV And be it further enacted, That out of the militia enrolled as is herein directed, there shall be formed for each battalion, as least one company of grenadiers, light infantry or riflemen; and that each division there shall be, at least, one company of artillery, and one troop of horse: There shall be to each company of artillery, one captain, two lieutenants, four serjeants, four corporals, six gunners, six bombardiers, one drummer, and one fifer. The officers to be armed with a sword or hanger, a fusee, bayonet and belt, with a cartridge box to contain twelve cartridges; and each private of matoss shall furnish themselves with good horses of at least fourteen hands and an half high, and to be armed with a sword and pair of pistols, the holsters of which to be covered with bearskin caps. Each dragoon to furnish himself with a serviceable horse, at least fourteen hands and an half high, a good saddle, bridle, mail-pillion and valise, holster, and a best plate and crupper, a pair of boots and spurs; a pair of pistols, a sabre, and a cartouchbox to contain twelve cartridges for pistols. That each company of artillery and troop of house shall be formed of volunteers from the brigade, at the discretion of the Commander in Chief of the State, not exceeding one company of each to a regiment, nor more in number than one eleventh part of the infantry, and shall be uniformly clothed in raiments, to be furnished at their expense, the colour and fashion to be determined by the Brigadier commanding the brigade to which they belong.

been over this before
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 05, 2007, 03:03:16 PM
you are still not getting it.. the second is not about hunting or about need.. it is about rights.

We have been over the militia thing.. the current federal definition is...

"§ 311. Militia: composition and classes
How Current is This?
(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia."

Why am I not a member of the unorganized militia again?  

And again.. the original 1792 definition was an unfunded mandate.. the feds couldn't force the states to do it.   I would be fine with that tho... go ahead and sign me up so long as all I have to do is keep my guns and show up when their is an invasion.

The militia is simply every able bodied man... a pool to draw from.   in order for us to have that pool.. in order for us to have a pool worth having... The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Now.. if you want to say that every state is in noncompliance with the federal militia law.. that is fine too.   Not my fault.. I have done my part by being the "people" and having arms.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 03:32:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2

Further.. I have a draft card.   At one time we all did.  (At one time?) It said that I could be called to service...  even tho I did nothing but sign up.   In fact.. the draft still looms over all of us.   it could happen again next week.   If a militia is so outdated then so is the draft.  we don't need to draw from the citizens.
 


Why do you wanna shoot your "argument" in the foot by saying selective service made the minute men of the revolutionary war a useless practice?

;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 03:34:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2

And.. as for the militia.. the current defenition.. is the organized and the unorganized militia.   it is two part.   Those not in an organized militia are by default, in an unorganized one.  



Your rationale for your argument. Nothing more. Unless the SC uses it (which I doubt). :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 03:40:38 PM
"Why am I not a member of the unorganized militia again?  

And again.. the original 1792 definition was an unfunded mandate.. the feds couldn't force the states to do it.   I would be fine with that tho... go ahead and sign me up so long as all I have to do is keep my guns and show up when their is an invasion."

Cool then you will be in the militia. It was an act/law not a definition.


"The militia is simply every able bodied man... a pool to draw from.   in order for us to have that pool.. in order for us to have a pool worth having... The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

Yes well regulated! It dose not become the militia untill the pool is full!



"Now.. if you want to say that every state is in noncompliance with the federal militia law.. that is fine too.   Not my fault.. I have done my part by being the "people" and having arms."
 
Now you hide behind the state "never did its thing" to bad. Until the state does it ain't you, according to the law. What is the people having arms without the militia? that is REGULATED?  An further why do the people have to "militia"? Why not just run around as individuals?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 05, 2007, 03:41:10 PM
Quote
It's not what I will allow, why do you feel the need to make this personal.


Well, right there you say:

Quote
You dont need a 50 or a machine gun to hunt! you want it!


That's a personal opinion, in a similar vein to others you have made in this thread. People do hunt with .50s btw, but then again hunting is not addressed by the 2nd Amendment so it is somewhat of a moot point. Again, you seem to want to restrict various classes of weapons on some "wants" basis, but the classes of weapon typically on the front burner of restriction are also the least likely to be used by criminals. Semi-automatic rifles like the AR-15, for example, are used at best in 1-2 percent of firearm homicides, about on par with the Louisville Slugger.

Also, in the decade or so since .50 rifles have been on the market, I don't believe a single one has been used to commit a homicide. Not really a choice among criminals.

Quote
The law states that you are not the militia anymore  Go sign up show me your enlistment in your militia.


I though we already covered The Militia Act of 1792. It was an attempt to by G. Washington organize the general militia along the lines of a select militia, that was, by and large, a failure. Washington was no fan of the general militia as a force against "enemies foreign" and wanted a more "select" militia structure (but not one that fully crossed that critical boundry.

Quote
During his first term as president, George Washington worked with Secretary of War Henry Knox to reorganize and strengthen the militia. They sent their plan to Congress, and after heated debate Congress, on May 9, 1792, passed what became known as the Uniform Militia Act (1 Stat. 264). This law, which remained the basic militia law until the twentieth century, stated that all free, able-bodied white men, age 18 to 45, were required to serve in their state militias and that they were obligated to supply themselves with the appropriate firearms and equipment. The law provided certain specifications for how militia units were to be organized, but Congress left many details to the states and declined to include sanctions for states or individuals who failed to comply with the law. As a result, the act had little legal weight and served mostly as a recommendation to the states.
http://law.jrank.org/pages/8571/Militia.html


Note that this failure of organization was clearly foreseen by Hamilton (see quote below) in Federalist 29.

Washington eventually got his wish for a state/federally controlled militia nearly 100 years later with the formation of the National Guard (a fully select militia), after a variety of interim militia acts. It is clear from the act, however, that everyone eligible for service (all adult males, basically) have a military rifle and the ammunition for it and that those weapons were to be kept in peoples' homes, not in government armories.

That act does not invalidate or restrict the core principlas behind the 2nd regarding our domestic, tyrannical threats as clearly stated by the Framers:

Madison:
"Besides, the advantage of being armed forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of. The governments of Europe are afraid to trust the people with arms. If they did, the people would certainly shake off the yoke of tyranny, as America did."
(and a lot more in Federalist 46)

Mason:
"To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." Mason defined the militia as "the whole people, except for a few public officials."

Jefferson:
"When governments fear the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny."

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

Hamilton (a federalist and the father of big federal government, btw):
"What plan for the regulation of the militia may be pursued by the national government is impossible to be foreseen...The project of disciplining all the militia of the United States is as futile as it would be injurious if it were capable of being carried into execution... Little more can reasonably be aimed at with the respect to the people at large than to have them properly armed and equipped ; and in order to see that this be not neglected, it will be necessary to assemble them once or twice in the course of a year."

"If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no recourse left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government, and which against the usurpations of the national rulers may be exerted with infinitely better prospect of success than against those of the rulers of an individual State. In a single State, if the persons intrusted with supreme power become usurpers, the different parcels, subdivisions, or districts of which it consists, having no distinct government in each, can take no regular measures for defense. The citizens must rush tumultuously to arms, without concert, without system, without resource; except in their courage and despair."

More Tench Coxe:
"As civil rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as the military forces which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow-citizens, the people are confirmed by the next article in their right to keep and bear their private arms."

etc.

Again, you seem to be at odds with what is even considered to be modern liberal  Constitutional thought on the issue. The call now is to Amend the Constitution, not try to subvert it. Not that the SCOTUS is absolutely assured to find the 2nd to be an individual right. Won't know for sure until the decision is announced.

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 05, 2007, 03:52:52 PM
Nice history lesson I posted a " " from 29 a few pages back thanks.

Tell me charon what is the law today as it relates to you and a militia. Again go sign up! I think I have followed the law right up to today... no?

Tell me why do you think the SC ask the question the way they did?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 04:00:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon
Well, right there you say:

 "You dont need a 50 or a machine gun to hunt! you want it!"

That's a personal opinion, in a similar vein to others you have made in this thread. People do hunt with .50s btw


.50 belt fed machinegun (automatic weapon)? Hunting? For that matter ... a modern .50 shell and not a muzzle loader .50?

So, please tell me that you don't find Bingo's opinion a practical one? A practical opinion is not a personal attack. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 05, 2007, 04:11:16 PM
so we are only allowed "practical" guns?  Who decides what is "practical"?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 04:17:34 PM
Your elected representative and peers.

Staples: That was easy.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 05, 2007, 05:23:44 PM
Quote
Tell me charon what is the law today as it relates to you and a militia. Again go sign up! I think I have followed the law right up to today... no?


I don't have to sign up. I signed up by nature of my being an American citizen. As part of "the people." At one point in time I was part of the Federally controlled standing Army. I was never a part of the National Guard, or select militia, though if I were I would ultimately be under the control of the Federal government should the Feds make that decision. Obviously, few at the time paid much formal attention to the Militia Act. I doubt they questioned their right to own the rifle standing in the corner though.

The Founders expressed a strong desire to have the people armed to check potential tyranny -- with domestic tyranny clearly a stated concern in regard to the 2nd. That is not accomplished by either the standing Army or the National Guard -- both ultimately federal entities.

Quote
Nice history lesson I posted a " " from 29 a few pages back thanks.


Actually, I think this was the Hamilton piece you posted:

Quote
Alexander Hamilton, Here I expect we shall be told that the militia of the country is its natural bulwark, and would beat all times equal to the national defense. This doctrine, in substance had like to have lost us our independence. It cost millions to the United States that might have been saved. The facts which from our own experience forbid any reliance of this kind are too recent to permit us to be the dupes of such a suggestion. The steady operations of war against a regular and disciplined army can only be successfully conducted by a force of the same kind. Considerations of economy, not less than of stability and vigor, confirm this position. The American militia, in the course of the late war, have, by their valor on numerous occasions, erected eternal monuments to their fame; but the bravest of them feel and know that the liberty of their country could not have been established by their efforts alone, however great and valuable they were. War, like most other things, is a science to be acquire and perfected by diligence, by perseverance, by time, and by practice. (-- Rossiter, p. 166)


Which simply states the limits that can be expected from a militia in regards to foreign conflicts. Hardly a unique position among the founders and a central component of the debate over standing armies and select militia's, etc.

Quote
So, please tell me that you don't find Bingo's opinion a practical one? A practical opinion is not a personal attack.


The weapons in question are the bolt action or semi auto .50 cal rifles. Weighs 30 lb., costs $8000. A belt-fed M2 is still a highly regulated Class III weapon that may, or may not, be covered as a right under the 2nd even if it is established fully as an inalienable right. The reason being that this is a crew served weapon on the edge of being ordnance.

What is practical, though, about highly regulating a weapon like a .50 Barrett that is about last on the list of weapons used by criminals? That, regardless of the hype, is no more likely to be used by a terrorist to shoot down an airliner than a far lighter, easier to conceal and easier to track (moving target) .30 cal hunting rifle? Even an M2 would be fairly marginal against an airliner. A 40mm Bofors perhaps, of course also likley covered under ordnance, though there are die hards that would argue otherwise.

Quote
Tell me why do you think the SC ask the question the way they did?


The wording: “Whether the following provisions — D.C. Code secs. 7-2502.02(a)(4), 22-4504(a), and 7-2507.02 — violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes?”

People a lot more knowledgeable than I on the subject, in threads on boards focused on legal issues relative to the 2nd Amendment believe the specific wording suggests:

1. The original case focused on handguns but was broadened to include all firearms.
2. The Court will address whether an unloaded and locked firearm deprives you of your 2nd Amendment rights.
3. That the collective state militia vs individual rights issue will be addressed. As noted, there has been a shift in liberal Constitutional scholarship on the issue, and when I note Lawrence Tribe he is a giant in the field whose books are read by those sitting on the Court. So, conventional wisdom shows the likelihood of the finding of an individual right given makeup of Constitutionalsts/conservatives and even the liberal members who may have a harder time countering the individual rights position today than previously, since the liberal academic position has shifted significantly.
4. The ruling will be very narrow, and other rulings will have to develop to cover the critical incorporation issue and the limits of reasonable restrictions.

This is not a Google post, but a thread that reached 10 pages that I followed directly as it developed with the feedback of lawyers included as to the ramifications of the wording. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=317932

Another perspective from the well-regarded SCOTUSBlog
Quote
Here is the way the Court phrased the granted issue:

“Whether the following provisions — D.C. Code secs. 7-2502.02(a)(4), 22-4504(a), and 7-2507.02 — violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes?”

The first listed section bars registration of pistols if not registered before Sept. 24, 1976; the second bars carrying an unlicensed pistol, and the third requires that any gun kept at home must be unloaded and disassembled or bound by a lock, such as one that prevents the trigger from operating.

The Court did not mention any other issues that it might address as questions of its jurisdiction to reach the ultimate question: did the one individual who was found to have a right to sue — Dick Anthony Heller, a D.C. resident – have a right to challenge all three of the sections of the local law cited in the Court’s order, and, is the District of Columbia, as a federal enclave, even covered by the Second Amendment. While neither of those issues is posed in the grant order, the Court may have to be satisfied that the answer to both is affirmative before it would move on to the substantive question about the scope of any right protected by the Amendment.

The D.C. Circuit ruled that the Amendment does apply to the District because of its federal status, subject to all provisions of the Constitution. At this point, therefore, it appears that the Court’s review may not reach a major question — does the Second Amendment also protect individual rights against state and local government gun control laws? But a ruling by the Court recognizing an individual right to have a gun almost surely would lead to new test cases on whether to extend the Amendment’s guarantee so that it applied to state and local laws, too. The Court last confronted that issue in Presser v. illinois, in 1886, finding that the Amendment was not binding on the states.

Some observers who read the Court’s order closely may suggest that the Court is already inclined toward an “individual rights” interpretation of the Second Amendment. That is because the order asks whether the three provisions of the D.C. gun control law violate “the Second Amendment rights of individuals.” But that phrasing may reveal very little about whether the Amendment embraces an individual right to have a gun for private use. Only individuals, of course, would be serving in the militia, and there is no doubt that the Second Amendment provides those individuals a right to have a gun for that type of service. The question the Court will be deciding is, if there are individuals who want to keep pistols for use at home, does the Second Amendment guarantee them that right. Just because the Second Amendment protects some individual right does not settle the nature of that right.

One of the interesting subsets of the question the Court will be confronting is whether the 1939 case of U.S. v. Miller is a precedent for what the Second Amendment means — individual or collective right. If that decision did find in favor of a collective right, the current Court would have to decide whether this was a binding precedent, or whether it should be overruled. Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., has already taken a stand on that question. At his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, he said that “the Miller case sidestepped” the issue of whether the Amendment protected a collective or an individual right. He added: “An argument was made back in 1939 that this provides only a collective right, and the Court didn’t address that….So people try to read into the tea leaves about Miller and what would come out on this issue, but that’s still very much an open issue.”

The local law at issue in Heller has been discussed widely as a sweeping ban on private possession or use of handguns. But the Court order granting review took it a step further: the one section that will be at issue that goes beyond handguns is the provision that requires that any gun kept at home be unloaded and disassembled, or at least be locked. Thus, that provision also applies to rifles and shotguns kept at home, in terms of whether those weapons would remain “functional” in time of emergency if that provision were upheld. That part of the order appeared to widen the inquiry in a way that the local residents who challenged the law had wanted.


Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 05:47:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon

The weapons in question are the bolt action or semi auto .50 cal rifles. Weighs 30 lb., costs $8000. A belt-fed M2 is still a highly regulated Class III weapon that may, or may not, be covered as a right under the 2nd even if it is established fully as an inalienable right. The reason being that this is a crew served weapon on the edge of being ordnance.

What is practical, though, about highly regulating a weapon like a .50 Barrett that is about last on the list of weapons used by criminals? That, regardless of the hype, is no more likely to be used by a terrorist to shoot down an airliner than a far lighter, easier to conceal and easier to track (moving target) .30 cal hunting rifle? Even an M2 would be fairly marginal against an airliner. A 40mm Bofors perhaps, of course also likley covered under ordnance, though there are die hards that would argue otherwise.
 


Let me counter with what game is it used to hunt in North America? Are the large clubs of owners that habitually use it for such? What practical purpose does it serve a "militia" as defined by any yokel who wants to buy one and play "Army sniper" (Mr. Black), for isn't the weapon designed to be the mother of all military sniper rifles? How does one defend their home from criminals with one? How does one conceal it? Why is it "neccessary?"

Can in be practically regulated? Yes.

So, I'm all for ownership. I'm also all for the hoops it'll take to hop through to get it. Just remember that Buffalo are protected. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 05, 2007, 06:27:40 PM
Quote
Let me counter with what game is it used to hunt in North America? Are the large clubs of owners that habitually use it for such? What practical purpose does it serve a "militia" as defined by any yokel who wants to buy one and play "Army sniper" (Mr. Black), for isn't the weapon designed to be the mother of all military sniper rifles? How does one defend their home from criminals with one? How does one conceal it? Why is it "neccessary?"


It's primary sporting use is competitive long distance shooting. It has been used to varmint hunt as well. I believe other game has been taken. It is not primarily a hunting weapon.

In the defense of tyranny model, it is primarily used as an anti-equipment weapon. Shooting out engine blocks, disabling aircraft (on the ground), etc.

Why is it necessary? So your position is that we essentially start from a position of having no rights and we are then granted rights by the BOR? And I have to justify why I could own such a weapon vs. the Govt. making a case as to why it should be restricted? It's actually the opposite. We have unlimited rights but those restricted by law, and those restrictions fall under Constitutional scrutiny.

I bet there are any number of things you enjoy (or I, or anyone) where some percentage of the population would question the need. The vehicle you drive, the music you listen to, the Web sites you visit, the attraction to a specific gender, the food you eat... I don't like your choice, now justify the need for your choice. I can think of a half dozen easy arguments to restrict the 1st Amendment. Look at all the fear-based justifications for trampling the 4th and 5th. Freedom is messy, and it can make people uncomfortable (just look at the Wiemar Republic)* but I prefer it to the alternative.

Essentially, with a .50 rifle you have a class of weapon that has not been directly used in a homicide in over a decade(as best I can tell -- there might be a single incident). They are expensive, hard to conceal and not practical crime weapons. Even a terrorist would be hard pressed to find an application that would provide an acceptable ROI.

Personally, I have no particular need, want or interest in a .50 rifle. Didn't even get that big a kick out of the M2 actually after the first time I fired it. But that's immaterial to any right to own the weapon.

Charon

* Goodwinson Alert!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 05, 2007, 06:49:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charon
Why is it necessary? So your position is that we essentially start from a position of having no rights and we are then granted rights by the BOR?[1] And I have to justify why I could own such a weapon vs. the Govt. making a case as to why it should be restricted?[2] It's actually the opposite.[3] We have unlimited rights but those restricted by law, and those restrictions fall under Constitutional scrutiny.[4]  


1. You infer incorrectly.

2. If you want a law changed, yes. No different than you (or your chosen representative) challenging any law or other citizens presenting their case if it differs from yours.

3. It was before the law was legislated, yes. The process runs both ways - legislation of law - repeal of law.

4. ".... but those restricted by law." And yes .... legislation does indeed fall under scrutiny regarding the Constitution. That's the function of the third branch.

:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 06, 2007, 08:48:35 AM
we are back to the fact that..

"The original intent and purpose of the Second Amendment was to preserve and guarantee, not grant, the pre-existing right of individuals to keep and bear arms. Although the amendment emphasizes the need for a militia, membership in any militia, let alone a well-regulated one, was not intended to serve as a prerequisite for exercising the right to keep arms. "

But.. if we wish to stay on the militia point.. to simply define the militia...

The CURRENT federal code is that the militia is every able bodied man.   It says woman too but only if she joins the national guard.. good luck in a civil rights case on that one!

You have to really stretch to see the second as a guarantee that states could form national guard units and so.. "the people" meant in reality.. the state.

Further.. you would then have to stretch to say that "every able bodied man" was further qualified by some mish mash of signing up procedures..  That if a state neglected to sign you up for a militia you were no longer "the people" and your right to keep and bear arms could be infringed.

Then we get to restrictions on firearms.    I think that weapons that have been shown to be an unreasonable danger to the public could be regulated but not banned... the .50 for instance... regardless of "need" has been shown to be no more of a danger to the public (per capita of weapons) than say... a single shot shotgun.    Machine guns and so called "assault rifles" have not stood out as being particularly dangerous nor has their being owned been abused more than any other weapon..   there is no real "need" to ban them.

semi autos have more "potential" for harm than bolt actions.. single shots less than bolt actions.. shotguns less than rifles... semi auto handguns more than revolvers... revolvers more than single shots... flintlocks less than percussion... and on and on.. at what point do you stop?

The truth is.. we do have a guide.. the UN has given us a guide for what we "need"  they feel that nothing more than a single shot that will not launch a projectile more than 100 METERS is all that we "need".

Do you agree?  why not?

I sure do hope that the individual rights thing is part of this decision... The think I fear most is people like arlo who do not understand the constitution and individual rights.. or rights at all... that think that we have no rights save those granted to us by our government.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 06, 2007, 09:00:15 AM
The current US code.

§ 311. Militia: composition and classes

(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.

that is it... everyone.. well..except for some civil rights violations like the age and gender thing...

The militia simply consists of every able bodied male... in the 1792 version.. you were in by default and then the states were given guidelines and rules for how to "organize" you.. then not doing there job did nothing to your status.

The current one, 311...is quite clear.. it is everyone.  it recognizes that those not in a national guard are still part of the "unorganized militia"  you simply can't read it any other way.

It says "all able bodied men" are the militia.. and then it explains that you can be, (1) organized militia or (2) unorganized militia...

as part of the later.. it certainly would appear that you are militia by default.. if you have are a citizen..

You can twist it any way you want but nothing about the second or any of the militia code says that the right to keep and bear arms is dependent on being in a militia or even that being in a militia is not a default proposition.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 06, 2007, 09:06:28 AM
So you don't regard "organized" as the same as "well regulated"? It would seem to me that your post shot down your point.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 06, 2007, 09:14:27 AM
not sure I get you here.   I am saying militia is not a qualifier for a right but simply a reason, one reason,  to protect a natural god given right.

I am saying that in order to ever have a well regulated/organized whatever militia.. you will be glad that you have a pool of citizens to draw on who's god given right to defend themselves with arms has not been infringed.

But... if we want to play bingalongs game... if we somehow think the defenition of "militia" is important.. then we can play that too... The militia is simply every able bodied man.. what the states do with that so far as organizing is up to them and the people.  

I would even go so far as to say that while it is a right to keep and bear arms for each and every citizen... the states right to form some types of militias can be taken away by the feds or the people of that state.

As for the national guard... it is in violation of militia status in any case.. when the feds used em for the civil rights riots/marches.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 06, 2007, 09:44:31 AM
Your post said there were 2 classes of militia.. Organized and unorganized. In other words well regulated and unregulated.

Since the second is all about the well regulated militia being necessary to a free state, it would seem to logically follow that the regulated militia by your definition would be limited to the National Guard and Naval Militia. And as such the only people the second is addressing would be those in these regulated militias ie. National Guardsmen or Naval militia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 06, 2007, 02:24:49 PM
that makes no sense.    First of all..  a militia is not a condition of the second.. It is a reason for the right not a condition.   If it were a condition then "the right of the state to keep and bear arms" would have been used instead of "the right of the people to keep and bear arms"  

Next... Simply needing a well regulated (well regulated not necessarily meaning organized) militia does not mean that you have to have a standing organized militia... simply a pool to draw on.. they are unorganized until they are needed to be organized.

The code is simple enough.  the constitution is simple enough..  we are all the militia but... being the militia is not a condition of having our right as "people" to keep and bear arms.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 06, 2007, 02:34:32 PM
sooo...  we are going a little afield here and it would be helpful to define what it is we are asking.

The thread pretends to ask "what is a militia" but it really asks "what is the militia and can we use that as a qualifier for the second.

On the first.. the so called intent of the thread.   It is obvious by the writings of the time and 311 of the current code that the militia is every one of us.

On the second part...  as I have said over and over.. being in the militia is not the condition of being a "people" with rights... it is not saying that only the state  has a right to arm itself.   It is not saying that if you are in the national guard that you can carry any kind of gun anywhere you want "uninfringed" but your fellow citizens not in some quasi state militia can't.   Nope... it says "the people" to simply affirm the right.

pretty simply put.. it matters to your right to keep and bear arms not a whit if you are in the militia or not but... even so..  we all are in the militia with the exception of some who are not "able bodied" or of the wrong gender in which case... civil rights people would have a field day of course.

Certainly, it would have been better if they had left off the whole militia thing but their thinking was that no one would ever confuse reason with right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 06, 2007, 03:46:52 PM
Lets assume that belonging to a militia IS a requirement. A question that has by no means been completely settled except maybe in your mind.

If that is the case by your posted statute, there are 2 militias, organized and unorganized.

If a "well regulated militia" is the criteria for the qualifying clause then it is also clear from the statute you posted that the "well regulated" militia by statute is the "organized" militia, and NOT all of us.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 11:20:17 AM
mt.. pretty big assumtion but I will bite... even if you made the stretch that the only reason to have a right to defend yourself was so that the state could have soldiers... even if you made the leap that the reason was the right.

Even at that...  say you believed that the second was simply saying that the state had a right to arm people only so they could have a well organized (as opposed to well regulated) militia...

How would that change anything?  the amendment says..  that because a well regulated militia is "necessary" etc.. it doesn't say that only a well regulated militia is the only way to have "security" is says that since one is necessary..  the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

In that light.. using your assumption.. what do you draw on for the militia?  well...someone who thinks like you started the damn thread...

He asks.. what is the militia?    The answer is clear.   It is in the current federal  code and the writings of the time.

It is everyone.. Like it or not... It is and has always been described as every able bodied man.

We second amendment rights guys would rather the whole militia thing had been left off but..  we are on less shaky grounds that you guys who don't like the whole "the people" thing.    If it had been intended to arm a national guard..

well.. it wouldn't have even been needed for one thing.. and for another.. It would have said "the right of the state to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed"   course.. the word "right" is embarassing in itself to you guys..  a "collective right" is no right at all.   There is never a need to mention an "collective right"  such a thing is meaningless.

The only "right" with any meaning at all is an individual right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 07, 2007, 11:42:31 AM
What or who you draw on for the militia is not relevant. The militia must be "well regulated" in order to be necessary to the protection of a free state. Your statute lists just the National Guard and Naval Militia as "organized". Maybe you can parse hairs and separate regulation from organization, but it seems pretty clear that your definition of "everyone" as the militia is just not holding water.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 01:26:38 PM
It is not my definition.   it is the current federal code 311 and it is the one used by the founders.

You can split hairs all you want but even if you think that a militia is the only way we can have a "right" and that somehow... "the people" means "the state".

The fact remains that the militia is what it is.. how it is "regulated" remains up to the states.. if they think that they don't have to sign me up...if they think that part two (every able bodied man) or the founders ideas (every able bodied man) is good enough then I guess that solves it then doesn't it?

Now.. if the militia is every able bodied man... of which there can be no arguement right?   then.... if you want to say that it needs to be "well regulated" then... you need to define what you mean by that.

Not only that but.. you need to say that if the states aren't following your ideals of "well regulated" that they, not I, am in violation.

Of course.. that would mean that you don't give them the freedom to define "well regulated"    To some states that could be as simple as an accurate census.  who are you, or I, to say that is not enough?

once we get to that point.. we have that tricky "the people" phrase... somehow..you have to turn that into... "the state"  that get's a little more difficult now doesn't it?

For my part..  I am gonna have trouble with my definition of "infringed"  I think it means.. well not screwed with.   Others will say.. regulation is not infringement.. not so long as it still allows the ability of the people to keep and bear arms.   useful ones.    It may mean to some that you can't ban em but you can make tests for owning them.. so long as being sane and safe is pretty much good enough and there is no onerous (infringe) tax or fees or hoops to jump through.

we will have to wait and see.

lazs

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 07, 2007, 01:33:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
It is not my definition.   it is the current federal code 311 and it is the one used by the founders.


Now.. if the militia is every able bodied man... of which there can be no arguement right?  
lazs


I deleted everything that didn't relate to my point.

Of course there is an argument! Here is 311 one more time:

(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia."


If well regulated means the same as organized then (b)(1) is saying you are wrong.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 02:57:46 PM
ok... slowly...  

the second says a "well regulated militia being necessary"  that does not mean that it is the only reason... it does not mean that the militia even has to be "well regulated" 100% of the time...

 well regulated does not mean organized.. that is why the federal code says organized and unorganized.

If the meant organized then they should have said organized.  The only word that applies in your scenario of qualifier for right is "militia" and I have shown what that means.  it means every able bodied man.

Are you trying to say the the second allows one militia (organized) to exist but not another (unorganized)?   or that "the people" would then mean only the organized militia?   why then not simply say the organized militia or state militia or say "the right of the state"?

since the militia is the people and the second says the right of the people.. it would seem that it is consistent.   Your definition requires that you make a lot of stretches and changes in wording.   It also makes the amendment worthless.   Not a right at all.   Something that the government has is not a right of the people at all.

The tenth amendment clearly distinguishes between "state" and "people".   the difference was well understood.  If the meant state they would have said state.    If "militia" means what the founders and the federal code say it means.... then we are all the militia.. that leaves only "well regulated" to be defined any way anyone wants but certainly no qualifier since every state and  every person would have their own idea of such..  at the time.. many of the founders felt that no amount of training could make any militia effective so training was not a part of it.



lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 03:08:58 PM
also... in 41 law review articles published since 1980... only four do not subscribe to the individual right model.   the tenth is pretty hard to get around since it shows that "the people" and "the state" were well understood and the tenth makes the distinction.

an excellent article that is highly footnoted and explains the national guard and the milita and the second in general is here.

http://guncite.com/journals/reycrit.html

I think that some of you will like the article since it does not preclude limitations that are not oppressive.. for instance.. waiting periods or gun free zones so far as children or.. even taking away the rights of felons.  

some regulations would exist but "virtuous" men could not be denied the right to have weapons up to and including assault rifles.

something there for everyone but.. nothing for someone who thinks the militia is a qualifier or that the national guard is the militia.   or that the second is anything but an individual right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 07, 2007, 03:09:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
I deleted everything that didn't relate to my point.

Of course there is an argument! Here is 311 one more time:

(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia."


If well regulated means the same as organized then (b)(1) is saying you are wrong.



Man now that is harsh :) But I see what MT is saying he must be a teacher cause that was short and sweet :O :aok could of saved me 15 pages.

What I am saying there is both But:
Both are well regulated have orginazation and registered with the state.
(1) National guard etc..
(2) An "organization" registered with the state as a militia that is well regulated. So YOU laz could go to the state register your militia, get members, train be regulated, have a commanding officer, rules that you abide by, run around through the woods etc.... But we have seen how that is looked at haven't we, "the People". I think you have been avoiding it actually.

But if it needs regulating in the 1st place :confused:  Not much room from there.

Thanks Midnight Target

And training is part of a militia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 07, 2007, 03:26:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
in 41 law review articles published since 1980... only four do not subscribe to the individual right model.  
lazs


hehe..

But lazs, you hate this argument when it pertains to global warming.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 03:41:43 PM
Not at all..  despite the fact that science is not about concensus...  of the last 500 or so peer reviewed articles on global warming.. it is obvious that more and more are either rejecting man made global warming entirely or saying that they really don't know... only 7% are adamant that it is man made and catastrophic.

still.. as I said..science is not about consensus...  law and the constitution... more so.

Read the article.. I don't really agree with the guy.. he says that gun control laws are legal... that the "bearing" part can be restricted (or not) by the states.. he believes in "reasonable" gun control.. I do not.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 07, 2007, 03:41:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
hehe..

But lazs, you hate this argument when it pertains to global warming.


Nice barb there MT, but...

Not to put words into Lazs' mouth, but science and the law are two different concepts.  One stresses provable logic, independant experimentation, and veriviable data, and one stresses precedant.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 07, 2007, 03:41:57 PM
Should the SC rule incorrectly next summer we may just have to get us a new ammendment, or a new SC.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 03:50:51 PM
we may be getting into semantics here.. militia is the only term defined by the code that is in the amendment.. no where in the amendment does it say "organized" nor does it say that the militia is the condition to the right.

I believe I gave you a lot of leeway by allowing, for the sake of arguement, that the need for a militia was the reason for the the right..    I do not in any way say it is conditional to the right.

To simply call out a reason for a right does not mean that it is the condition for it.

To say that " a well educated public being necessary to the security of a state, the right of the people to assemble and to have free speech shall not be infringed" for instance would not mean that only the well educated could assemble or have free speech to you would it?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 07, 2007, 04:23:11 PM
Well darnit, I was certain I would change lazs' mind about the 2nd amendment. What a shocker.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 07, 2007, 04:48:36 PM
Well when you start talkin about militia you can always look at what the founders wrote..............



[Ah, Congress: Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American... The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state government, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people. — Tench Coxe, Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788]


"Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American." - Tench Coxe, of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788


"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, during Virginia's Convention to Ratify the Constitution (1788)


"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." - George Washington


"What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that the people preserve the spirit of resistance?" - Thomas Jefferson, 1787


"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed- unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." - James Madison


As Thomas Paine once asked, —¦If a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to 'bind me in all cases whatsoever' to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?" To say one must allow such destruction of one's life, liberty and property, and to not allow for the means to protect such rights, is to say that the individual does not hold these natural rights, and that whoever holds the power shall decide what "rights" will be granted. Such an idea is preposterous.


"The said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms." - Samuel Adams, U.S. Constitution ratification convention, 1788





You can also look at what has been said by the, perhaps, more honest politicians...




"The right is absolute ... government has no authority to forbid me from owning a firearm ... the debate is not about guns. It is about freedom." - Cal. State Sen. Tom McClintock, 6/9/2001



"The fundamental force behind the Second Amendment is to empower the people and give them the greatest measure of authority over the tyranny of runaway government." - U.S. Rep. Bob Schaffer, 2002


GUN CONTROL: "The gun control debate generally ignores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the Second amendment. The Second amendment is not about hunting deer or keeping a pistol in your nightstand. It is not about protecting oneself against common criminals. It is about preventing tyranny. The Founders knew that unarmed citizens would never be able to overthrow a tyrannical government as they did. They envisioned government as a servant, not a master, of the American people. The muskets they used against the British Army were the assault rifles of that time. It is practical, rather than alarmist, to understand that unarmed citizens cannot be secure in their freedoms." -- libertarian U.S. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), "Gun Control on the Back Burner," Nov. 6, 2006.




There are many that have done their best to say things like the following I present only one, but the one I pick says VERY much............



"If someone is so fearful that, that they're going to start using their weapons to protect their rights, it makes me very nervous that these people have these weapons at all!"~~Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) On MSNBC
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 07, 2007, 05:00:52 PM
think of it this way mt... if a well regulated militia is needed.. and if militia is as is described everywhere.. the entire body of the people then...

regardless of the second part.. the "right of the people to keep and bear arms" part...

If the militia is not "well regulated".. it certainly is not my fault.   my guns are well regulated.. anything beyond that is the fault of the state..  It is they who are in violation of the spirit of the amendment by not providing what you deem to be proper regulation of the militia... the unorganized part in any case...  they are not providing proper training to the entire body of the people who are.... the militia.

But I must ask.. you just bought a bolt action rifle... wwII  russian nagant...

This is a very powerful repeater more powerful in fact that an "assault weapon"

a virtual snipers rifle shooting armor piercing rounds.. in the wrong hands.. the "potential" for destruction is immense.

Would you think it reasonable to ban such a weapon?

Ultimately the DC case is a good one.

For years the gun rights guys have been screaming "no more" and felt that while some reasonable restrictions would not be too onerous... we have always felt that the gun control nuts are never going to be happy without a complete ban of everything...

Laws like DC and such are proof we were right.. we didn't say much because...hey.. who the hell cares what happens in a craphole like DC or detroit anyway?  they have about gone feral anyway but...

The gun control nuts never give up.. they really will not be happy till they have made it impossible to own any firearms of any real use in defense against thugs both foreign and domestic.  

What DC did was skirt it.. they said.."oh..you can have guns they just have to be all apart with no ammo for em..what is wrong with that?  that's reasonable?"

The court said..rightly, that a gun in pieces was no gun at all.   This is how bad it had to get before someone stepped in.

I would simply love to have the line drawn and some rights upheld..  I would like to set the gun grabbers back a few decades and make em regroup... sure as hell... we aint never gonna stop em cause they know what is best for us and they will never admit otherwise.   They hate and fear guns and people having that right... that will never change.   Some people are just like that..

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 07, 2007, 06:04:27 PM
Actually I own 2 nagants now.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 07, 2007, 06:13:56 PM
Hoplophobia, fear of weapons.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on December 07, 2007, 08:42:52 PM
Quote
Actually I own 2 nagants now.


What's your second one?

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 08, 2007, 10:13:37 AM
glad you do mt.. do you think you have a right to keep em or is it up to bingalong make that decision for ya?

I am pretty sure that if the SC speaks of the second in this case they will do like they always have and call it an individual right in the text of the case.   Not sure what changes will happen.. if the people win over the government it will probly just mean that states and cities can't ban guns or make us keep em in a useless state.

The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed.

If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space.   much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink.

I think a lot of liberals that don't like the second are a little scared of the second being a "collective" and worthless right... of "the people" meaning just  the state.   the liberals like some gurantees that the freedoms they like are protected.


lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 11:03:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
"glad you do mt.. do you think you have a right to keep em or is it up to bingalong make that decision for ya?"


Lazetta,
Your gonna trip on yourself again

"The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed."

Where did you get that right.... "The king"
and then you say

"If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space.   much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink."

:rofl

Thanks
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 08, 2007, 11:14:46 AM
bingie...   what are you going on about?    The right preexisted the constitution.   People were armed in America.


Are you saying that there are no rights save those that some government gives us?    I believe that you are.    By your reasoning it was even more important to call out the right of the people to keep and bear arms since the Americans.. the founders had a profound distrust of strong government.  

It would seem that you are proving my point.. that the founders felt that the right to keep and bear arms was so fundamental that they wanted to make sure that no central government could infringe on it... that they were not happy with simply hoping the king would allow them to keep and bear arms.

As was shown... they were right.. the english lost all their rights because.. the way their was written.. it was never a right in the first place.  It was a whim of the government.

If you look at the states constitutions at the time it is easy to see that the people of America were not in the least happy with leaving it up to the government.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on December 08, 2007, 11:27:11 AM
Bing the differance Laz was making is that our 2nd ammendment right was not granted to us by anyone. When we became our own country our founding fathers understood that the 2nd is a right of the people not the government and the government shall not infringe on that right. It's there as a birthright granted by the Constitution alone, not a person. If your an american citizen it's your's and no one can take it away.

England on the other hand said it's your right as long as we think you deserve it. Well not to long ago they decided that the English people didn't deserve it anymore. The citizens had no recourse because it was a right granted by the government i.e. the King or Queen.

Laz didn't trip himself up, your just looking for an excuse to promote your ideals and project your morals on those of us who don't agree with you.

You don't like guns. You don't want to own guns. You don't want anyone else to own guns. Fine, you have that right to believe what you want. You DO NOT however have the right to tell me that I can't own guns. You don't get to decide what I can or cannot own anymore than I can decide what you can or cannot own.

You don't want to see me walking down the street wearing a pistol, look the other way.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 12:58:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
Bing the differance Laz was making is that our 2nd ammendment right was not granted to us by anyone. When we became our own country our founding fathers understood that the 2nd is a right of the people not the government and the government shall not infringe on that right. It's there as a birthright granted by the Constitution alone, not a person. If your an american citizen it's your's and no one can take it away.

England on the other hand said it's your right as long as we think you deserve it. Well not to long ago they decided that the English people didn't deserve it anymore. The citizens had no recourse because it was a right granted by the government i.e. the King or Queen.

Laz didn't trip himself up, your just looking for an excuse to promote your ideals and project your morals on those of us who don't agree with you.

You don't like guns. You don't want to own guns. You don't want anyone else to own guns. Fine, you have that right to believe what you want. You DO NOT however have the right to tell me that I can't own guns. You don't get to decide what I can or cannot own anymore than I can decide what you can or cannot own.

You don't want to see me walking down the street wearing a pistol, look the other way.


Oh I thought we were under English Law before the Constitution subjects of the King?

I have no problem with guns matter fact I like them. If I saw ya walking down the street with a gun. I might try to say hello.  What type of gun is that? What would you do? How would you respond? Would that make you uncomfortable? I have a few friends that could just walk up to you and tax it. Then what? But if you wish Lazzetta to tell you my opinions. Rock On! I just feel they should be "Well Regulated" and No machine guns. That so tough a position? I think not.
Laz cant cope till he can put some one in a category. Your right in step.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 08, 2007, 01:57:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Oh I thought we were under English Law before the Constitution subjects of the King?  


That has nothig to do with whether rights are recognized as inborn, only to be infringed by their regulation by government.

Speech, Religion, Press, and Peacable Assembly are recognized by the first amendment, and the 1st prohibits congress from passing a law infringing them.

The second prohibits the infringement of  the citizenry to be armed, although it states why the FF thought this amendment was necessary.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 02:48:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
That has nothig to do with whether rights are recognized as inborn, only to be infringed by their regulation by government.


Your "God" given rights?
When were the rights recognized as inborn? Before or after?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 02:59:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
"glad you do mt.. do you think you have a right to keep em or is it up to bingalong make that decision for ya?"


Lazetta,
Your gonna trip on yourself again

"The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed."

Where did you get that right.... "The king"
and then you say

"If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space.   much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink."

:rofl

Thanks



The King?

"There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face." - Krusty the Clown  

"Are we at last brought to such a humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense?" - Patrick Henry

Perhaps the King should have read this.............

"When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you"~~Niccolo Machiavelli, "The Prince"



Where did you get the right?????????

"The defense of one's self, justly called the primary law of nature, is not, nor can it be abrogated by any regulation of municipal law." - James Wilson, The Works of James Wilson, 1896




A birthright?

"Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American." - Tench Coxe, of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788


Historic conclusion?

"The conclusion is thus inescapable that the history, concept, and wording of the Second Amendment ... as well as its interpretation by every major commentator and court in the first half-century after its ratification, indicates that what is protected is an individual right of a private citizen to own and carry firearms in a peaceful manner." - U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, 1982


Legal stuff................

"The plain meaning of the right of the people to keep arms is that it is an individual, rather than a collective, right and is not limited to keeping arms while engaged in active military service or as a member of a select militia such as the National Guard." - U.S. vs. Emerson, 5th Circuit Federal Court




We are NOT talking the Dodge City Wild West Hollyweired KAKA here!  This is one of the closest written statements of how it's SUPPOSED to work I can recall seeing.......

"The necessary consequence of man's right to life is his right to self-defense. In a civilized society, force may be used only in retaliation & only against those who initiate its use. All the reasons which make the initiation of physical force an evil, make the retaliatory use of physical force a moral imperative. If some 'pacifist' society renounced the retaliatory use of force, it would be left helplessly at the mercy of the 1st thug who decided to be immoral. Such a society would achieve the opposite of its intention: instead of abolishing evil, it would encourage & reward it." ~~Ayn Rand "The Nature of Government" , The Virtue of Selfishness ( 1961 ), pg 108




Perhaps this is more along the lines of what the 2nd Amendment SHOULD have said...........

"Every man, woman, and responsible child has a natural, fundamental, and inalienable human, individual, civil, and Constitutional right (within the limits of the Non-Aggression Principle) to obtain, own, and carry, openly or concealed, any weapon -- handgun, shotgun, rifle, machinegun, anything-- anytime, anywhere, without asking anyone's permissin"~~The Atlanta Declaration-- L. Neil Smith




Perhaps Bingolong thinks maybe would should have a Queen?

"We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society."~~Hillary Clinton, 1993

Many of you are well enough off that... the tax cuts may have helped you... We're saying that for America to get back on track, we're probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good. -- Sen. Hillary Clinton, San Francisco, June 28, 2004 ~ or...

"...from each according to his means, to each according to his needs." -- Karl Marx, 19th Century

Always liked this statement and those like it.............

"Men who deny individual rights cannot claim, defend or uphold any rights whatsoever. ... The liberals are guilty of the same contradiction, but in a different form. They advocate the sacrifice of all individual rights to unlimited majority rule - yet posture as defenders of the rights of minorities. But the smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." ~~ Ayn Rand


And these also more clearly help those who think people carrying firearms around cause wide spread shootings, or the Dodge City Wild West at a fender bender in an intersection..............

"Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it."

"In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some."

"When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force. The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single gay guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender."

"There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed. People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly."

"Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level. The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable."

"When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act."
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 08, 2007, 03:13:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Your "God" given rights?
When were the rights recognized as inborn? Before or after?


From memory, so if not wfw, I at least am close...

"We recognize that these truths are self evident.  That all men are created equal.  That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.  That among these rights are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This on some document dated July 4, 1776

There were other documents used as reference material by Jefferson that predate that date.

Now this doesn't prove that the bill of rights enumerate inborn rights of the individual, but it does show the mindset of an important thinker of the period.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 03:17:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
The King?

"There are three reasons to own a gun. To protect yourself and your family, to hunt dangerous and delicious animals, and to keep the King of England out of your face." - Krusty the Clown  

"Are we at last brought to such a humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our own defense?" - Patrick Henry

Perhaps the King should have read this.............

"When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you"~~Niccolo Machiavelli, "The Prince"



Where did you get the right?????????

"The defense of one's self, justly called the primary law of nature, is not, nor can it be abrogated by any regulation of municipal law." - James Wilson, The Works of James Wilson, 1896




A birthright?

"Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American." - Tench Coxe, of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788


Historic conclusion?

"The conclusion is thus inescapable that the history, concept, and wording of the Second Amendment ... as well as its interpretation by every major commentator and court in the first half-century after its ratification, indicates that what is protected is an individual right of a private citizen to own and carry firearms in a peaceful manner." - U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, 1982


Legal stuff................

"The plain meaning of the right of the people to keep arms is that it is an individual, rather than a collective, right and is not limited to keeping arms while engaged in active military service or as a member of a select militia such as the National Guard." - U.S. vs. Emerson, 5th Circuit Federal Court




We are NOT talking the Dodge City Wild West Hollyweired KAKA here!  This is one of the closest written statements of how it's SUPPOSED to work I can recall seeing.......

"The necessary consequence of man's right to life is his right to self-defense. In a civilized society, force may be used only in retaliation & only against those who initiate its use. All the reasons which make the initiation of physical force an evil, make the retaliatory use of physical force a moral imperative. If some 'pacifist' society renounced the retaliatory use of force, it would be left helplessly at the mercy of the 1st thug who decided to be immoral. Such a society would achieve the opposite of its intention: instead of abolishing evil, it would encourage & reward it." ~~Ayn Rand "The Nature of Government" , The Virtue of Selfishness ( 1961 ), pg 108




Perhaps this is more along the lines of what the 2nd Amendment SHOULD have said...........

"Every man, woman, and responsible child has a natural, fundamental, and inalienable human, individual, civil, and Constitutional right (within the limits of the Non-Aggression Principle) to obtain, own, and carry, openly or concealed, any weapon -- handgun, shotgun, rifle, machinegun, anything-- anytime, anywhere, without asking anyone's permissin"~~The Atlanta Declaration-- L. Neil Smith




Perhaps Bingolong thinks maybe would should have a Queen?

"We must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society."~~Hillary Clinton, 1993

Many of you are well enough off that... the tax cuts may have helped you... We're saying that for America to get back on track, we're probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We're going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good. -- Sen. Hillary Clinton, San Francisco, June 28, 2004 ~ or...

"...from each according to his means, to each according to his needs." -- Karl Marx, 19th Century

Always liked this statement and those like it.............

"Men who deny individual rights cannot claim, defend or uphold any rights whatsoever. ... The liberals are guilty of the same contradiction, but in a different form. They advocate the sacrifice of all individual rights to unlimited majority rule - yet posture as defenders of the rights of minorities. But the smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." ~~ Ayn Rand


And these also more clearly help those who think people carrying firearms around cause wide spread shootings, or the Dodge City Wild West at a fender bender in an intersection..............

"Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it."

"In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some."

"When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force. The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single gay guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender."

"There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed. People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly."

"Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level. The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable."

"When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act."


Find me somthing before 1776
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 03:22:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
From memory, so if not wfw, I at least am close...

"We recognize that these truths are self evident.  That all men are created equal.  That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.  That among these rights are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

This on some document dated July 4, 1776

There were other documents used as reference material by Jefferson that predate that date.

Now this doesn't prove that the bill of rights enumerate inborn rights of the individual, but it does show the mindset of an important thinker of the period.


Thank you
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on December 08, 2007, 03:26:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Oh I thought we were under English Law before the Constitution subjects of the King?


Yeah before we won our independance we were subject to the King of Englands laws. Not anymore. The 2nd Ammendmant is there so that the people of this country NEVER again fall under the rule of a tyrant king or government.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 03:31:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
Yeah before we won our independance we were subject to the King of Englands laws. Not anymore. The 2nd Ammendmant is there so that the people of this country NEVER again fall under the rule of a tyrant king or government.


Thank you
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on December 08, 2007, 03:32:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Find me somthing before 1776


Why should he??? This countries current form of government was started on July 4th 1776, the date the Consitution of the United States was ratified. Anything before that has no bearing on the 2nd Ammendment today. On that date the citizens of this country were guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms and that this government would not be allowed to infringe on that right.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 03:32:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Find me somthing before 1776


Read John Locke, Fredrick Batiste, Machiavelli, Plato, Aristotle, I know there are some others but can't remember all the names.....(OK my spelling of their names really sux) :lol

But IIRC the writings of John Locke were of particular interest to the Founders of this Nation.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 03:43:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
Why should he??? This countries current form of government was started on July 4th 1776, the date the Consitution of the United States was ratified. Anything before that has no bearing on the 2nd Ammendment today. On that date the citizens of this country were guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms and that this government would not be allowed to infringe on that right.



Your gonna trip on yourself again >me

"The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed.">Laz

Where did you get that right.... "The king"
and then you say>Me

"If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space. much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink." >Laz

 
we were talking before the constitution thats why!
Keep up please.

Didnt you just say we were all subjects of the king?
:huh
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on December 08, 2007, 03:55:29 PM
What freaky reality do you live in???

Yes we were subjects of the King before we won our freedom. You know the English settlements and all?? That's no longer the case. We beat the British, kicked them out of North America, and created the USA with our own government and our own laws all based off the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

The King of England did not grant me my right to keep and bear arms. The 2nd Ammendment does however grant me that right because I am an American citizen and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights recognizes the fact that I am just as equal under the law of this land as the President of the United States and no one has the authority to take away my guns without cause.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 04:03:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
What freaky reality do you live in???

Yes we were subjects of the King before we won our freedom. You know the English settlements and all?? That's no longer the case. We beat the British, kicked them out of North America, and created the USA with our own government and our own laws all based off the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

The King of England did not grant me my right to keep and bear arms. The 2nd Ammendment does however grant me that right because I am an American citizen and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights recognizes the fact that I am just as equal under the law of this land as the President of the United States and no one has the authority to take away my guns without cause.


Okay Okay I'm not disagreeing with you.
You further make my point to laz
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 05:31:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
What freaky reality do you live in???

Yes we were subjects of the King before we won our freedom. You know the English settlements and all?? That's no longer the case. We beat the British, kicked them out of North America, and created the USA with our own government and our own laws all based off the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

The King of England did not grant me my right to keep and bear arms. The 2nd Ammendment does however grant me that right because I am an American citizen and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights recognizes the fact that I am just as equal under the law of this land as the President of the United States and no one has the authority to take away my guns without cause.


OOOPSSSS

2nd Amendment GRANTS nothing!

It acknowledges and reserves, or preserves, a right all creatures have!  The right to DEFEND yourself and your family among other things!

It is a right that was FULLY recognized by the Founders as NOT being given by anyone, but existed since the beginning of time for all creatures.

The WILL to survive, to FIGHT for your life, to preserve.............

In nature the stronger creature USUALLY wins!

The 2nd Amendment recognizes that God made man and Samuel Colt made em all equal............  J/K

LOOK at my earlier post, the quotes and such, and you will, or SHOULD see how it all ties in.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 05:34:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Okay Okay I'm not disagreeing with you.
You further make my point to laz


HUH??????????

Just what is your point?

Have you been ignoring all my post?

I've answered your question several times in several ways so what is your point?

The post I made just before this one answers your question about WHERE the 2nd Amendment originated!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Chairboy on December 08, 2007, 05:36:03 PM
I disagree with Wrag on just about anything, and I'm pretty sure we both think the other is a jerk, but I agree with his post above.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 05:36:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Okay Okay I'm not disagreeing with you.
You further make my point to laz


I'm starting to think you're bored or just don't like to read or perhaps you just like to stir things.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 08, 2007, 05:40:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Chairboy
I disagree with Wrag on just about anything, and I'm pretty sure we both think the other is a jerk, but I agree with his post above.




< begins to wonder if there was a sudden temperature drop in Hell>


Actually Chair I don't think of you as a jerk.

A person with a different point of view YES.  Which IMHO is just fine Sir.

And the biggest grip I EVER had about your post, or more correctly their MANNER, IIRC I've already posted.


:rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 05:46:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
I'm starting to think you're bored or just don't like to read or perhaps you just like to stir things.



I suggest you do just that go back and read!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Hornet33 on December 08, 2007, 05:55:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Okay Okay I'm not disagreeing with you.
You further make my point to laz


And what point would that be???
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 06:01:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
HUH??????????

Just what is your point?

Have you been ignoring all my post?

I've answered your question several times in several ways so what is your point?

The post I made just before this one answers your question about WHERE the 2nd Amendment originated!


Can you please tell me the laws/rights at that time? before 1776. Or were there any? and if they were who's law were they? Please!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 08, 2007, 06:15:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag

2nd Amendment GRANTS nothing!

It acknowledges and reserves, or preserves, a right all creatures have!  The right to DEFEND yourself and your family among other things!

It is a right that was FULLY recognized by the Founders as NOT being given by anyone, but existed since the beginning of time for all creatures.
 


word.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 08, 2007, 06:55:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Hornet33
And what point would that be???


Laz wrote
glad you do mt.. do you think you have a right to keep em or is it up to bingalong make that decision for ya?

I am pretty sure that if the SC speaks of the second in this case they will do like they always have and call it an individual right in the text of the case. Not sure what changes will happen.. if the people win over the government it will probly just mean that states and cities can't ban guns or make us keep em in a useless state.

The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed.

If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space. much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink.

I think a lot of liberals that don't like the second are a little scared of the second being a "collective" and worthless right... of "the people" meaning just the state. the liberals like some gurantees that the freedoms they like are protected.


laz
My response

Your gonna trip on yourself again

"The second did not make up a right.. the right to keep and bear arms... The right already existed before the constitution.. the amendment merely pointed out that it was a right and was not to be infringed."

Where did you get that right... "The king"( edit?????<---hence who made the law before the conistitution)

"If that is not the meaning then the amendment was a waste of space. much like englands... in england.. you had the right to keep and bear arms... .so long as the government said it was ok... as you can see... a worthless (for the people) waste of ink."

then you post

Originally posted by Hornet33
"Bing the differance Laz was making is that our 2nd ammendment right was not granted to us by anyone. When we became our own country our founding fathers understood that the 2nd is a right of the people not the government and the government shall not infringe on that right. It's there as a birthright granted by the Constitution alone, not a person. If your an american citizen it's your's and no one can take it away.

England on the other hand said it's your right as long as we think you deserve it. Well not to long ago they decided that the English people didn't deserve it anymore. The citizens had no recourse because it was a right granted by the government i.e. the King or Queen.

Laz didn't trip himself up, your just looking for an excuse to promote your ideals and project your morals on those of us who don't agree with you.

You don't like guns. You don't want to own guns. You don't want anyone else to own guns. Fine, you have that right to believe what you want. You DO NOT however have the right to tell me that I can't own guns. You don't get to decide what I can or cannot own anymore than I can decide what you can or cannot own.

You don't want to see me walking down the street wearing a pistol, look the other way."

and again you say:

"Yeah before we won our independance we were subject to the King of Englands laws. Not anymore. The 2nd Ammendmant is there so that the people of this country NEVER again fall under the rule of a tyrant king or government."

then once more for good measure:

"Yes we were subjects of the King before we won our freedom. You know the English settlements and all?? That's no longer the case. We beat the British, kicked them out of North America, and created the USA with our own government and our own laws all based off the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

The King of England did not grant me my right to keep and bear arms. The 2nd Ammendment does however grant me that right because I am an American citizen and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights recognizes the fact that I am just as equal under the law of this land as the President of the United States and no one has the authority to take away my guns without cause."


So you have answered the question in triplicate for me and I have thanked you for it... I dont see a problem here.

If I go with his and wrags definition every single time a weapon of any kind advances its my right to have one. I dont go with that reasoning. hand , rock, stick, arrow, catapult...... since the begining of time.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 09, 2007, 12:51:31 AM
Bingolong:

Before the Constitution the right to arm onself, speak ones mind, and worship freely existed. As human beings these rights were inborn in all of us and then were infringed upon by the government.

After we won out independance and formed our own government, we wrote down in the Constitution that this new government would be prohibited from taking away our rights.

Whether there was a tyrannical government that took those rights away, or a government that was prohibited from taking these rights away,  rights are self evident, we all "endowed by our creator with certain unaleinable rights"
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 09, 2007, 01:43:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Can you please tell me the laws/rights at that time? before 1776. Or were there any? and if they were who's law were they? Please!


Law?

Rights?

OK lets do this ............

First:  there were NO LAWS, or RIGHTS, but those made by the stronger to RULE over the weaker.  Call it Law of the Jungle if you like.

Someone wrote an entire paper on how the first farmers created the first rulers.  Seems the farmers stayed in one place.  Along comes someone (probably more like a group of someones) that realized a good thing when they saw it (free food that someone else was making) and took advantage.

At first perhaps they offered to PROTECT the farmers for a cut of the profits so to speak?  But later , probably because they kept their weapons skills up and weren't exhausted from all that drudge like farm work, they took over.  At which point the farmers had now become vassals or perhaps just plan slaves.

Got that?

Now a point I'd like to make here is just because someone, who was stronger, or meaner, or more numerous, or had a tech advantage, created vassals or slaves did NOT remove the basic rights all humans have, or SHOULD have.  It just placed a hold upon, or stopped people from enjoying, those rights.

In some ways it perhaps INSURED that some day some where those rights would be REMEMBERED and HONORED!

The Founders did NOT create RIGHTS  they simply looked at societies in the past, were well read and educated for their time (IIRC it's referred to as a Classic Education and is still available in many higher learning institutions), and thought upon such things.

BTW you might wanna read up on the individuals I named in an earlier post.  as that is where many of the ideas the Founders used came from.

There we go............

So after watching the King and his minions abuse fellow Americans in not so nice ways, and listening to an ARMED populace that was probably STILL angry.  They came up with a Bill of Rights.

To them, and the people, these were Rights that ALWAYS existed!  

Rights that were for EVERYONE!

Rights that were theres because they, the PEOPLE, EXISTED!

Enumerating those Rights had a purpose.

After looking at history and reading how so many societies failed they thought upon what they hoped would be a way to preserve those Rights.  

SOOOOO ..............

They SPELLED them out so in the future someone wanting to be King or Dictator or some such would find it difficult to take those rights away.

So if you still have a problem with all this I repeat............

First:  there were NO LAWS, or RIGHTS, but those made by the stronger to RULE over the weaker.  Call it Law of the Jungle if you like.

Now a point I'd like to make here is just because someone, who was stronger, or meaner, or more numerous, or had a tech advantage, created vassals or slaves did NOT remove the basic rights all humans have, or SHOULD have.  It just placed a hold upon, or stopped people from enjoying, those rights.

Does this work for you?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 09, 2007, 10:45:52 AM
bingie.. you have been answered many times.  the constitution.. Like it or not simply recognized god given rights.   Now.. if you want to get into a discussion of god or human rights.. that is different.   Perhaps it is a judo christian thinking that makes us believe that a creator gave us rights as humans... one of which is to be able to defend ourselves with weapons against others with weapons.

perhaps you subscribe to the marxist ideal that there are no rights save those our government gives us.    The constitution however.. went with the former and not the latter.

But... you say that you believe we have the "right"  (collectively?) to own guns.. just not "machine guns" (for some reason not specified) but that we should be part of a "well regulated" militia in order to do so.

Please explain what "well regulated" means to you since you believe that the right of the people to keep and bear arms can indeed be infringed.

Well regulated by diane finestiens or sorros's ideal would be.. regulated out of existence except for those in power or influence.  Do you think the second meant that?  

point being.. you seem to wish to make our second be as worthless as englands..   They had no right save one granted by the people in power and.. we all see how that turned out.

If the second had wanted the state to have rights then they should have said the state instead of the people.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 09, 2007, 02:57:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Perhaps it is a judo christian thinking ....


As taught in Christian self-defense courses that don't require being heeled 24/7 for the protection of the nation from it's own government and such.

;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 09, 2007, 02:59:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
Bingolong:

Before the Constitution the right to arm onself, speak ones mind, and worship freely existed. "


As they still do "after." Much ado `bout nuthin' regarding extremist rhetoric either direction. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Holden McGroin on December 09, 2007, 04:14:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
As they still do "after." Much ado `bout nuthin' regarding extremist rhetoric either direction. :D


That's what I was gettin at in the Bush OK facts not in evidence thread, but you hammered me for it. (or at least attempted to)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 09, 2007, 04:23:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Holden McGroin
That's what I was gettin at in the Bush OK facts not in evidence thread, but you hammered me for it. (or at least attempted to)


I lumped ya in with all who are screaming "lefty conspiracy" regarding the State Department and it's decision to reveal it's reassessed the situation and come to a different conclusion. My apologies for that. But I still question the motivation behind those who want the SD to be wrong about this more than I do the SD's latest revelation. Afterall, eating crow under any administration's bound to be a hard task .... even harder under the present one.



Gettin' caught up in politics on a forum devoted to an online air combat sim is kinda like arguin' with your kids to convince yourself you'll get a riase at work, I reckon. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 10, 2007, 08:53:09 AM
arlo... flight sim folk or not they are just people.   just like the people at your treckie conventions are people.

You should probly not look down on em since you are.. after all.. here.  

as for the judochristian thing...  I got no problem with beating my plowshares into swords..  harder to beat one into a rifle tho once they are taken away from us.

The main thing is that if our "right" to keep and bear arms is "found" to be nothing more than the right of the government to tell us what we can and can't have depending on who is in power..

Then it is no right at all.   England had the exact same right to keep and bear arms... so long as the government said it was ok.

Guess what.. the government said it wasn't ok.

It's like when a democrat says he just wants to keep guns out of the wrong hands..

guess what... you have the wrong hands.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 10, 2007, 03:27:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo... flight sim folk or not they are just people.   just like the people at your treckie conventions are people.

You should probly not look down on em since you are.. after all.. here.  

as for the judochristian thing...  I got no problem with beating my plowshares into swords..  harder to beat one into a rifle tho once they are taken away from us.

The main thing is that if our "right" to keep and bear arms is "found" to be nothing more than the right of the government to tell us what we can and can't have depending on who is in power..

Then it is no right at all.   England had the exact same right to keep and bear arms... so long as the government said it was ok.

Guess what.. the government said it wasn't ok.

It's like when a democrat says he just wants to keep guns out of the wrong hands..

guess what... you have the wrong hands.

lazs


Unknot your French-cuts, darlin' and try not to weave the straw so much. I know it's hard to feel persecuted when nobody's really doing it so sometimes you gotta invent your own boogyman and all but weaving in my image is just gonna make me laugh at your attempt. :aok :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 11, 2007, 08:48:37 AM
did you just call me darlin?   ok..

You are saying that our right to keep and bear arms is not in danger?  that I am being paranoid?   The DC ban was not an "infringment"?   the frisco one was not?  that the brady bunch and sorros and the UN only want "sensible" gun laws?

The UN wants only guns that will not shoot farther than 100 meters (like a yard but different).   Is that a tad restrictive to you?

You aren't seriously saying that everything is fine and that our second amendment rights are fine in the hands of democrats and the UN are you?  That the brady bunch is no threat to the second?

Now.. go back to the pipe and think it over ya hear now "darlin".  or.. just grin like an idiot,

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 11, 2007, 03:12:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
did you just call me darlin?   ok..

You are saying that our right to keep and bear arms is not in danger?


Pretty much. Take up local law anomoly at the source. The U.N. is international law, not U.S. congressional legislative power. Democrats like and own guns. And no, one more time, my arguin' the flaws in someone's hyperbole and rhetoric does not equate my wanting to infringe on their rights, take their guns or go to bed with thier wife.

But if that threatens your prejuducial presumptuous view in the box, deny it with all your strength. Honey. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 12, 2007, 08:39:40 AM
perhaps you should look at the voting records of democrat politicians as a whole and tell me then that they are not all about infringing on the rights of gun owners?

It shows a real lack of simple research on your part to think otherwise.. The NRA and gun groups give about 90% of their support to republicans.. the onerous gun control groups like brady and sorros give 90% to democrats..  almost all gun control bills put before congress are by democrats.  

gun bans for caliber or capacity or color or storage or carry.. all are infringements.   Democrats have never stopped and never will till it is almost impossible to have most of the guns we are allowed to own now.

They constantly introduce legeslation to ban semi autos of all kinds.. You don't think that is going a little far?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on December 12, 2007, 12:11:30 PM
John J. Cahill and those like him...

Gun owners should vote for these Democrats, yes? no? maybe?

Something that can not be defeated from the outside can be defeated from the inside?

The city of Troy learned that lesson the hard way...

(http://www.crystalinks.com/trojanhorse.jpg)

Voting against anti-gun Republicans would be a good idea too, right?

from --> http://www.strike-the-root.com/3/powers/powers2.html

excerpt:
"Bush and the Republican Gun Grabbers
by Michael Powers
May 9, 2003

‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’ ~ George Mason

President Bush’s pledge to extend the ban on semiautomatic assault weapons has gun owners up in arms.  The White House announcement came as a surprise to N.R.A. leaders and membership, who were stunned at the decision.  Although the original legislation is scheduled to terminate in September 2004, Senate Democrats introduced a measure to continue the ban for an additional ten years – a measure that Bush promises to sign if it reaches his desk.

Title XI of the Federal Violent Crime Control Act of 1994 banned the manufacture and import of a certain class of guns defined by Congress as "Assault Weapons." These firearms were categorized as such by certain identifying features that are military-like in appearance, but have no bearing on “efficiency,” or deadliness. The act also banned high capacity magazines that hold more than ten rounds.

A Federal ban on assault weapons was a top priority of the Clinton administration in early 1994, and it passed by a very narrow margin (216-214) in the House of Representatives.  President Clinton signed the bill on September 13, 1994 .

N.R.A. members staunchly supported Bush in the 2000 election, and they are justified in their incredulity regarding his vow to renew the ban.  But his sudden about-face should come as no surprise.  Recent anti-gun legislation confirms that Republicans are just as eager to deprive peaceful Americans of their ability to defend themselves as Democrats.    

Consider the following legislation, all of which occurred within the last six years:

·        GET THE U.S. OUT OF THE U.N.  ( June 4, 1997 ) –

The House defeated a pro-gun amendment, by a vote of 369-54, to pull the United States out of the anti-gun United Nations.  In recent years, the U.N. has been working to establish gun control laws worldwide and is seeking ways to lead member states like the U.S. toward stricter gun control laws.

169 House Republicans voted against the amendment.

·        HATCH-CRAIG GUN CONTROL AMENDMENT (May 14, 1999) -

In response to the Lautenberg amendment and its harsh gun control provisions, Senate Republicans presented a less stringent version.  The amendment offered by Orrin Hatch (R–UT) and Larry Craig (R-ID) passed by a 48-47 vote.    

The Republican bill provided several restrictions on gun ownership.  It would require background checks for any private sale at a gun show. Additionally, it would assign a U.S. attorney to every district for the purpose of harassing gun owners.  

47 of 55 Republican Senators voted FOR this legislation.  

BANNING PRIVATE SALES OF FIREARMS AT GUN SHOWS

This amendment would ban private sales at gun shows unless the buyer first submits to a background registration check.  The amendment would also impose numerous restrictions on gun show promoters.  

On May 20, 1999 , this amendment passed.  Six Republicans sided with the Democrats in favoring this anti-gun legislation, resulting in a 50-50 tie vote and allowing Vice President Al Gore to cast the tie breaking vote.  

·        BACKGROUND REGISTRATION CHECKS (May 20, 1999)-

Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and James Jeffords (R-VT) introduced more restrictions on gun sales with this amendment.  It subjects pawnshop and repair shop transactions to the same registration and background check requirements as purchases from dealers.    

The amendment passed 79-21, with 34 of 55 Senate Republicans voting FOR the gun control legislation.

·        JUVENILE CRIME BILL (May 20, 1999) –

The Senate passed the anti-gun juvenile crime bill by a 73-25 vote.  Senate Bill 254 contained several gun control amendments in addition to the various provisions related to punishing juveniles who commit crimes.

31 of 55 Senate Republicans voted FOR the anti-gun bill.

·        OMNIBUS REPUBLICAN GUN CONTROL PACKAGE  

On June 18, 1999 , the House defeated the Hyde-McCollum “Mandatory Gun Show Background Check Act” by a 280-147 vote.  This bill contained many anti-gun provisions, including trigger locks, a young adult gun ban, and lifetime gun ban for certain juveniles.  

137 House Republicans voted for the gun control package.

·        ENFORCEMENT OF EXISTING GUN LAWS AND PROTECTION OF GUN OWNERS  

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) offered a resolution that called for more aggressive enforcement of existing gun laws, tougher penalties for gun-related crimes and protection for the rights of law-abiding gun owners.  On May 17, 2000 , the non-binding vote passed 69-30.

52 of 55 Senate Republicans voted FOR more stringent enforcement of existing gun laws.

·        NO U.N. GUN CONTROL ( July 18, 2001 ) –  

Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) offered another amendment to withdraw the United States from the United Nations.  Paul argued that the country should boycott the international gun control organization, which is actively “taking guns away from civilians”.

164 House Republicans voted against the amendment.

President Bush’s promise to extend the assault weapon ban is hardly the first time that alleged pro-gun Republicans have chosen to infringe upon 2nd Amendment freedoms.  At least Democrats are honest in their pledge to disarm the populace.  The GOP, on the other hand, uses treachery and deception to mislead the citizenry into thinking that they will “protect” the right to keep and bear arms.  Yet, it is clearly evident that they are enemies of liberty as well.  

The N.R.A. donated nearly $3 million to Republican candidates during the 2000 election cycle, and gun rights groups contributed over $90,000 to President Bush’s campaign alone.  I guess $90,000 doesn’t buy much influence in Washington these days.
"


TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 12, 2007, 02:40:12 PM
tigress.. it matters not what bush did.. it was way better than his opponents.  we really had no choice... lesser of two evils.  and.. he was the one who put in two friends of the constitution on the supreme court.. would you want this latest second amendment case being heard if gore had put his two on?

sure.. their are anti gun republicans and pro gun democrats.. on a local level that might help but... when it comes to a federal level.. all bets are off...

if it is a gun bill that restricts our rights...  the republicans will almost unanimously be opposed and the democrats will almost unanimously be for it..  the names may switch around in the parties depending on who is vulnerable in the next election or not but it is just a big scam.. wink and nod...  the real result is... more democrats... more gun laws.. less democrats... less gun laws.

It is naive to think that these guys posses anything like integrity.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Tigeress on December 12, 2007, 03:05:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
tigress.. it matters not what bush did.. it was way better than his opponents.  we really had no choice... lesser of two evils.  and.. he was the one who put in two friends of the constitution on the supreme court.. would you want this latest second amendment case being heard if gore had put his two on?

sure.. their are anti gun republicans and pro gun democrats.. on a local level that might help but... when it comes to a federal level.. all bets are off...

if it is a gun bill that restricts our rights...  the republicans will almost unanimously be opposed and the democrats will almost unanimously be for it..  the names may switch around in the parties depending on who is vulnerable in the next election or not but it is just a big scam.. wink and nod...  the real result is... more democrats... more gun laws.. less democrats... less gun laws.

It is naive to think that these guys posses anything like integrity.

lazs


Yes... the past two presidential elections were, in my view, a matter of choosing the lesser of two serious evils.

Seems like a shell game to me we didn’t have the choice of the greater of two goods.

TIGERESS
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Rich46yo on December 12, 2007, 04:50:44 PM
The Militia are the citizens.

Our military, police, and Goverment, are made up of the citizens and answerable to the citizens.

Their right to be armed shall not be infringed.

What part of all this cant these "anti-gun nuts" understand?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 13, 2007, 09:09:34 AM
exactly rich..   I will also say that, and hope you agree, that every cop I have ever known felt that citizens should have the right to bear arms.

I can't say as much for the political hack police chiefs tho.  

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 15, 2007, 02:37:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2


It shows a real lack of simple research on your part to think otherwise.. [1]

Democrats have never stopped and never will till it is almost impossible to have most of the guns we are allowed to own now.

They constantly introduce legeslation to ban semi autos of all kinds.. You don't think that is going a little far?

lazs


Some instant search engine results (first time - first page):

[1]http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2005/12/17/democrats_recast_gun_control_image/?page=2

http://www.oregondemocrats.org/gun_owners

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/article3376.html

http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/FRONTPAGE/711260306

http://www.pulsejournal.com/school/content/shared/news/nation/stories/04/06_FLA_GUN_LAW.html

http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3766edf1177f.htm

Generalization is such a lazy crutch. Partisan politics, `ol boy. And you claim to be more of an independent than I? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 16, 2007, 10:32:00 AM
arlo.. you need to heed your own advice.  do some research..   I have said that on a local level you may find a small percentage of democrats to support gun owners rights and the second but..

Do the research..  look at the NRA ratings of politicians based on gun control.   the vast majority of the democrats have c, d and F ratings while the republicans have A, B, and C ratings mostly.

It is very partisan..  most every gun bill is introduced by a democrat and they vote partisan on it.. they may let some out of the voting but the direction is very very clear.

A lot of "pro second" democrats were elected in 2006 but things have not changed so far... They will vote with their anti gun brothers.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 16, 2007, 03:12:52 PM
Aw, Lazzie. I don't have to work as hard as you do to keep a specific "reality" in place. I did a quick search on the internet and yours was proven wrong. It doesn't sit well with your preconception so .... yeah .... ummmm ... I'm wrong (mmmmwhatever). Sorry, I'm not gonna dance lightly around your comfort zone to keep you happy and content. You'll just hafta either live with it or keep throwing hissy fits everytime someone doesn't agree with ya. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 17, 2007, 09:04:12 AM
arlo.. try this one.. actual voting records.. not rhetoric like your sites..  

http://www.a2dems.net/campaign2006/senatevote109.htm

your sites are just more democrats posing with shotguns at the club.

But then..  you are pretty easy to fool so I am not surprised that you were.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 17, 2007, 09:06:36 AM
here is the infamous brady bunch bragging about all the democratic support they get and the mean old republicans who vote against em...

again.. no posing with shotguns just a bunch of dreary voting record stuff...

http://www.bradycampaign.org/facts/scorecard/scorecard.php?inds=42

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 17, 2007, 03:00:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo.. try this one.. actual voting records.. not rhetoric like your sites..  

http://www.a2dems.net/campaign2006/senatevote109.htm

your sites are just more democrats posing with shotguns at the club.

But then..  you are pretty easy to fool so I am not surprised that you were.

lazs


Denial's an ugly thing, sister. I started by illuminating your dark recesses with the fact that Democrats (not just politicians) like and own guns. That would be both of my WWII vet grandads, as well. And I found proof without even breaking a sweat that there's even Dem politicians, today, that like guns, own guns, don't want to take away Lazzies guns. But you can't believe that without it wrecking the house of cards you've built around yourself "for protection."

Do you really think I should be worrired about your delusional state? I'm just publically offering a more rational element to your agenda. No need for hiking the skirt in panic, Alice. Curb the paranoia and just deal with reality. The voting record of a few does not make a party out to ruin your gun fun. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 18, 2007, 11:13:50 AM
arlo... I will make it so simple even you can get it...  not EVERY person acts the same but...

on gun control... the brady bunch.. on of the worst anti gun groups and most powerful.. gives almost all its money and support to democrat politicians and villifies republicans as being against "sensible gun control"

The NRA.. the evil empire composed of gun nuts that think we have an individual right to defend ourselves with firearms and believe that the right to keep and bear arms is ours...  they vilify democrats and give almost all their support to republicans.

on the voting record of these senators and congress sheeple...  well.. the NRA and brady bunch know what they are doing in their support.

Read the sites.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 18, 2007, 11:17:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Denial's an ugly thing, sister. I started by illuminating your dark recesses with the fact that Democrats (not just politicians) like and own guns. That would be both of my WWII vet grandads, as well. And I found proof without even breaking a sweat that there's even Dem politicians, today, that like guns, own guns, don't want to take away Lazzies guns. But you can't believe that without it wrecking the house of cards you've built around yourself "for protection."

Do you really think I should be worrired about your delusional state? I'm just publically offering a more rational element to your agenda. No need for hiking the skirt in panic, Alice. Curb the paranoia and just deal with reality. The voting record of a few does not make a party out to ruin your gun fun. :D


I'm getting the impression that Arlo is trying VERY HARD to upset Laz?

Anyone else consider that to be the case?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 18, 2007, 11:22:17 AM
Its all he's got...

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 18, 2007, 09:58:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
I'm getting the impression that Arlo is trying VERY HARD to upset Laz?

Anyone else consider that to be the case?


Trying very hard? Laz upsets himself. I just point at the holes and he urinates through them. :D

Really. If there's not enough there to upset him to the point of the hissy he wants to throw he'll spin it in to rile himself up more. Hell, he's scared I want to take his guns away and give all his money to crack mothers. Cause we all know there's no ground between Laz's hyperbo-reality and anyone who challenges it.  So you be sure to avoid deviation, wrag, if you really fear the wrath of Laz. :aok :lol
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 19, 2007, 06:43:21 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Trying very hard? Laz upsets himself. I just point at the holes and he urinates through them. :D

Really. If there's not enough there to upset him to the point of the hissy he wants to throw he'll spin it in to rile himself up more. Hell, he's scared I want to take his guns away and give all his money to crack mothers. Cause we all know there's no ground between Laz's hyperbo-reality and anyone who challenges it.  So you be sure to avoid deviation, wrag, if you really fear the wrath of Laz. :aok :lol


Why should I fear the wrath of Laz?  He gonna come hunt me down and maybe shoot me? :rofl

I seriously DOUBT that!  If I read Laz correctly, that just ain't gonna happen!

For one thing I'm pretty sure he would consider it NOT worth the effort.  Or the prison time.

For another I really don't think of Laz as a hypocrite!  Hunting you down and shooting you for saying you disagree with him just isn't his style.  He WILL disagree with you and tell you so BUT he will probably back your right to disagree with him.

NOW he MIGHT remember and insult and should he meet up with you some day he just might get in your face and request that you repeat those words to his face.  At which time, should you be so foolish as to repeat the insult, you would PROBABLY find his boot up your keester!  Then again he might grin and offer to buy you a beer (although I have doubts about that).

Or why should I fear you or anyone else on this board?

As to you pointing out holes?  I don't see that.

Where?  Because you found a few Dem polies that SAY yes the 2nd Amendment means what it says?

Hmmmm...........

Did you LOOK at the voting records?


COME ON!

REALLY?

I DO NOT care what a politician SAYS!!!  WAY too many of em say one and then do two.  WAY too many of em say what they THINK we want to hear and then vote the way the PARTY tells em.

I DO care how that politician VOTES and what LAWS he or she create or support.

IMHO There are Republicans and Democrats that score an F where the Bill of Rights is concerned.  Don't care what party these types are in I VOTE against em.

I VOTE for the politician that SUPPORTS my Rights!  Their political party does NOT matter!  I do NOT vote for them because they promise me more food stamps, or higher welfare payments, or some Government handout, or whatever!

And I MUST state here that Laz has IMHO pretty much said the same thing in many threads and in many ways.

BUT!!!

People DISCUSS things.

Or I thought that is the purpose of this thread.

I have difficulty SEEING that in your post.  I see repeated references that APPEAR intended to incite or perhaps to even insult.

They SEEM aimed kinda like in grade school where someone wanting to start TROUBLE and started calling some guy a sissy or a girl.  As I recall, most of these type would run to the teacher on the playground if they succeeded, and then stand behind the teachers back sticking their tongue out at you.

IMHO you have NOT proven much of anything nor have you proven Laz wrong.  BUT you have SEEMED to try to do the above.

Am I wrong?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on December 19, 2007, 07:56:19 AM
No Wrag you are not wrong. Arlo has degenerated to a beetle style of posting. Obsessed with gun threads and nothing of real substance just nothing more than constant trolling. His only purpose is to try and irritate, not discuss.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 19, 2007, 08:00:01 AM
arlo..  I am not in the least scared that you will do anything.   I am pointing out tho that your thinking is flawed.   enough people with flawed thinking like yours is a danger.   I am also pointing out that you are not all that honest and/or that you use "feelings" a lot instead of good solid facts.  

For instance.. I say that democrats in power are the real enemy of gun rights because of their voting records and you say... no.. they are not and then point to some coffee and hunting club that a couple of democrats in some southern state belong to.  This somehow negates decades of infringement of our rights by democrats in both houses.

I think it is you who is on the verge of a hissy fit tho..  So long as you can feel comfortable in arlo world and do your pale imitation of john stewart (even closer now that his writers are on strike).. you are happy.   If someone points out that you aren't paying attention.. you joke.   if they persist.. you get angry.

All of us have seen liberal socialists do this many times in our life.   You guys start out with a pot induced smile and some joke you have heard about right wingers on john stewart and end up foaming at the mouth.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 19, 2007, 03:12:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
He gonna come hunt me down and maybe shoot me? :rofl

Hunting you down and shooting you ...


Where did your imagination come up with the "hunting down and shooting" scenario? You "see" me do that too? ;)
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
NOW he MIGHT remember and insult and should he meet up with you some day he just might get in your face and request that you repeat those words to his face.  At which time, should you be so foolish as to repeat the insult, you would PROBABLY find his boot up your keester!


I don't say anything on the board I wouldn't say to you or anyone else's face. I don't treat anyone any better or worse than they treat others. And I don't really care if:

1: They can't bring themselves to get over it.

2: They circle the wagons and lip-lock each other's crotch.

3: Their perception leads them to feel all sorts of persecuted and they feel it's time to whine me into apologizin' for not tellin' them what they want to hear in a manner they want to hear it. :aok

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Or why should I fear you or anyone else on this board?


Just seemed Laz was your "alpha dog." Maybe my perception's no better than yours. :)

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
As to you pointing out holes?  I don't see that.


Don't see it or don't agree? I say there's Dems who own guns and don;t want to take away Laz's (or yours). I even point out examples of Dem politicians who fit that bill (ptp). Does Laz even come close to concession? Well .... if ignoring it and going on about the "Brady Bunch" and the NRA could be defined as such, I guess so. But it can't. :D

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Where?  Because you found a few Dem polies that SAY yes the 2nd Amendment means what it says?


Well ... yeah. Derrrrrr. I found something that supported my statement. Laz's hyperbo-reality has holes, man. Jump in and defend them. Danger Will Robinson. :)

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
I VOTE for the politician that SUPPORTS my Rights!  Their political party does NOT matter!


Matters to Laz, it seems. Not all that an independent sort, him. Might ought to take this up `tween the two of you and leave me out of that confusion.

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
People DISCUSS things.


I'm dis-cussing things. No ... really. :)

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
I have difficulty SEEING that in your post.
 

Look closer and try to be less insulted for Laz's sake. ;)

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
They SEEM aimed kinda like in grade school  


Gotta aim where the target resides. That changes, so will my aim. I used gun terms. Should make it clear.

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Am I wrong?


From where I sit. Yup, pretty much. :D

Disclaimer: Honestly, if my mild crude-isms distract so many here ... could the military vets/police officers/firefighters/construction worker crowd take the easily offended by the hand and help them past those obstacles?Or if you are any of the above and still easily offended can you try to understand that not all of us have managed to stay in a "Nancy" enviroment bubble?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 19, 2007, 03:13:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
No Wrag you are not wrong. Arlo has degenerated to a beetle style of posting. Obsessed with gun threads and nothing of real substance just nothing more than constant trolling. His only purpose is to try and irritate, not discuss.


Well ... that's a theory. Doesn't seem one born of a lot of thought. I'm all for giving second chances. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 19, 2007, 03:19:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo..  I am not in the least scared that you will do anything.   I am pointing out tho that your thinking is flawed.   enough people with flawed thinking like yours is a danger.   I am also pointing out that you are not all that honest and/or that you use "feelings" a lot instead of good solid facts.  


I'll just stop you there because frankly, though I'm sure you feel all sorts of sincere `bout that, I'm seeing a perfect Laz self-description (even the rest of the post - certain ideological extremities excluded). So when we disagree, evidently we both do it from the heart. But you'll be inventing boogy-men to hate the rest of your life. Sorry, I'm not feelin' the need to accomodate you because of your misperceptions about me or anyone or anything. And though I've the skills to do the getting over for the both of us, I'll still be prone to speak my mind and do so honestly no matter how much you whine that I'm not and that life is unfair. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 20, 2007, 09:10:39 AM
LOL.. of course life isn't "fair".. who ever thought it was?  we do the best we can... and that includes letting as few people as possible take away our rights as humans as we can.    We don't always succeed and sometimes it makes us angry but...  what ya gonna do?   always someone like arlo around to tell us what is best for us.

I seen your score in the libertarian site..  you come in about like the worst of the brit liberals so I don't think I have characterized you wrong at all.   Not unless who you claim to be here is different than who you really are.

We do have one thing in common tho..  I too would never say anything in print that I would be afraid to say to someones face...  well.. baring what I might say to some commie dictator while in his country or some such...

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 20, 2007, 09:45:08 AM
Arlo  

IMHO you have proven nothing.

You have pointed something out?  Yes.

Does that change viewpoints?  NO.

Most people are aware there are some politicians, in all parties, that actually do try to protect the rights of the people.

Sadly they are pretty scares!

IMHO Arlo is making assumptions.................


Assumptions that IMHO are incorrect.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 20, 2007, 09:30:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
I seen your score in the libertarian site..  you come in about like the worst of the brit liberals so I don't think I have characterized you wrong at all.   Not unless who you claim to be here is different than who you really are.


Ain't it a rather amazing thing that I don't model myself based on your opinion of me? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 20, 2007, 09:31:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Arlo  

IMHO you have proven nothing.

You have pointed something out?  Yes.

Does that change viewpoints?  NO.

Assumptions that IMHO are incorrect.


And that, in a nutshell, pretty much explains it all. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 21, 2007, 10:33:16 AM
arlo said..

"Ain't it a rather amazing thing that I don't model myself based on your opinion of me? "

no.. but it is amazing that you are so transparent yet..... think you are so complex.   You take a test and then you are the only one who is amazed that you come out as a liberal socialist..   That is pretty amazing.

I believe it is called denial or some such these days...  There are less PC terms tho that are more accurate in my opinion.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 21, 2007, 02:17:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
And that, in a nutshell, pretty much explains it all. ;)


AHHH GOOD!

Perhaps you finally understand the information posted?

BTW the technique you appear to be using in your attempt to communicate SEEMS a little off or possibly incomplete................

several times statements have SEEMED to get made that IMHO shows a possibly deliberate misunderstanding of others or an incomplete argument???
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: MadMan on December 21, 2007, 03:36:21 PM
I forsee a rush at gunstores everywhere weeks before the decision is announced... just in case.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 21, 2007, 06:00:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo said..

"Ain't it a rather amazing thing that I don't model myself based on your opinion of me? "

no.. but it is amazing that you are so transparent yet..... think you are so complex.   You take a test and then you are the only one who is amazed that you come out as a liberal socialist..   That is pretty amazing.

I believe it is called denial or some such these days...  There are less PC terms tho that are more accurate in my opinion.

lazs


Well ... that was certainly bizarre. Whatever it takes to keeps those fires stoked. ;) :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 21, 2007, 06:01:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
AHHH GOOD!

Perhaps you finally understand the information posted?

BTW the technique you appear to be using in your attempt to communicate SEEMS a little off or possibly incomplete................



It's whatever your heart desires, fluffy. Tell yourself that. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 22, 2007, 10:35:07 AM
wrag..  you may have noticed a decline in arlo's humor quotient.. it is either frustration or..   the writers strike or... more likely..  he has used up all his witty little comebacks and pet names.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 22, 2007, 11:12:27 AM
Yes Lazzie you have been answered too :)  we wll have to just wait and see. I still say the militia is the port hole that the 2nd will get attacked thru.
The only question that has not been answered will be! I do not think as you do and will not.  I see your position thats really about it :).

Athough I think were close on the Indian issue.
:cool:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 22, 2007, 12:05:06 PM
bingalong.. I hope you are wrong.. if you are not... it is bad news for all the other "rights" we have because a collective right is no right at all...

It would mean that we all have a lot of rights.. but only so long as the government feels we should have them and that they can be revolked at any time... that means.. the ones important to you as well as the ones that you don't like.

There is no need to protect rights that everyone likes and/or that don't restrict the government.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 22, 2007, 02:44:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
wrag..  you may have noticed a decline in arlo's humor quotient.. it is either frustration or..   the writers strike or... more likely..  he has used up all his witty little comebacks and pet names.

lazs


Ahhhhh ..... to recognize a "decline" you trip over your previous complaints that I was never funny at all. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 23, 2007, 01:51:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ahhhhh ..... to recognize a "decline" you trip over your previous complaints that I was never funny at all. ;)


That would be IMHO extremely correct!  You were not IMHO funny.

As to a decline.  Well... SEEMED to me you were already getting down there pretty low with the name calling TYPE of approach you were using.

Are you guys trained by someone to try your best to be offensive rather then to discuss things?

Is that the method?  Try your best to anger the other person in the hope they will leave or stop posting, or they will respond in kind and reduce the value of any real discussion?

Hmmm just thought of another possibility .... so I must ask this...

Do you just get off on making people angry?  Is it some kind of turn on?  Does it make you feel more in control?  Is it a NEED you have?

Wait!  Is it that they don't believe the way you do and that makes you ANGRY?

So angry that you MUST make the other person angry?

Hmmm... If that were the case............. hmmmmm...........  IMHO that would be SOOOOO SAD.

Really would like to understand this.  

Care to give some input as to why the referring to males in the feminine gender SEEMS so essential to your posts in this thread?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 23, 2007, 10:32:34 AM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag

Care to give some input as to why the referring to males in the feminine gender SEEMS so essential to your posts in this thread?



Why dont you ask you pal lazzetta? who starts it :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 23, 2007, 10:59:10 AM
well..  I started out as as a number guy in air warrior like everyone else in the bad ol dos days.. then warbirds and the changes in how many letters or whatever.. was lazerus when it could be and lazs when it was the four letter thing... have been ever since.    lazs2 here cause the BB burped a long time ago and it was easier.

bingalong is... long and.. it sounded feminine to me in any case so... bingie seemed ok.. shorter and more to the point.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 23, 2007, 11:05:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
well..  I started out as as a number guy in air warrior like everyone else in the bad ol dos days.. then warbirds and the changes in how many letters or whatever.. was lazerus when it could be and lazs when it was the four letter thing... have been ever since.    lazs2 here cause the BB burped a long time ago and it was easier.

bingalong is... long and.. it sounded feminine to me in any case so... bingie seemed ok.. shorter and more to the point.

lazs


Once more its BingO

I dont mind the ..ie sorta a pet name ..or just.. o...just the shortened version... but when you start with the ...a.. i think your being disrespectful.
at that point you get your own ...a.;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 23, 2007, 11:20:39 AM
hell... guess it is bing-0-long..  I just never paid that much attention.. I am still trying to figure out how bingalong is somehow disrespectful of bingolong?

neither one makes any sense to me... sorta like bsaddict got mad when I shortened it to BS.   I don't know what your guys handles mean anyway.  they just look like letters strung together to me.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 23, 2007, 03:00:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
That would be IMHO extremely correct!  You were not IMHO funny.[1]

Are you guys trained by someone to try your best to be offensive rather then to discuss things?[2]

Wait!  Is it that they don't believe the way you do and that makes you ANGRY?[3]



LOL

[1] Well it breaks my heart because ... afterall ... that's what it was all about. To amuse wrag. I cherish your opinion. You know this, right? ;)

[2]There's only one of me, man. I know I throw a lot your way but it's just me. And I know it seems like I've had more training than you but it's all natural. And I'll dis-cuss anytime you feel up to it. Just get over what you're on about, presently, and jump right in. :D

[3] Has projection been an effective coping tool your entire life? :aok

Truck on, "Mr. Testosterone." (That make ya happier?) :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 23, 2007, 03:01:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Why dont you ask your pal lazzetta? who starts it :)


Whoa. Someone else noticed some one-way rationale. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 23, 2007, 03:02:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
well..  I started out as as a number guy in air warrior like everyone else in the bad ol dos days.. then warbirds and the changes in how many letters or whatever.. was lazerus when it could be and lazs when it was the four letter thing... have been ever since.    lazs2 here cause the BB burped a long time ago and it was easier.

bingalong is... long and.. it sounded feminine to me in any case so... bingie seemed ok.. shorter and more to the point.

lazs


Obtuse impresses! You go, girl! :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 23, 2007, 03:04:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
..  I just never paid that much attention..  


It's a trait most of us have accepted in you for quite some time, Lazs2 (not to be confused with your first account that you forgot the password to).

Heh. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 24, 2007, 10:18:22 AM
I think that you have to pick and choose what is important to pay attention to and what is not.   I don't think cartoon handles are that big a deal.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 24, 2007, 10:31:20 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Yes Lazzie you have been answered too :)  we wll have to just wait and see. I still say the militia is the port hole that the 2nd will get attacked thru.
The only question that has not been answered will be! I do not think as you do and will not.  I see your position thats really about it :).

Athough I think were close on the Indian issue.
:cool:
Technically, I'm in a militia (Virginia State Guard)....and WE aren't chartered to have guns at all (lol if it ever became necessary, society would have degenerated into one of any number of Bruce Willis movies:rofl )
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 24, 2007, 11:22:20 AM
The Virginia Defense Force (VDF) is the reserve to the Virginia National Guard.  Like the National Guard, VDF is a branch of the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, trains monthly at Virginia National Guard armories, and is under the overall command of Virginia Adjutant General Major General Robert B. Newman, Jr.

Unlike the National Guard, VDF troops are reserved for in-state duty to ensure Virginia is never left without adequate military forces in the event of partial or full mobilization of the Virginia National Guard to federal service.  VDF also performs specific additional missions at the call of the Adjutant General while in reserve status to help meet the increased homeland security needs of the Commonwealth due to the ongoing War on Terror following 9-11.  

VDF personnel do not receive pay for monthly training or annual field exercises, but are paid standard Department of Defense pay grade if called to state active duty. VDF is organized under state law as a light infantry division with three brigades, along with aviation, military police, and signal detachments.    
 
Virginia is one of 23 states and U.S. territories that maintain these federally-authorized military reserve forces.   VDF is actively seeking new personnel for expanded homeland security assignments.  Postings are available statewide for both prior and non-prior service recruits between the ages of 16-64.  For more information see the recruitment section of this website.


Now this is a militia!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 24, 2007, 01:36:02 PM
According to the U.S. Code, THIS is the militia:

Quote
-STATUTE-
      (a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied
    males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section
    313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a
    declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States
    and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the
    National Guard.
      (b) The classes of the militia are -
        (1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard
      and the Naval Militia; and
        (2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of
      the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the
      Naval Militia.

-SOURCE-


However, you continue to ignore the fact the the militia clause of the 2nd Amendment is a subordinate clause. The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 24, 2007, 02:07:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
According to the U.S. Code, THIS is the militia:



However, you continue to ignore the fact the the militia clause of the 2nd Amendment is a subordinate clause. The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence


Repeat preformance here:

The National Defense Act of 1916 is, with the exception of the United States Constitution, the most important piece of legislation in the history of the National Guard. It transformed the militia from individual state forces into a Reserve Component of the U.S. Army - and made the term "National Guard" mandatory. The act stated that all units would have to be federally recognized, and that the qualifications for officers would be set by the War Department. It increased the number of annual training days to 15, increased the number of yearly drills to 48, and authorized pay for drills.

It stated that there would be two National Guards: the National Guard of the several States, and the National Guard of the United States. The former would be the individual State militias, employed in local emergencies and national defense. The latter would be a deployable reserve component of the Army.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 24, 2007, 02:21:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

It stated that there would be two National Guards: the National Guard of the several States, and the National Guard of the United States. The former would be the individual State militias, employed in local emergencies and national defense. The latter would be a deployable reserve component of the Army.


where does the Army Reserve fit in here?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 24, 2007, 02:27:49 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Repeat preformance here:


 
Indeed it is. You seem determined to ignore the facts offered to you here.

BTW, the quote from US Code (The United States Code is the codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States. ) is from the current US Code. It defines the current meaning of the word militia as used in general and permanent laws of the US. Hope that helps you.

As for your misunderstanding of the 2nd Amendment and the subordinate militia clause, I have high hopes that the US Supreme Court will set you right on that one in the near future, although I suspect you would argue with them and tell them they're incorrect if the ruling is for individual right.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 24, 2007, 02:32:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
where does the Army Reserve fit in here?


The Army Reserve's mission, under Title 10 of the U.S. code, is to provide trained and ready Soldiers and units with the critical combat service support and combat support capabilities necessary to support nation strategy during peacetime, contingencies and war. The Army Reserve is a key element in The Army multi-component unit force, training with Active and National Guard units to ensure all three components work as a fully integrated team.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 24, 2007, 02:54:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Indeed it is. You seem determined to ignore the facts offered to you here.

BTW, the quote from US Code (The United States Code is the codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States. ) is from the current US Code. It defines the current meaning of the word militia as used in general and permanent laws of the US. Hope that helps you.

As for your misunderstanding of the 2nd Amendment and the subordinate militia clause, I have high hopes that the US Supreme Court will set you right on that one in the near future, although I suspect you would argue with them and tell them they're incorrect if the ruling is for individual right.


Current Law
There is very little controversy about current laws governing the militia. It is generally agreed that all power over the militia is shared between the federal and state governments.

There is no real disagreement that the new militia movement is not authorized by either state or federal law. Members of the new militia have no privileges, rights, duties, or immunities for their action over and above those of other members of society. The only way they can obtain privileges, rights, duties, or immunities would be by laws passed by either the federal or state government. No such laws exist. The new militia are not protected by the militia clauses of the Constitution nor by federal or state law.

Not being protected does not mean forbidden. When these groups do things that don't break any laws, then there is nothing to stop them from doing them. When they do break the laws, there is nothing to protect them.

The only real area of controversy in this entire FAQ is whether or not laws against unauthorized military organization or unauthorized armed parading are constitutional, and if they are constitutional, what behavior constitutes unauthorized military organizations or unauthorized armed parading. These laws were held valid in the nineteenth century by the U.S. Supreme Court and have been held valid by lower courts in the twentieth century.

However, an argument can be made that these laws are unconstitutional or too vague, or that the behavior of the new militia does not violate these laws.


4.6 I suggest you read the United States Code, that provides for the "unorganized" militia, which includes "every able-bodied person between 17 and 45 years of age." We are unorganized by the government, but it does not say we can't organize ourselves. It's still on the books, so it's still legal for us to organize.


A. If there are no laws forbidding such an organization, then you can organize. Remembering that if you want your "unorganized militia"to be true to the definition of those subject/eligible for the militia in 32 USCS 311, you must exclude women from your organized "unorganized militia."

But the result of your organization will not be a militia unit. The result will be a unauthorized voluntary paramilitary organization.

Most states have laws prohibiting or regulating these groups. These laws have been found constitutionally valid whenever tested. The passage of these laws by most states shows some common agreement that these groups are not good.

http://www.adl.org/mwd/faq2.asp
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Suave on December 24, 2007, 03:12:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2

A fireman would be in grave danger if a home was full of RPG's

lazs


Well maybe he paid a hell of a lot of money for those rpg rockets and he doesn't want them to be corroding outside in the south texas humidity, ever think of that?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 24, 2007, 03:29:02 PM
I seem to remember reading that even the 'unorganized' militia/cadre is answerable to the governor
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 03:32:17 PM
Can you seem to remember the source? And all residents of a state are technically "answerable" to their governor. But they're all not automatically authorized by the governor to equip themselves with modern military hardware when they feel like. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 24, 2007, 03:44:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Can you seem to remember the source? And all residents of a state are technically "answerable" to their governor. But they're all not automatically authorized by the governor to equip themselves with modern military hardware when they feel like. ;)



i thought the governor and government was "answerable" to the people.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 03:46:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
i thought the governor and government was "answerable" to the people.
Representative legislation and civilized law are such a hard concepts to grasp. No ... wait .... they're not. ;)

bj said, "I seem to remember reading that even the 'unorganized' militia/cadre is answerable to the governor"

bj is illustrating a claimed default chain of command existing between the governor and any group of hillbillies (or an individual one, for that matter)wanting to own M-60s ... as well as such authorizing the equipment. I illustrated authority given the governor to execute law in their jurisdiction as legislation by the elected representatives of the people (and yes, all of which are answerable for their acts - not unlike the POTUS) allows.

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 24, 2007, 03:53:12 PM
is that a yes or no?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 03:57:25 PM
Either would confuse you and apparently the detail makes you pee. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 24, 2007, 04:12:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Representative legislation and civilized law are such a hard concepts to grasp. No ... wait .... they're not. ;)

bj said, "I seem to remember reading that even the 'unorganized' militia/cadre is answerable to the governor"

bj is illustrating a claimed default chain of command existing between the governor and any group of hillbillies wanting to own M-60s ... as well as such authorizing the equipment. I illustrated authority given the governor to execute law in their jurisdiction as legislation by the elected representatives of the people (and yes, all of which are answerable for their acts - not unlike the POTUS) allows.

:aok
That isnt what I said--no need to do such bs trying to make a point
link (http://www.virginiamilitia.org/)
Quote
1. Such volunteers who of their own volition agree to service in conformity with regulations prescribed by the Adjutant General who are (i) citizens of the Commonwealth, (ii) at least sixteen, provided that any volunteer under the age of eighteen shall have the written consent of at least one parent or guardian, and (iii) less than sixty-five years of age may join the Virginia State Defense Force.

2. Such persons of the unorganized militia who may be drafted to fill the force structure of the Virginia State Defense Force or who may be ordered out for active duty until released from such service.



You have to swear an oath, etc--and be answerable to said oath, just like branches of military
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 04:28:26 PM
Good for Virginia.

"The officers of the Virginia State Defense Force shall be appointed by the Governor in conformity with regulations prescribed by the Adjutant General.

Enlisted members shall be enlisted and retained in conformity with regulations prescribed by the Adjutant General."

Officers are specifically appointed. Then there's the Adjutant General. Hmmmmm. Seems I just read somewhere that the Adjutant General is authorized to determine when a group of good `ol boys with military equipment no longer conform. Guess we're not at odds over that. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 24, 2007, 04:38:10 PM
Well the VADF and the 'unorganized' militia are 2 different things, those in the latter are STILL deployable by the governor, to be subservient to the VADF ---I'm prolly not sposed to talk about this stuff in public forum, they picky about that--they have people (the afore-mentioned officers:) ) designated for that
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 04:43:20 PM
I don't see where it's any sort of violation to discuss the publically accessable link you provided on the forum. I wouldn't fret it.

From that source:

The Code of Virginia

§ 44-4. Composition of unorganized militia.

The unorganized militia shall consist of all able-bodied persons as set out in § 44-1, except such as may be included in §§ 44-2, 44-3, and 44-54.6, and except such as may be exempted as hereinafter provided.

(1930, p. 949; Michie Code 1942, § 2673(4); 1970, c. 662; 1973, c. 401; 1984, c. 765.)

44-54.6 is what I quoted.

No exemption of such was illustrated or outlined on that page nor was a link to source for such exemption offered. It may be open-ended but it's not exemplified.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 05:04:10 PM
Other interesting sections from the same source:

§ 44-85. Regulations and penalties.

Whenever any part of the unorganized militia is ordered out, it shall be governed by the same rules and regulations and be subject to the same penalties as the National Guard or naval militia.

(1930, p. 965; Michie Code 1942, § 2673(71).)

§ 44-89. Draft of unorganized militia.

If the unorganized militia is ordered out by draft, the Governor shall designate the persons in each county and city to make the draft, and prescribe rules and regulations for conducting the same.

(1930, p. 965; Michie Code 1942, § 2673(74).)

§ 44-107. Use for private purposes forbidden.

No officer or enlisted person shall use, except upon military duty any article of military property belonging to the United States or to the Commonwealth.

(1930, p. 969; Michie Code 1942, § 2673(92); 1958, c. 393.)

§ 44-103. Deposit in armories or headquarters for safekeeping.

All arms, equipment and ordnance stores, which shall be furnished to the several commands under the provisions of this chapter, shall be deposited in the armories or headquarters of such commands for safekeeping.

(1930, p. 968; Michie Code 1942, § 2673(88).)

§ 44-88. Incorporation into the Virginia State Defense Force.

Whenever the Governor orders out the unorganized militia or any part thereof, it shall be incorporated into the Virginia State Defense Force until relieved from service.

(1944, p. 25; Michie Suppl. 1946, § 2673(73); 1984, c. 765.)


(Most interesting. Thanks for providing.) :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 24, 2007, 05:06:48 PM
Lol of course, none of this pertains much to the thread---its the sort of thing decided by a judges political persuasion, IMO
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 24, 2007, 05:08:15 PM
Don't sell judges short, now. I've seen some appointees take legal precedent quite seriously. Haven't lost faith in the system, yet. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 25, 2007, 10:04:17 AM
bingie and arlo.. you keep avoiding the point toad is making that the militia cause is a subordinate one and not conditional to the right.. it is one reason for the right perhaps but not conditional.. the right is of the people.   it existed before the amendment and the amendment merely protects it from the government...  Like all the other amendments.

You are saying that "the people" means... means what?   the people so long as they belong to a militia?  and the militia is anything the government says it is at any time?    

Ok... then if you belong to a militia.. your right to go armed at all times shall not be infringed?  if the national guard is "the people" then any member can be armed at all times?

But.. even at that.. you would have to go to the founders to see what they intended by "militia" numerous quotes here show that they did indeed mean for it to be the people.. the real people... everyone.  It may be that some defenitions of "militia" are illegal and meaningless... if..  if they do not comply with the original intent.. that of the founders.. that all men are the militia.. that the militia is the people

That is what I would like to see decided along with recognizing that all rights in the bill of rights are individual rights.   that "collective rights" is some made up abomination.   I would like it said that the meaning of "militia" is the same as what it always was and was intended.. all of the people.   being born here and being able bodied is all you need to be part of it.  

And that.. as a member of this militia the only things you would ever be required to do would be to follow your concience.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 25, 2007, 11:55:04 AM
it would be stupid and redundant to say the 2nd amendment means "the right of the army/militia to have guns shall not be infringed".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 25, 2007, 12:37:10 PM
It says, "A well regulated Militia"! 1st not the people not the state and not bear arms it says WELL REGULATED MILITIA being a necessity.

When the First Congress passed the Bill of Rights, a Senator moved to change the Second Amendment to read “keep and bear arms for the common defense” - and the Congress voted it down

they do not call it a militia anymore since 1958. They are "defence forces" just like the gentleman in Virginia says and they have many rules.
I was just looking over the only recognized state militia in Texas. They are not even allowed to use weapons in training. Some states have out right banned any militia other than the National guard.


Toad quoted from article USCS  10 chapter 13

USCS 32 Chapter 1

"109.MAINTENANCE OF OTHER TROOPS
    (a) In time of peace, a State or Territory, Puerto Rico,
     The Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, or the district of Columbia
     may maintain no troops other than those of the National
     Guard and defense forces authorized  by subsection (c).

     (b) nothing in this title [32 USCS] limits the right of a State
     or Territory, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands, the Canal Zone, or
     the district of Columbia to use its National Guard or its
     defense  force authorized by subsection (c) within its borders
     in time of peace, or prevents it from organizing and
     maintaining police or  constabulary.

    (c) In addition to its National Guard, if any, a State or
     Territory, Puerto Rico, The Virgin Islands,the Canal Zone, or the
     district of Columbia may, as provided by its laws, organize
     and maintain defence forces.  A defence force established
     under this section may be used within the jurisdiction concerned,
     as its chief executive (or commanding  general in the case of the
     District of Columbia) considers necessary, but it may not be
     called, ordered, or drafted into the armed forces.

    (d) A member of a defense force established under subsection (c)
     is not, because of that membership, exempt from service in the
     armed forces, nor is he entitled to pay, allowances, subsistence,
     or medical care or treatment, from funds of the United States
     
     (e) A person may not become a member of a defense force
     established under subsection (c) if he is a member of a reserve
     component of the armed forces.

I know what the law is and it is not what you state.
to be in a militia you have to be registered, it has to be registered, and is under control of the state.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 25, 2007, 12:55:35 PM
it does NOT say "the right of the militia" it says "the right of the people", what part of PEOPLE do you not understand.
:mad:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 25, 2007, 01:03:55 PM
Again, the militia clause is a subordinate clause.

The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence.

The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

That's really all there is to it, although I understand it will take an SC ruling to make plain words understandable to some of you people.

No one that as read the actual history of the writing of the 2nd amendement, coupled with the writings of the founders of this nation can honestly have any doubt about what the amendment means or the intent of the founders in writing it.

That does not mean there isn't a shipload of weasle-word lawyers that won't try to obfuscate plain language and twist the Constitution into something it was never intended to be.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 25, 2007, 01:18:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Again, the militia clause is a subordinate clause.

The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence.

The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

That's really all there is to it, although I understand it will take an SC ruling to make plain words understandable to some of you people.

No one that as read the actual history of the writing of the 2nd amendement, coupled with the writings of the founders of this nation can honestly have any doubt about what the amendment means or the intent of the founders in writing it.

That does not mean there isn't a shipload of weasle-word lawyers that won't try to obfuscate plain language and twist the Constitution into something it was never intended to be.


The militia were not created by the common law. Militia law is statutory law. The charter of each American colony included authority to create militia units. All American colonies passed militia laws under the authority granted by their charters. All states and the federal government have militia laws. There never was a period of common law militia in America.
Interpreting statute law and the Constitution to understand the meaning of 'militia', for example, does not mean that there ever was a common law militia. Even if the Bill of Rights or the Fourteenth Amendment means that laws against unauthorized paramilitary organizations are unconstitutional the result would not change civilians into some sort of common law militiamen.
White able-bodied free males were required by law to belong to the miliita by the statute law of the colony. Whether or not they actually served in militia units is another question. Sometime the militia laws were strictly enforced, sometime laxly. The requirement for service could be met by joining either the colony's militia in your local area or joining (if they would have you) a volunteer militia unit. These companies were allowed under colonial legislation and were, of course, subordinate to the authority of the colony. Some colonies provided religious exemptions to militia duty.
The concept of the militia to remember is that it was a SYSTEM to create organized armed forces for the colony. The militia could be called out by local officials for defense purposes or called out by the colonial leadership. There was also fighting and killing done by groups that were not militia units.
The term for those within the militia system was simply the militia. A distinction was drawn between those who did their militia duty in the compulsory units and those who did their militia duty in volunteer units. The compulsory militia was known as trainbands, beat militia, or enrolled militia. The volunteer milita was known as the volunteer militia, or the uniform militia. The term 'uniform' referred to the fact that the volunteers wore uniforms.
The militia were revitalized and reorganized in the 1770's by the colonies to provide a force to counter the British Army in the growing constitutional crisis over the colonies.
"In September 1774 the Continental Congress endorsed a resolution from Suffolk County, Massachusetts, calling for the colonies to reorganize the militias under leadership friendly to the "rights of the people," setting in motion a series of provincial actions that made the militia the cornerstone of armed resistance to British policy through the winter of 1775. Massachusetts moved first to revive the militia's ancient function as the armed guarantor of the civil constitution. In October 1774, the provincial congress instructed local committees of safety to assume responsibility for the training, supply, and mobilization of the colony's militia system. It also directed the citizens in their capacity as militiamen, and "with due deliberation and patriotic regard for the public service," to elect their own company officers. Those chosen in local voting were to elect regimental officers to command the militia at the county level. The provincial congress retained the power to appoint general officers, ensuring that the military order remained ultimately subordinate to civil authority.
"Resolving "that a well-regulated Militia, composed of the gentlemen, freeholders, and other freemen, is the natural strength and only stable security of a free Government," the Maryland convention acted in December 1774 to reorganize its militia under a popularly elected officers corp. ...Six month later, in an effort to provide a source of manpower for the newly formed Continental army, Congress recommended that all states adopt the republican principles embodied in the Massachusetts militia structure. ...By early fall [1775] provincial assemblies in Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Hampshire, and North Carolina had taken steps to comply with the congressional recommendations.
When the Founding Fathers referred to the militia, they were referring to the state organizations that had already existed for decades or even more than a century in some states by 1787. These state organizations had extensive militia codes which regulated who would be and who would not be in the militia, how, when and where militia members would train, who would officer the militia, what the punishment for transgressions would be, how the militia could be called up, etc. Although it was common for people to refer to the state militias as consisting of all the people, since they did consist of one whole heck of a lot of the people, anyway, in actual fact, exemptions were very common, and it was easy for wealthy or privileged people to avoid militia service. These state organizations were hierarchical in nature. In some states officers were elected; in others, they were appointed by the state. The entire state was usually organized into geographical divisions which corresponded with a military division. Divisions were geographically subdivided into brigades, regiments, and companies, just like regular military units. In Southern states, regiments often corresponded with counties, and militia captains had additional civil responsibilities, such as handling elections or appointing slave patrols.
It is a mistake,to conceive of the militia merely as a mass of individual men with guns. Though indeed they were citizen-soldiers, they were as organized as eighteenth century society could organize Americans, and when they were called out, it was usually through a top-down, organized fashion
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 25, 2007, 01:21:14 PM
You simply fail to grasp the basic truth: The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

Study on those two sentences until the SC rules on it as an individual right.

Cheers!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 25, 2007, 01:42:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You simply fail to grasp the basic truth: The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia.

Study on those two sentences until the SC rules on it as an individual right.

Cheers!


Assumed by U

were talking about militias not your right to own a gun :D

Like I told Laz run out in the street with your guns to start your militia see how far ya get.

 

Cheers
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 25, 2007, 02:48:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie and arlo.. you keep avoiding


*yawn*

Merry Christmas, Laz, `ol boy. :)
Title: Re: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 25, 2007, 05:14:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I guess we will find out.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a6J5sVRt9a4g&refer=home


From the very first post in this thread, it was clear you didn't know what this was all about.

It's not about a militia at all. As I mentioned before I doubt you'll realize that fact even after the SC rules on the 2nd as a collective vs individual right.
Title: Re: Re: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 25, 2007, 07:42:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
From the very first post in this thread, it was clear you didn't know what this was all about.

It's not about a militia at all. As I mentioned before I doubt you'll realize that fact even after the SC rules on the 2nd as a collective vs individual right.


\\So if i dont agree with you almighty, I can go suck coal, right? Wrong and yes that is why I posted the ? it has not been decided and it will be the main focal point.

At this point it is collective :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 26, 2007, 07:53:04 AM
It doesn't matter if you agree with me or not; I really don't care. The only guys that matter are on the SC.

OTOH, I see no point in discussing it with someone that doesn't really understand the basis of the case.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 26, 2007, 08:10:29 AM
exactly...  The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.   One of those reasons is because one day we may need a militia (composed of all of the people).    

The point is that the founders recognized that the people had a right to defend themselves from any kind of tyranny including that of their own government if needed.  

The point is that the militia was meant to be all of the people.   any defenition of militia that does not include all of the people is a false one.   That is probably why the current code, 311 defines both an organized and an unorganized militia.

The unorganized militia according to current federal code is just as it was in 1776.. it is all of the people.

and bingie.. as for me going around armed and claiming constitutional militia status...  I am no martyr.    It would be right but it would be expensive and dangerous...  Just because their is a law that does not make it right.

I am sure that you would have told the negros who wanted to attend white schools that they were wrong because the law said they couldn't and that if they didn't believe it then they should just go and attend and see what happened.

Some brave ones did.  

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 10:50:34 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
It doesn't matter if you agree with me or not; I really don't care. The only guys that matter are on the SC.

OTOH, I see no point in discussing it with someone that doesn't really understand the basis of the case.


No one told you to chime in with your assumptions. the basis of the case is the militia of the state and you better hope they keep it.

hard to have a battle of wits when your unarmed. I wonder why a gun dosnt pop out of the womb with you when your born.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 10:51:53 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
exactly...  The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.   One of those reasons is because one day we may need a militia (composed of all of the people).    

The point is that the founders recognized that the people had a right to defend themselves from any kind of tyranny including that of their own government if needed.  

The point is that the militia was meant to be all of the people.   any defenition of militia that does not include all of the people is a false one.   That is probably why the current code, 311 defines both an organized and an unorganized militia.

The unorganized militia according to current federal code is just as it was in 1776.. it is all of the people.

and bingie.. as for me going around armed and claiming constitutional militia status...  I am no martyr.    It would be right but it would be expensive and dangerous...  Just because their is a law that does not make it right.

I am sure that you would have told the negros who wanted to attend white schools that they were wrong because the law said they couldn't and that if they didn't believe it then they should just go and attend and see what happened.

Some brave ones did.  

lazs


Their is plenty of law on the militia and how it preforms. 1776 just what it is 1776 today is 2008 things have changed.

No I wouldnt have stole the Africans from their homeland in the 1st place.


Edit: Laz do you really believe one day we will or could possible need the
Unorganized  Militia?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 26, 2007, 11:22:24 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
hard to have a battle of wits when your unarmed.  


It doesn't seem to keep you from posting. I suppose I should admire your effort.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 11:27:29 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
It doesn't seem to keep you from posting. I suppose I should admire your effort.


I bet I've read alot more than you have on this case and I  bet I have read alot more about the law than you have as well.

Good Day sir,
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Maverick on December 26, 2007, 11:29:33 AM
Toad, a troll is not something to be admired, pitied maybe, contemptible certainly, but definitely not admired.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 26, 2007, 11:33:20 AM
Bingolong=arlo?

their posts seem so similar. When someone does not agree with them, they use a personal attack.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 11:38:45 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Maverick
Toad, a troll is not something to be admired, pitied maybe, contemptible certainly, but definitely not admired.


Truth or troll lets find out. Tell me what this case is all about and what question/s does the SC ask in conjunction with this case. Toad dosnt seem to know. He is just spewing his oppinion. Facts say otherwise. I've shown all of you the law if you cant accept it to bad.

its in this thread
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 11:52:15 AM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
Bingolong=arlo?

their posts seem so similar. When someone does not agree with them, they use a personal attack.


speaking of trolls, where's your bridge?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 26, 2007, 12:06:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
speaking of trolls, where's your bridge?


is that a yes or no?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 26, 2007, 01:21:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I bet I've read alot more than you have on this case
Good Day sir,


I'd bet you have not.

For example, I don't think you have read this information about the case; at least your posts indicate you either haven't read it or don't understand it.


Quote
The Justices chose to write out for themselves the constitutional question they will undertake to answer in Heller. Both sides had urged the Court to hear the city’s case, but they had disagreed over how to frame the Second Amendment issue.

Here is the way the Court phrased the granted issue:

“Whether the following provisions — D.C. Code secs. 7-2502.02(a)(4), 22-4504(a), and 7-2507.02 — violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes?”



I suggest you study on that a while with particular attention to just what constitutional question the SC has chosen to address. Hint: it is NOT the definition of militia.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 26, 2007, 02:21:38 PM
bingie.. you did ask me a question..  do I think that an unorganized militia will ever be needed?    It happens all the time.

The woman who shot that church shooter was a part of the militia.    Those Korean guys who stood guard over their property in the rodney king riots were part of the militia...   those people who chased away the looters after katrina were part of the unorganized militia.

You are asking me if it is possible that any American will ever need a gun to defend against tyranny..   I am telling you that it not only is possible but that it happens about 1.5 million times a year.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: indy007 on December 26, 2007, 03:01:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
No I wouldnt have stole the Africans from their homeland in the 1st place.


Purchased. They were a commodity, sold by other Africans.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 26, 2007, 03:17:20 PM
Quote
“Whether the following provisions — D.C. Code secs. 7-2502.02(a)(4), 22-4504(a), and 7-2507.02 — violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes?”



This suggests that the question of "regulated militias" having the right to bear arms is a foregone conclusion. The question to be decided by the SC is rather on the rights of individuals not in a "regulated militia". This does nothing but bolster the point that the 2nd is the most ambiguous and contestable of all of the first 10. AND it points out the fact that the least questionable part of the 2nd is its connection to "regulated militias".

I thought I settled this thread 8 pages ago. When will you all learn to listen to me?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 26, 2007, 03:53:03 PM
"A well-schooled electorate, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and read Books, shall not be infringed".

So, only members of the electorate would have the right to keep and read books, correct?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 26, 2007, 05:32:03 PM
That seems to be the implication. You probably wouldn't have any trouble passing laws limiting books to people who did not own land or who weren't white males... if this were still the 18th century.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 26, 2007, 05:58:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
That seems to be the implication. You probably wouldn't have any trouble passing laws limiting books to people who did not own land or who weren't white males... if this were still the 18th century.


And since it's not the 18th century, books and guns for all.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 26, 2007, 06:13:26 PM
And why did you change the subject Toad?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 26, 2007, 09:39:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
Bingolong=arlo?

their posts seem so similar. When someone does not agree with them, they use a personal attack.


Anything more abrasive than a sponge seems to skin you raw. You're surrounded by Arlos. Good luck with that. :D

Some people just don't get it ;) (http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=23405939)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 26, 2007, 10:02:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Anything more abrasive than a sponge seems to skin you raw. You're surrounded by Arlos. Good luck with that. :D
 


don't flatter yourself, your about as abrasive as whipped cream. :lol
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 26, 2007, 10:03:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by indy007
Purchased. They were a commodity, sold by other Africans.


Traded at 1st.

to me being captured and taken away would be stolen.

Africans who had made a business out of capturing other Africans and selling them.

The Atlantic slave trade peaked in the late 18th century, when the largest number of slaves were captured on raiding expeditions into the interior of West Africa.

a steal of a deal if you will
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 26, 2007, 10:09:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
don't flatter yourself, your about as abrasive as whipped cream. :lol


Oh, I know I'm not the most abrasive dude in the world, honey. I'm just not sure why you spill non-stop tears, dear. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 26, 2007, 10:12:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Then what's with the regular tears, dear. ;)


tears of laughter, laughing at your futile attempts to insult people.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 26, 2007, 10:14:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
tears of laughter, laughing at your futile attempts to insult people.


So futile you're fixated on whining about it all the time? *poke* :D

Here's a hint:

A: Some people are just naturally prone to feeling insulted and complaining about it more than others, bless their hypersensitive, bruise-prone souls.

B: Some people aren't in the habit of bubble-wrapping everything they post to protect group A, damn their evil, bully, mean, heartless "troll"-souls.

C: Some people waffle between A and B and don't seem sure if they want to cry or laugh in between proving how "brilliant" they are with every post, may medication eventually help their bi-polarness.

D: Some people aren't worried about how "bad" the other guy is and are better at concentrating on their own character and not deviating from the root of the argument, pity their sensible natures.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 26, 2007, 10:15:41 PM
<>>
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 26, 2007, 10:17:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
<>>


Sure. And that wasn't a whimper you just made. Mmmmmright.  ;) :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 26, 2007, 10:18:18 PM
Was that a yes or a no? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 27, 2007, 08:20:15 AM
MT.. what you are saying is not what bingie is saying..  you are interpreting the ruling the court will make as decieding if the second is an individual right or just a worthless government right.

This would be fine with me as they have always come down... at least implied.. that it is indeed an individual right just like every other right.. that a "collective right" is no right at all.

bingie believes that the question has already been settled and that all they are going to do is decide what a "mitia" is.   That only a militia has rights.  in his opinion.. the second is only as good as what the government tells you it is.. he perscribes to the "no right at all" theory.

quite a difference.

I can't help but feel the SC will skirt the issue yet again... implying that it is indeed an individual right but the right of the government to decide what guns are appropriate...  pretty much as it stands now with one exception..  a gun that is locked up or all apart with no ammo is not a gun... A total ban on guns would not be acceptable.

The ruling will probly stop total gun bans but not restrictions.   I can't really see em going much farther than that.   Too many gun owners and constitutional scholars on the one hand who feel it is indeed a real individual right and too big a precedent to set to say that "the people" simply means any organization the state says it recognizes and not individuals.

On the other hand.. an outright admission that the government has no right to restrict would mean that thousands of gun laws would have to be looked at again.   It might open the floodgates and people might start getting uppity and think that they had some say... some rights..

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 27, 2007, 08:29:38 AM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
And why did you change the subject Toad?


The subject is individual vs collective rights in the Bill of Rights. From the way the SC framed the question they will address, it is clear they are looking at to determine if it is an individual right.

That last about books illustrates the nature of the dependent clause in the 2nd.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: midnight Target on December 27, 2007, 10:32:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
The subject is individual vs collective rights in the Bill of Rights. From the way the SC framed the question they will address, it is clear they are looking at to determine if it is an individual right.

That last about books illustrates the nature of the dependent clause in the 2nd.


Actually we were discussing the specificity of the question the SC would be reviewing. You changed the subject.

Lazs admits I'm right, you may as well follow along. The right of a militia is already decided, the rights of the individual will be decided... maybe.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 27, 2007, 11:20:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
So futile you're fixated on whining about it all the time? *poke* :D

Here's a hint:

A: Some people are just naturally prone to feeling insulted and complaining about it more than others, bless their hypersensitive, bruise-prone souls.

B: Some people aren't in the habit of bubble-wrapping everything they post to protect group A, damn their evil, bully, mean, heartless "troll"-souls.

C: Some people waffle between A and B and don't seem sure if they want to cry or laugh in between proving how "brilliant" they are with every post, may medication eventually help their bi-polarness.

D: Some people aren't worried about how "bad" the other guy is and are better at concentrating on their own character and not deviating from the root of the argument, pity their sensible natures.


MY MY MY :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

This kinda stuff must make you feel real good about yourself.:rofl

IMHO your nothing more then a troller looking for a reaction so here you go :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

So all betters now are you?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on December 27, 2007, 12:40:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by midnight Target
Actually we were discussing the specificity of the question the SC would be reviewing. You changed the subject.

Lazs admits I'm right, you may as well follow along. The right of a militia is already decided, the rights of the individual will be decided... maybe.


I think if you review my posts in the entire thread, from page one, you will see that you probably agreed with me, latecomer. :)

As for changing the subject, it was merely a learning aid for those confused by what a dependent clause is used to accomplish.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 27, 2007, 12:42:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
MT.. what you are saying is not what bingie is saying..  you are interpreting the ruling the court will make as decieding if the second is an individual right or just a worthless government right.

This would be fine with me as they have always come down... at least implied.. that it is indeed an individual right just like every other right.. that a "collective right" is no right at all.

bingie believes that the question has already been settled and that all they are going to do is decide what a "mitia" is.   That only a militia has rights.  in his opinion.. the second is only as good as what the government tells you it is.. he perscribes to the "no right at all" theory.

quite a difference.

I can't help but feel the SC will skirt the issue yet again... implying that it is indeed an individual right but the right of the government to decide what guns are appropriate...  pretty much as it stands now with one exception..  a gun that is locked up or all apart with no ammo is not a gun... A total ban on guns would not be acceptable.

The ruling will probly stop total gun bans but not restrictions.   I can't really see em going much farther than that.   Too many gun owners and constitutional scholars on the one hand who feel it is indeed a real individual right and too big a precedent to set to say that "the people" simply means any organization the state says it recognizes and not individuals.

On the other hand.. an outright admission that the government has no right to restrict would mean that thousands of gun laws would have to be looked at again.   It might open the floodgates and people might start getting uppity and think that they had some say... some rights..

lazs


Not really laz just no "God" given rights to own a gun. From the time you are born you are under law, they number you right from the get go these days . The government tells you what you can and cant do. In fact the government wrote the 2nd. You are not free. We live under rule of law not feudalism. You do not pop out of the womb with a gun , you are given the right to have one by the government who wrote your rights to begin with and who have modified your rights since then and continue to do so. So, once again, you are not the militia, the militia is what the government says it is, its clear thru the rule of law bye the government, you are no longer a one man militia. I am sorry laz.

Now I have said yes the definition of the militia will have to be declared before they move on to toad and your argument. Is there and/or will be an unorganized militia? Will the militia become solely the national guard? Will the unorganized militia get renamed national defence forces? Will it stay unanswered? Will the unorganized militia be declared troops? Will the unorganized militia be made mandatory to own a gun ? Will the unorganized militia be at the sole discretion of the State? The way I see your right totally depends on what the unorganized militia is. You dont see it that way neither does toad.

As toad said the SC wrote the qusetion. It is extremely rare that happens.  MT its not only a "regulated militia" It's the "State-regulated militia" DC want to ban guns, their not a state.
Why did the SC frame the question that way? Seems it would not pertain to DC.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 27, 2007, 12:48:11 PM
Bingolong, what does inalienable rights mean?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 27, 2007, 12:50:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
Bingolong, what does inalienable rights mean?


Who said you have inalienable rights?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 27, 2007, 12:59:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Who said you have inalienable rights?


The government of the United States is the result of a revolution in thought. It was founded on the principle that all persons have equal rights, and that government is responsible to, and derives its powers from, a free people. To Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers, these ideas were not just a passing intellectual fad, but a recognition of something inherent in the nature of man itself. The very foundation of government, therefore, rests on the inalienable rights of the people and of each individual composing their mass. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, is the fundamental statement of what government is and from what source it derives its powers. It begins with a summary of those inalienable rights that are the self-evident basis for a free society and for all the powers to protect those rights that a just government exercises.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 27, 2007, 02:38:13 PM
bingie.. we shall have to see.   I don't believe that there is such a thing as a collective right..  that is no right at all.   I don't think that such a thing was ever even dreamed of up till a few decades ago by liberal socialists and activist judges.

I believe that either we have rights or that we don't.. if we can have them spelled out as to "not be infringed" and that not be worth the paper it is printed on then.. you are correct.. we are only fooling ourselves that we are a free people and that we are nothing more than subjects of our government.. the grand experiment ends now.

As for militia?   well.. it matters not but.. the current code and the original intent are the same.. it is everyone.  every able bodied man.   The current code gets a little more detailed than the founders ever cared about but..  it is all just saying the same thing.. the "unorganized militia" is by the code...311... everyone.

Now you can squirm and twist all you want but even by your own logic.. until they change the code then we are all the "unorganized militia"

There are few besides yourself tho that even care since almost everyone agrees  that the first part of the amendment about the militia is not conditional to the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

The only thing the militia part does is help my case.. it pretty much says that you can't take away guns that would be good for use in war.   That is really what the miller case said.. they only made his sawn off shotgun illegal because it was not "useful as a military arm" (they were of course wrong).

The case won't have anything to do with the militia.   What is the militia... will not even be discussed except in passing.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 27, 2007, 03:41:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie.. we shall have to see.   I don't believe that there is such a thing as a collective right..  that is no right at all.   I don't think that such a thing was ever even dreamed of up till a few decades ago by liberal socialists and activist judges.

I believe that either we have rights or that we don't.. if we can have them spelled out as to "not be infringed" and that not be worth the paper it is printed on then.. you are correct.. we are only fooling ourselves that we are a free people and that we are nothing more than subjects of our government.. the grand experiment ends now.

As for militia?   well.. it matters not but.. the current code and the original intent are the same.. it is everyone.  every able bodied man.   The current code gets a little more detailed than the founders ever cared about but..  it is all just saying the same thing.. the "unorganized militia" is by the code...311... everyone.

Now you can squirm and twist all you want but even by your own logic.. until they change the code then we are all the "unorganized militia"

There are few besides yourself tho that even care since almost everyone agrees  that the first part of the amendment about the militia is not conditional to the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

The only thing the militia part does is help my case.. it pretty much says that you can't take away guns that would be good for use in war.   That is really what the miller case said.. they only made his sawn off shotgun illegal because it was not "useful as a military arm" (they were of course wrong).

The case won't have anything to do with the militia.   What is the militia... will not even be discussed except in passing.

lazs


311 says Members laz! Members of a group.
I have been saying you want the militia to stay all along as it does boost your case.
What is the militia... I bet we will find out.
Its the Main reason you get to keep and bear arms.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 27, 2007, 05:13:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

What is the militia... I bet we will find out.
Its the Main reason you get to keep and bear arms.


now you are confused, i keep and bear arms and i never joined a organized/disorganized/unorganized militia.

how do you explain that?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 27, 2007, 05:19:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
311 says Members laz! Members of a group.
I have been saying you want the militia to stay all along as it does boost your case.
What is the militia... I bet we will find out.
Its the Main reason you get to keep and bear arms.


There as been an argument going on for the last 20 years or so about militia.

The left and those leaning that way have repeatedly tried to claim that the militia portion of the 2nd Amendment is the controlling factor of that Amendment.

“It is proof of a base and low mind for one to wish to think with the masses or majority, merely because the majority is the majority. Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.” —Giordano Bruno

“There is in all of us a strong disposition to believe that anything lawful is also legitimate. This belief is so widespread that many persons have erroneously held that things are ‘just’ because the law makes them so.” —Frederic Bastiat

"Some people were put on this earth to be slaves. They're unhappy if they're not a slave, and they'll keep searching until they find someplace where they can be one."~~SM 101

"If someone is so fearful that, that they're going to start using their weapons to protect their rights, it makes me very nervous that these people have these weapons at all!"~~Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) On MSNBC

"When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you"~~Niccolo Machiavelli, "The Prince"




They even did a study..........

"The conclusion is thus inescapable that the history, concept, and wording of the Second Amendment ... as well as its interpretation by every major commentator and court in the first half-century after its ratification, indicates that what is protected is an individual right of a private citizen to own and carry firearms in a peaceful manner." - U.S. Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, 1982





I'm inclined toward thinking that statements such as the following had a affect on that study.................

[Ah, Congress: Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American... The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state government, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people. — Tench Coxe, Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788]

"Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American." - Tench Coxe, of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788

"The fundamental force behind the Second Amendment is to empower the people and give them the greatest measure of authority over the tyranny of runaway government." - U.S. Rep. Bob Schaffer, 2002

"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, during Virginia's Convention to Ratify the Constitution (1788)

"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." - George Washington

"What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that the people preserve the spirit of resistance?" - Thomas Jefferson, 1787

As Thomas Paine once asked, —¦If a thief breaks into my house, burns and destroys my property, and kills or threatens to kill me, or those that are in it, and to 'bind me in all cases whatsoever' to his absolute will, am I to suffer it?" To say one must allow such destruction of one's life, liberty and property, and to not allow for the means to protect such rights, is to say that the individual does not hold these natural rights, and that whoever holds the power shall decide what "rights" will be granted. Such an idea is preposterous.

"Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined." - Patrick Henry

"When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that either from cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you"~~Niccolo Machiavelli, "The Prince"





A ruling has been made and statements have been made regarding the 2nd.

Wish I could still find the net address for those court rulings that came out in favor of the 2nd being an INDIVIDUAL right.

It is possible the SC will come out AGAINST the individual right reading of the 2nd but IMHO that COULD prove to be a disastrous thing to do for this nation at this time.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on December 27, 2007, 05:27:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
now you are confused, i keep and bear arms and i never joined a organized/disorganized/unorganized militia.

how do you explain that?



Your an American right?

Your over 14 right?

Your under 60 right? (or is it 50?)

YOU ARE IN THE MILITIA!

IF you ever served in the military HONORABLY you're in the militia as an OFFICER until active military arrive and releave you of command and this continues until you're nearly in the grave age wise!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 27, 2007, 08:11:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
MY MY MY :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

This kinda stuff must make you feel real good about yourself.:rofl

IMHO [you're] nothing more [than] a troller looking for a reaction so here you go [:] :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

So all betters now[,] are you?


I guess that means you're nothing but a reaction waiting for an excuse to happen. *ShruG*

I'm fine. Hope your knee gets better.

Wouldn't it be a rather interesting experiment if people could dis-cuss gun control without getting overly emotional and letting that hump their brain into misfiring? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 27, 2007, 08:13:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Your an American right?

Your over 14 right?

Your under 60 right? (or is it 50?)

YOU ARE IN THE MILITIA!

IF you ever served in the military HONORABLY you're in the militia as an OFFICER until active military arrive and releave you of command and this continues until you're nearly in the grave age wise!


Are you making this up as you go? ;) :aok

Cite an official source. I so wanna be a militia officer. :D

And why are you so focused on the militia bit if it's a non-factor? :confused:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 27, 2007, 09:32:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
... that "the people" simply means any organization the state says it recognizes and not individuals.
 


I submit that the word "individual" existed even before all the documents penned by our national forefathers came to be and that the penning of the documents was done with great painstaking. I further submit that the phrase "the People" illustrates more than one and further describes the citizenry of the nation, as a whole. And lastly, I submit that the phrase "the People" was used in the formation of this nation's government to illustrate that there would be no seperation of a government and it's people though, obviously, there is a need for legal jurisdiction and authority for a civilized society to have law and order.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_the_People

"People of the United States"

The phrase "People of the United States" has been construed synonymously with "citizens",[4] but has also been construed as "all under the sovereign jurisdiction and authority of the United States."[5] The phrase has been construed as bearing witness to the fact that the Constitution emanated from the people and was not the act of sovereign and independent States,[6] and that it was made for, and is binding only in, the United States of America.[7] Thus, this language implies that the power and authority of the federal government of the United States does not come from the various states, or even from the peoples of the various states, but rather from the greater entity identified as the people of the United States of America.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[4] ^ See Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857) (stating that the Preamble protected only U.S. citizens, and did not give Dred Scott, a citizen of Missouri but not a U.S. citizen, the right to sue in federal court). But see id. at 581–82 (Curtis, J., dissenting) (arguing that the Preamble applies to the people of the states, and dictates that people born in any state are automatically U.S. citizens). Scott was superseded by the 13th Amendment and 14th Amendment.

[5] ^ Jacobson, 197 U.S. at 22.

[6] ^ McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 316, 403 (1819); Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, 14 U.S. (1 Wheat.) 304, 324 (1816); Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 U.S. (2 Dall.) 419, 471 (1793),

[7] ^ Downes v. Bidwell, 182 U.S. 244, 251 (1901); In re Ross, 140 U.S. 453, 464 (1891).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The formation of the Republic was deliberate. A representative Democracy. Not a state of individuals where each person was the law unto themselves.

Never-the-less, the very nature of human desire (selfishness, if you will) has driven man to reinterpret even the most benign and straightforward law to fit one's own individual ends since before the formation of the United States. Take, for example, what the Pharisees ans Sadducees had managed to do to Hebraic law by the time Christ entered the scene.

So here we are, reliant on the Supreme Court of the United States to offer a definitive interpretation on the second amendment of our Constitution with citizens of differing opinions running the gamut from claiming divine right to be armed to the teeth with whatever they desire (as "plainly stated" in the amendment) all the way to citizens desiring the government implement laws to control widespread ownership of anything but sporting weapons (as the amendment "plainly" allows). Perhaps the lobbyists on both ends are akin to the Pharisees and Sadducees of Biblical times, each pandering to use law for gain or for power. I'm sure there's plenty to be had, either way.

May the presiding justices avoid extremism of any kind. We should all know, by now, what that leads to.

And may arguments of a legal nature be less emotionally and more logically driven, for everyone's sake.

(all smileys omitted to avoid eliciting knee-jerks)

"Disclaimer": That was a lot of reading, wasn't it? Does that make the additional effort of reading more into it than was there worth it?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 27, 2007, 10:03:16 PM
the right to self defense predates the constitution, the united states, and the supreme court. It also predates any man made laws.

If a govt says you can defend yourself they are not giving you a right, they are just reaffirming a right you already have.

i understand some people do not/will not defend themselves, that is their choice, not the choice of the govt.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 27, 2007, 10:14:50 PM
Is that a yes or a no? ;)

Who's taking your right to defend yourself away by requiring you to register a gun in the event you use it for more than just that? Gun control isn't just about taking your guns away, john. Gun control can also be tools that help the authorities investigate and prosecute a criminal. We can't have that, can we? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 27, 2007, 10:34:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Is that a yes or a no? ;)

Who's taking your right to defend yourself away by requiring you to register a gun in the event you use it for more than just that? Gun control isn't just about taking your guns away, john. Gun control can also be tools that help the authorities investigate and prosecute a criminal. We can't have that, can we? :D


So you think it's OK to register guns?  That's what the German republic said in the 1930's, "register your guns to help fight crime", sounds good huh, who is against fighting crime? When the Nazi's came into power they got the  registration lists and just collected all the guns.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 27, 2007, 10:48:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
So you think it's OK to register guns?  That's what the German republic said in the 1930's, "register your guns to help fight crime", sounds good huh, who is against fighting crime? When the Nazi's came into power they got the  registration lists and just collected all the guns.


Then I suggest not letting the Nazi party rise to power here. No, john, handgun registration is not proof that the government is out to oppress you. Nor is a background check. And neither will "always" be the first step towards such if there really is no sinister conspiracy behind it all. Your correlation comes across as hyperbole to me. Let's not go there if we're both sincere about coming to an understanding. No offense and no insult in that. Thanks.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 28, 2007, 08:46:41 AM
wrag explained it to you guys quite well.    The militia is everyone.. they don't have to do a thing to be in it.   by bingies flawed reasoning then you really can't say you are a "member of the human race" unless you have a card and pay dues to the "human race" or.. worse.. that the government tells you if you are allowed to join the human race.

311 simply recognizes that organized militias can  exist and can be under some control.. it  says.. at the end tho that everyone else is part of the unorganized militia..  it has the exact same spirit and defines it the same way as the founders.

just as we are all members of the human race.. we are, all of us able bodied citizens, members of the unorganized militia..

To ask for rules and regulations and organized out of the "unorganized militia" is silly on the face of it.

arlo is trying to say that "the right of the people" can mean the rights of not the people but of groups of people only with the ability to exclude anyone the government wants from being "the people"  that would not bode well for all the other amendments.    The constitution is very clear on what is the people and what is the state.

The 1982 congressional study was important since..  it made of mockery of bingies whole arguement.. it stated that the right could not be seen as anything but an individual one.

That throws out.. or puts in perspective.. the whole militia thing in the second...  it pretty much means that a militia sure would be nice sometimes but it has nothing to do with if we are allowed as individuals to have guns or not..  that part is spelled out quite plainly..  the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

"the right of the people to be secure in their persons...."  is that a collective right too?   how does "people" mean one thing in one amendment and the oppossite in another?  

A right of "the people" is an individual one..  an individual right is a real right.

A "collective right" is no right at all.   It is 1984 newspeak   it is the same as saying slavery is freedom.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 12:20:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
wrag explained it to you guys quite well.    The militia is everyone.. they don't have to do a thing to be in it.   by bingies flawed reasoning then you really can't say you are a "member of the human race" unless you have a card and pay dues to the "human race" or.. worse.. that the government tells you if you are allowed to join the human race.

311 simply recognizes that organized militias can  exist and can be under some control.. it  says.. at the end tho that everyone else is part of the unorganized militia..  it has the exact same spirit and defines it the same way as the founders.

just as we are all members of the human race.. we are, all of us able bodied citizens, members of the unorganized militia..

To ask for rules and regulations and organized out of the "unorganized militia" is silly on the face of it.

arlo is trying to say that "the right of the people" can mean the rights of not the people but of groups of people only with the ability to exclude anyone the government wants from being "the people"  that would not bode well for all the other amendments.    The constitution is very clear on what is the people and what is the state.

The 1982 congressional study was important since..  it made of mockery of bingies whole arguement.. it stated that the right could not be seen as anything but an individual one.

That throws out.. or puts in perspective.. the whole militia thing in the second...  it pretty much means that a militia sure would be nice sometimes but it has nothing to do with if we are allowed as individuals to have guns or not..  that part is spelled out quite plainly..  the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

"the right of the people to be secure in their persons...."  is that a collective right too?   how does "people" mean one thing in one amendment and the oppossite in another?  

A right of "the people" is an individual one..  an individual right is a real right.

A "collective right" is no right at all.   It is 1984 newspeak   it is the same as saying slavery is freedom.

lazs


Like a SS card? that allows you to pay all the nice taxes? You are a member of the US. I'll give you this there is still no Tea Tax, unless you put sugar in it then you can tax tea.

Once more for 311, btw wrag you just lost 18 years off your militia.

a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, citizens of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members  of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.

Members of the Militia! I don't know why this is so hard for you.

Like the gentleman in the VDF that is not the national guard nor the Navel Militia is it? But it is a militia. Yes or No? 25 states have a militia that's it. The rest saying it's the National Guard. How is that? This certainly cant be because of the state laws can it?
The Framers also talked about no need for a standing army. What happened to that ? The national guard is not supposed to go out of the country?

The earliest historical record of militia is found in the Old Testament and particularly the Book of Judges, when the Israelites fought as militia against threatening neighboring tribes. A prominent instance of that was the militia led by Deborah  against the Caananites


The Militia Clauses gave Congress authority for "organizing, arming, and disciplining" the militia, and "governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States", with the States retaining authority to appoint officers and to impose the training specified by Congress To ensure that the militia could not be disarmed , a right of the people to keep and bear arms was recognized in the Second Amendment

The first legislation on the subject was The Militia Act of 1792 which provided, in part:

That each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age of eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years (except as is herein after excepted) shall severally and respectively be "enrolled" in the militia, ... every citizen, so "enrolled" and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock....

After he enrolls he gets a gun.

So if you want to talk in the day or today. your still wrong. You cant just say" Oh well that law was never adhered to and it does not apply to me."

Like you say "it is or it is not!"
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 28, 2007, 12:27:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

every citizen, so "enrolled" and notified, shall, within six months thereafter, provide himself with a good musket or firelock....


After he enrolls he gets a gun.
 [/B]


thats not what it says, it says after enrollment he has six months to get a gun, it does NOT say he cannot have a gun before he enrolls.

read what it says, not what you want it to say.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 12:33:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
thats not what it says, it says after enrollment he has six months to get a gun, it does NOT say he cannot have a gun before he enrolls.

read what it says, not what you want it to say.



It says he shall provide a musket to What john? Be in the Militia!

Sit down!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 28, 2007, 12:39:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
It says he shall provide a musket to What john? Be in the Militia!

Sit down!


you sit down , you have it backwards, he needs a gun to join the militia, he does not need to join the militia to have a gun.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 01:09:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
you sit down , you have it backwards, he needs a gun to join the militia, he does not need to join the militia to have a gun.


Okay show me where it says that any act, law or legislation you can find.
Show me where it says he must have a gun to enroll in the militia any where?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 01:35:04 PM
Btw laz, you are over 17 and under 45 correct? or have been in the service?

I am not the militia as I am to old and did not serve :|. hmmm....

http://www.census.gov/population/projections/SummaryTabA1.pdf
http://www.census.gov/population/projections/SummaryTabB2.pdf

Loosely using 2010 estimates in your favor,

About 57mil qualify for militia duty say 20% < medical, politcal, or legal etc..> do not so about 45mil or so.
That only leaves 232 mil of us that do not qualify to be in the militia... That is hardly all of us now is it?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 28, 2007, 02:05:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Btw laz, you are over 17 and under 45 correct?


Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 28, 2007, 02:43:52 PM
Nope... 57

As I have said in earlier posts.. or could it be threads?   As I have said... you might have a little trouble with the whole gender and age discrimination thing.

There are laws against age and gender discrimination.  Plus..  Like nearly everyone else in the world.. I know that the second is not conditional on militia anyway so.. no matter how you look at it..   I am in the clear.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 28, 2007, 02:47:04 PM
and...it would never be all of us in any case.   "able bodied" means sound of mind and body.  A felon has had his citizenship rights restricted...  a minor has no rights.

but women and people over 45?  you might have some problems on that one due to current law.

but... as I said.  the seconds pointing out of our rights has nothing to do with membership in a militia.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 02:54:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Nope... 57

As I have said in earlier posts.. or could it be threads?   As I have said... you might have a little trouble with the whole gender and age discrimination thing.

There are laws against age and gender discrimination.  Plus..  Like nearly everyone else in the world.. I know that the second is not conditional on militia anyway so.. no matter how you look at it..   I am in the clear.

lazs

 :O :O


well its clear you pick and choose the laws you like.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 28, 2007, 03:04:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
and...it would never be all of us in any case.   "able bodied" means sound of mind and body.  A felon has had his citizenship rights restricted...  a minor has no rights.

but women and people over 45?  you might have some problems on that one due to current law.

but... as I said.  the seconds pointing out of our rights has nothing to do with membership in a militia.

lazs


There are laws about it :) I've allready posted them many times.

Women in the Natinal Guard? As my engineer friend says "so small that it gets lost in the noise."

over 45 ... laws for that to shall I post them again maybe you will read it this time :) or...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 28, 2007, 03:24:51 PM
I sure hope the SC has enough nerve to rule on the meaning of the second amendment as it applies to individual rights. May spoil many lively forum arguments but this needs to be put to rest, well, until the libs can appoint enough justices to reverse what I think will be a ruling in favor of liberty.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 29, 2007, 10:35:42 AM
bingie.. again..   being in the militia.. no matter what.. is not a condition of the second.. the "people" have the right not the militia.

but... I don't think that if I wanted to be considered part of the unorganized militia.. that being told that I was too old would stand up in any court.   just as telling a woman she couldn't be would.

But.. even so.. this may be one area where people have changed since the 1700's..   a 30 year old was an old man back then but he was still probly ten times better shape than some 30 year olds now.. still.. by the time he was 45.. he was pretty broke down.   today.. it is a matter of genetics and exercise etc..  I am for sure fit enough for any unorganized militia.    

It is also fair to note that many front line combat troops today are over 45.

but.. if they told me I couldn't be part of the militia.. no big deal.. don't really care...  I am still "the people" and as such.. my right to keep and bear arms is supposed to be protected...  to not be "infringed".

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 29, 2007, 11:13:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie.. again..   being in the militia.. no matter what.. is not a condition of the second.. the "people" have the right not the militia.

but... I don't think that if I wanted to be considered part of the unorganized militia.. that being told that I was too old would stand up in any court.   just as telling a woman she couldn't be would.
 


There's no doubt in my mind that should any war, internal or external, ever require an unorganized militia of citizens, no one willing and capable of firing a rifle would be excluded.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 29, 2007, 11:28:02 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie.. again..   being in the militia.. no matter what.. is not a condition of the second.. the "people" have the right not the militia.

but... I don't think that if I wanted to be considered part of the unorganized militia.. that being told that I was too old would stand up in any court.   just as telling a woman she couldn't be would.

But.. even so.. this may be one area where people have changed since the 1700's..   a 30 year old was an old man back then but he was still probly ten times better shape than some 30 year olds now.. still.. by the time he was 45.. he was pretty broke down.   today.. it is a matter of genetics and exercise etc..  I am for sure fit enough for any unorganized militia.    

It is also fair to note that many front line combat troops today are over 45.

but.. if they told me I couldn't be part of the militia.. no big deal.. don't really care...  I am still "the people" and as such.. my right to keep and bear arms is supposed to be protected...  to not be "infringed".

lazs



wrong laz,

It says

"a well regulated militia , as being  necessary {"a necessity"} to the security of a free state,". It is the only thing that is a necessity in the whole amendment. Because of that necessity. the people "have the right" to keep and  bear arms.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on December 29, 2007, 11:37:35 AM
again you are reading into it what you want to read, it is not giving the people the right to have guns, it is protecting the right the people already have to have guns. Shall not be infringed.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 29, 2007, 12:03:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
again you are reading into it what you want to read, it is not giving the people the right to have guns, it is protecting the right the people already have to have guns. Shall not be infringed.



Back again huh I see why arlo likes you :D
Did you find where it said I have to have a gun to join the militia yet?

I'm reading it, your reading into it ;)
I read from left to right you read from right to left
It also does not assume that every one own's a gun. It says why you have the right to.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 29, 2007, 12:14:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
It also does not assume that every one own's a gun. It says why you have the right to.


No it doesn't. However, the SC will soon settle this argument, legally anyhow. No doubt there will be others like you up in arms, uh, well, opposed to their likely ruling.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 29, 2007, 12:37:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
No it doesn't. However, the SC will soon settle this argument, legally anyhow. No doubt there will be others like you up in arms, uh, well, opposed to their likely ruling.




Tell me how I feel crowd.
If you had kept up, I am arguing this side of the argument. In fact  I have said I am for the second amendment. I have had guns. I do not care if you own a 1-100 guns. Just no machine guns and some sort of future out look for gun safety. I do not think guns in a safe do any good nor a trigger lock.  But just as we have a bad gas situation and need new ideas we have a bad gun situation. Thought should be put into updating the way they work that does not interfere with your rights. You can sit there and say how bad it is or it's not going to work all you want or you can try to figure out a better mouse trap? at first came the model A!

But.... because of this I have found a safe that works on finger prints... guess it's not new... but I did not know.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 29, 2007, 02:43:45 PM
I don't think 'official' militias today have ANYthing to do with the 2nd, as most have naught to do with guns. (More likely due to lawyers than anything else) The meaning of what a militia is has changed in a couple centuries
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 29, 2007, 02:47:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Is that a yes or a no? ;)

Who's taking your right to defend yourself away by requiring you to register a gun in the event you use it for more than just that? Gun control isn't just about taking your guns away, john. Gun control can also be tools that help the authorities investigate and prosecute a criminal. We can't have that, can we? :D
Interesting---not necessarily YOU Arlo, (not sure where you are on this) but the Left in general, DOESN'T want us to provide I.D. when voting, but has no problem creating a national database of every gun-owner/gun in the United States:confused:
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 29, 2007, 09:27:15 PM
The left doesn't want voter's registration and picture I.D. shown a the polls? Or is it a specific kook or subset that want this? News to me. But then, I don't subscribe to their newsletter.

I'll concede this: I understand why some fear certain types of legislation. And it's not like I lack all sense of foresight. I think it's just that I don't feel the urgency to be proactive against something that's really been around, in one form or another, since long before I hit this rock and doesn't register on my threat radar. Registering handguns .... background checks .... not a big deal to me. And the arguments made to date haven't driven me closer to thinking so. America's gonna stay well armed. A Nazi type gun roundup just isn't gonna happen until our society changes a lot more than the Republicans melodramatizing the Democrats and visa versa.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 30, 2007, 11:11:09 AM
bingie... you don't even know what the amendment says.

"wrong laz,

It says

"a well regulated militia , as being necessary {"a necessity"} to the security of a free state,". It is the only thing that is a necessity in the whole amendment. Because of that necessity. the people "have the right" to keep and bear arms."

It does not say "as being  necessary"   what it says is that " 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.

Now, they sure seem to know the difference between state and people since they use both words in the same amendment to mean two different things.   People.. and ...  government...  

No one but you and a couple of far left professors would ever think that the militia was conditional..  it would be conditional the other way around if anything... if the right of the people to keep and bear arms were taken away then there would be no militia nor would it be "necessary"... It would simply not exist.

To say that the militia is simply the government and that "the people" is who they allow.. and then to say that the amendment was written so that the government could arm itself against the people... well.. that would not have made sense when the amendment was written and it doesn't make sense now..

But.. if you want the SC to define "people" and peoples rights in the constitution to mean a "collective right"  (no right at all) well..  the whole constitution would be just so much toilet paper.   With the government giving and taking rights at whim..   no inalienable rights at all save those granted by a government.

I do not believe the court wants to go down this path..  Like a lot of lefties tho.. I am sure the 2nd is unpopular with you but.. most of the left is smarter than you and can see past their nose.. they see that.. much as they hate the second.. to go down your totalitarian path would open the floodgates on any other amendment that used the word "people".   Or...for that matter.. "state".

You might not want the fourth defined in your newspeak way for instance.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 30, 2007, 12:03:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie... you don't even know what the amendment says.

"wrong laz,

It says

"a well regulated militia , as being necessary {"a necessity"} to the security of a free state,". It is the only thing that is a necessity in the whole amendment. Because of that necessity. the people "have the right" to keep and bear arms."

It does not say "as being  necessary"   what it says is that " 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.

Now, they sure seem to know the difference between state and people since they use both words in the same amendment to mean two different things.   People.. and ...  government...  

No one but you and a couple of far left professors would ever think that the militia was conditional..  it would be conditional the other way around if anything... if the right of the people to keep and bear arms were taken away then there would be no militia nor would it be "necessary"... It would simply not exist.

To say that the militia is simply the government and that "the people" is who they allow.. and then to say that the amendment was written so that the government could arm itself against the people... well.. that would not have made sense when the amendment was written and it doesn't make sense now..

But.. if you want the SC to define "people" and peoples rights in the constitution to mean a "collective right"  (no right at all) well..  the whole constitution would be just so much toilet paper.   With the government giving and taking rights at whim..   no inalienable rights at all save those granted by a government.

I do not believe the court wants to go down this path..  Like a lot of lefties tho.. I am sure the 2nd is unpopular with you but.. most of the left is smarter than you and can see past their nose.. they see that.. much as they hate the second.. to go down your totalitarian path would open the floodgates on any other amendment that used the word "people".   Or...for that matter.. "state".

You might not want the fourth defined in your newspeak way for instance.

lazs


307 U.S. at 178. Miller has been interpreted by this court and other courts to hold that the Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual the right to keep and transport a firearm where there is no evidence that possession of that firearm was related to the preservation or efficiency of a well-regulated militia. See Lewis v. United States, 445 U.S. 55, 65 n.8 (1980) (citing Miller for proposition that "the Second Amendment guarantees no right to keep and bear a firearm that does not have some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia");(2) see also Silveira v. Lockyer, 312 F.3d 1052, 1061 (9th Cir. 2003) (referring to Miller's implicit rejection of traditional individual rights position); Love v. Pepersack, 47 F.3d 120, 124 (4th Cir. 1995) ("Since [Miller], the lower federal courts have uniformly held that the Second Amendment preserves a collective, rather than individual, right."); United States v. Toner, 728 F.2d 115, 128 (2d Cir. 1984) (interpreting Miller to stand for rule that, absent reasonable relationship to preservation of well-regulated militia, there is no fundamental right to possess firearm); United States v. Oakes, 564 F.2d 384, 387 (10th Cir. 1977) (analyzing Miller and concluding that "[t]o apply the amendment so as to guarantee appellant's right to keep an unregistered firearm which has not been shown to have any connection to the militia, merely because he is technically a member of the Kansas militia, would be unjustifiable in terms of either logic or policy"); but see United States v. Emerson, 270 F.3d 203, 226 (5th Cir. 2001) (reading Miller as indecisive and, at best, supporting an individual's right to bear arms).

 We conclude Parker's reliance on Emerson is unavailing for several reasons. First, we cannot rely on a ruling from another circuit when this court has ruled to the contrary. Parker's reliance on Emerson is foreclosed by this court's rulings in Bayles, Graham, and Haney, where we held that absent a showing that a person is part of a well-regulated state-run militia, the Second Amendment does not establish a citizen's right to possess a firearm.
Second, the Fifth Circuit stands alone in its interpretation of the Second Amendment as conferring an individual right to bear arms. In contrast, the Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Circuits have adopted the most restrictive interpretation (also known as "the collective rights model") of the Second Amendment. Under "the collective rights model," the Second Amendment never applies to individuals but merely recognizes the state's right to arm its militia. See Gillespie v. City of Indianapolis, 185 F.3d 693 (7th Cir. 1999); Hickman v. Block, 81 F.3d 98 (9th Cir. 1996); Love, 47 F.3d 120; United States v. Warin, 530 F.2d 103 (6th Cir. 1976); see also United States v. Price, 328 F.3d 958, 961 (7th Cir. 2003) (rejecting reasoning adopted in Emerson). Similarly, in addition to this court, the First, Third, Eighth, and Eleventh Circuits have all adopted a "sophisticated collective rights model." Under this interpretation of the Second Amendment, an individual has a right to bear arms, but only in direct affiliation with a well-organized state-supported militia. See United States v. Wright, 117 F.3d 1265 (11th Cir. 1997); United States v. Rybar, 103 F.3d 273 (3d Cir. 1996); United States v. Hale, 978 F.2d 1016 (8th Cir. 1992); Cases v. United States, 131 F.2d 916 (1st Cir. 1942).

Third, putting aside the fact that Miller requires that a party have some connection to a state-run militia, even the Fifth Circuit's most narrow interpretation of Miller does not support Parker's claim. To the extent Miller only stands for the rule that a sawed-off shotgun is not a military firearm and therefore not covered by the Second Amendment, Parker has presented no evidence that his revolver would come within the category of arms used by the military. To the contrary, at trial, Officer Michael Palhegyi, who was part of the military police unit that took Parker into custody, testified that Parker's firearm was "not considered a military grade weapon" and, instead, more commonly was used for personal defense or target practice. App. at 30. We conclude Parker's prosecution by the United States pursuant to the ACA did not violate the Second Amendment.



Seems the only court that agrees with you is the 5th, seems that you dont know what it says laz. You want Tex, Miss and Lou to make law for ya fine.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 30, 2007, 12:49:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
The left doesn't want voter's registration and picture I.D. shown a the polls? Or is it a specific kook or subset that want this? News to me. But then, I don't subscribe to their newsletter.

I'll concede this: I understand why some fear certain types of legislation. And it's not like I lack all sense of foresight. I think it's just that I don't feel the urgency to be proactive against something that's really been around, in one form or another, since long before I hit this rock and doesn't register on my threat radar. Registering handguns .... background checks .... not a big deal to me. And the arguments made to date haven't driven me closer to thinking so. America's gonna stay well armed. A Nazi type gun roundup just isn't gonna happen until our society changes a lot more than the Republicans melodramatizing the Democrats and visa versa.


You have to be pretty out of touch with mainstream politics not to know that many prominent Democrats have spoken out loudly against voter ID.



Just one local example among many, many others. Why exactly do you think democrats are opposed to voter ID?

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/051607dntexvoterid.709d88f1.html
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 30, 2007, 01:44:50 PM
bingie... miller in no way said that the right was a collective one.. a collective right is no right at all...  Miller only said that an arm that had no use as a militia arm was not protected.. big difference.

please give the source for the opinion that you copied.   It is just that.. some authors opinion of rulings.    "a sophisticated collective model" means nothing.   it is your authors opinion not the supreme courts.

And.. as I have pointed out.  you missquoted the second amendment in any case.. it does not say what you said it does.

you could look at real SC cases and not hick liberal activist circuit cases tho...

U.S. v. Verdugo-Urquidez (1990)

This case dealt with whether nonresident aliens, located in a foreign country, were entitled to Fourth Amendment rights. The Court ruled they were not. In discussing the meaning of "the people" in the Fourth Amendment, the Court commented:

    " '[T]he people' seems to have been a term of art employed in select parts of the Constitution. The Preamble declares that the Constitution is ordained and established by 'the people of the United States.' The Second Amendment protects 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,' and the Ninth and Tenth Amendments provide that certain rights and powers are retained by and reserved to 'the people.' See also U.S. Const., Amdt. 1 ('Congress shall make no law . . . abridging . . . the right of the people peaceably to assemble') (emphasis added); Art. I, 2, cl. 1 ('The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the people of the several States') (emphasis added). While this textual exegesis is by no means conclusive, it suggests that 'the people' protected by the Fourth Amendment, and by the First and Second Amendments, and to whom rights and powers are reserved in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, refers to a class of persons who are part of a national community or who have otherwise developed sufficient connection with this country to be considered part of that community. "

Therefore the Court viewed "the people" in the Second Amendment to have the same meaning as in the First, Fourth, Ninth, and Tenth amendments. Many "pro-gun" groups cite this case as resolving "any doubt that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right" (National Rifle Association, Fact

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 30, 2007, 01:55:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie.please give the source for the opinion that you copied.   It is just that.. some authors opinion of rulings.    "a sophisticated collective model" means nothing.   it is your authors opinion not the supreme courts

lazs


http://ca10.washburnlaw.edu/cases/2004/03/03-4119.htm

Edit:
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Edit2: Bingo< "hey laz"<<  grabs laz's shoulder ....shakes laz...."you okay there bud"...laz wakes> shew :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 30, 2007, 04:08:53 PM
Non registered and under 18 inches seems consistent with the ruling?


The National Firearms Act (NFA), cited as the Act of June 26, 1934, Ch. 757, 48 Stat. 1236, as amended, currently codified as Chapter 53 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 5801 through 26 U.S.C. § 5872, is a United States federal law passed in 1934  that, in general, imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of all Title II  weapons and mandates the registration of those weapons.

Title II weapons, as defined by U.S. legal code, are all sound suppressors or silencers, all machine guns, all rifles with a barrel length less than 16 inches (406 mm) (SBR) and shotguns with a barrel length less than 18 inches (457 mm) (SBS), shoulder fired weapons with an overall length less than 26 inches (660 mm), weapons classified as "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) and weapons classified as "destructive devices" (DD). For weapons with folding, collapsing or telescoping stocks, the overall length is measured with the stock fully extended.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on December 31, 2007, 09:49:16 AM
In the original miller case miller was not part of any organized militia.. the court was not interested in that and did indeed rule that it was an individual right.   there is no such thing as any other type of right other than a government right.

The reason miller was not allowed to own a sawn off shotgun was because the court was mislead by the government.. they were lied to.  the government said that a sawn off shotgun had no military or defense (miltia)  purpose.

they knew this to be a lie since the government had used sawn off shotguns in wars in the past.

Now.. I would ask you..  can you define "collective right" for me?

I don't think you can.

would you say that everywhere in the amendments where "right of the people" or the "people" is used.. it really only means the state?   that the words are interchangeable?

You had better hope that the SC doesn't rule such.   Lose the second and you lose em all.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on December 31, 2007, 10:35:27 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
In the original miller case miller was not part of any organized militia.. the court was not interested in that and did indeed rule that it was an individual right.   there is no such thing as any other type of right other than a government right.

The reason miller was not allowed to own a sawn off shotgun was because the court was mislead by the government.. they were lied to.  the government said that a sawn off shotgun had no military or defense (miltia)  purpose.

they knew this to be a lie since the government had used sawn off shotguns in wars in the past.

Now.. I would ask you..  can you define "collective right" for me?

I don't think you can.

would you say that everywhere in the amendments where "right of the people" or the "people" is used.. it really only means the state?   that the words are interchangeable?

You had better hope that the SC doesn't rule such.   Lose the second and you lose em all.

lazs


Miller was not allowed by who? the 5th renegade court? You certainly cant call them all  the circuit courts "nambiepambie,  hick liberal, or queer lieral" courts can you?

So I should listen to you instead off 9 different courts? That, all go by what Miller says or make decisions based on MIller.  Do you think the SC wont look into supporting law. and you think they will over turn all those cases? No way! with 9 of the courts going with the collective right because of how the SC ruled you think the SC will say they are all wrong. I dont.

Far as I can tell shotguns were used in both ww1 and ww2 they were not sawn off. Can you show me a us military sawed off shotgun that was un use in 1939?
Edit: Trench gun
(http://www.5thrib.com/images/weapons/secondary/m1897.jpg)
The M1897 was designed as a replacement for the trouble-plagued M1893 and turned to be a tremendeous success. This is a pump-action shotgun with an exposed hammer and a 5 round tubular magazine beneath the barrel. While most saw service in the civilian sector, thousand of "trench" versions served with the military and even more of the riot version were used by law enforcement. While the barrel lengths of hunting version vary from 26 to 30 inches, riot and trench versions possess 20 inches barrels. The trench model (the illustrated one) has the added advantages of a ventilated barrel jacket that helps protect the barrel and a bayonet lug that allows a knife bayonet to be attached for close combat.



Definition:rights which are held and exercised by all the people collectively, or by specific subsets of the people. They stand in contrast to individual rights which are held only by individuals.


Last can you show me where it says "the Person".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 03:16:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
You have to be pretty out of touch with mainstream politics not to know that many prominent Democrats have spoken out loudly against voter ID.



Just one local example among many, many others. Why exactly do you think democrats are opposed to voter ID?

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/051607dntexvoterid.709d88f1.html


Not so much. "Many a prominent" does not a party make. I know more Democrats with guns than Republicans. Which is all I was letting Laz know. Laz once claimed to not be partisan driven and to be more of an independant than I. I'm not seeing it. Nor am I with many here. *ShruG*

You're the one that brought up the opposition voter ID thing. Sounded kooky to me. Now I'm not sure which way you're deciding to go with it. I'm gonna wait until you do. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on December 31, 2007, 03:22:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Not so much. "Many a prominent" does not a party make. I know more Democrats with guns than Republicans. Which is all I was letting Laz know. Laz once claimed to not be partisan driven and to be more of an independant than I. I'm not seeing it. Nor am I with many here. *ShruG*

You're the one that brought up the opposition voter ID thing. Sounded kooky to me. Now I'm not sure which way you're deciding to go with it. I'm gonna wait until you do. :)


Many may not but a majority might and I think you'll find if you study it for about 10 minutes that the majority of leaders in the democratic party are against voter ID.

I didn't bring it up, someone else did. You claimed ignorance. Ignorance on this rather important and debated topic renders your opinion on political leaders rather worthless imo.



Will save you the trouble of google, just read:

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/stevesouthwell/CqpN
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 03:45:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
Many may not but a majority might and I think you'll find if you study it for about 10 minutes that the majority of leaders in the democratic party are against voter ID.

I didn't bring it up, someone else did. You claimed ignorance. Ignorance on this rather important and debated topic renders your opinion on political leaders rather worthless imo.



Will save you the trouble of google, just read:

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/stevesouthwell/CqpN


"Political leaders" was someone else's issue. And they (Laz) were convinced it wasn't just leaders. It's a "party agenda." I provided examples of even politicians who weren't out to take away Laz's guns. Laz still is scared to death Democrats, in general, want nothing more .... besides, perhaps, more crack mothers.

That is what I don't take seriously. If you're expecting me to because you're convinced by hyperbolic rhetoric, it's not really my problem or issue. All I offered was some additional perspective. You're attempt to marginalize it didn't make it disappear. :)

Thanks for the link, btw. Guessin' my state (your's too, yes?) is unique in that I've always been required to show my voter's registration card to vote. Kinda thought it was a nation-wide thing. Never met a Democrat who had a problem with it. As far as drivers licenses go, Texas also offers IDs for those who don't drive. So yeah, citizenship papers to be required on your person is not only a redundant thing, it's a bit of a disconcerting thing. If there's already a capability in place that doesn't require such redundancy then what's it's real purpose? And what's the cost? Isn't that always a part of discussion over legislation creating additional bureaucracy? The I.D. may be offered to all, free of charge, but you and I know that bit of redundant bureaucracy will come with a pricetag. Besides, if you're into conspiracy theories about the government wanting to take away everyone's guns then this additional bit of bureaucratic control of the populance should have you even more up in arms.

:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 31, 2007, 05:21:27 PM
OHHHhh very well Arlo:
link (http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200609/POL20060920e.html)
Quote
In a vote of 228 to 196, the House Wednesday approved a bill that requires Americans to show proof of citizenship in order to vote, but Democrats said the measure amounts to a Republican voter suppression bill.

The Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006 (H.R. 4844), also known as the Voter ID Act, would take effect in 2010 and require voters to present a photo ID that could not have been obtained without proof of U.S. citizenship.

Quote
But Democrats were less than pleased with the bill's passage. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland said the bill is "tantamount to a 21st century poll tax."

"It will disenfranchise large numbers of legal voters," the Associated Press quoted Hoyer as saying.

Speaking on the House floor Wednesday prior to the vote, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said that in approving the measure, her colleagues have undermined the "right to vote" and "our democracy." The bill would also disenfranchise voters, she said.

"Though the right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, the bill we debate today would in effect disenfranchise millions of American voters: the elderly, African Americans, Asian Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, people with disabilities; and the list goes on," Pelosi said.

She noted that more than a month ago, the president signed into law the Voting Rights Act Reauthorization. "We overcame many obstacles, even for the reauthorization of that legislation, to affirm the most precious right in our democracy -- the right to vote," Pelosi said.

"As the NAACP has said, this bill 'would disenfranchise many of the very citizens that the VRA [Voting Rights Act] is designed to protect.' And the Republicans call that integrity. I don't think so," Pelosi added.

Hastert responded that "the foundation of democracy is sealed in the promise of fair voting for the American people."

"I am disappointed that Leader Pelosi and 191 Democrats voted against the Voter ID Act and do not support a fair election process that our nation expects," Hastert said.

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/370451211_5da2041bf6.jpg)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 05:50:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bj229r
OHHHhh very well Arlo:
link (http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200609/POL20060920e.html)
 

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/370451211_5da2041bf6.jpg)


Already been covered, bj. Yeah, `bout as "neccessary" as Homeland Security (not much). Voter's registration plus a picture ID pretty well has that covered. No need for a fear-driven additional bureaucratic "proof to voters a certain political party knows how to keep the nation safer or illegal immigrants from voting" circus show. So yeah. Turns out it wasn't as kooky as ya'll were trying to make it sound and I don't have a problem with the way the Dem side of the aisle responded, afterall. But thank you ... too .. for bringing this crisis to my attention. Feel free to read my prior responses to it. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 31, 2007, 07:21:44 PM
Quote
The left doesn't want voter's registration and picture I.D. shown a the polls? Or is it a specific kook or subset that want this? News to me.
Quote
Kinda thought it was a nation-wide thing. Never met a Democrat who had a problem with it.

You've obviously never met any members of the House;)

 btw, Homeland Security was a recommendation of the vaunted 911 Commission, (and opposed by most conservatives) and thus worshiped by most Libs. Next year Hillary will get a chance to put her imprint on it, perhaps you will like it better:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 07:29:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bj229r

You've obviously never met any members of the House;)


Actually .... you be quite wrong in that presumption. :D

And you've "met" even one who has a problem with voter registration cards as already in use? How odd. Or are you basing your response purely on the article about the Dems not seeing a need for a whole new indentification card? You know .... what you're convinced is "evidence" to counter my statement? You really didn't read what I wrote that closely or even care, did you? Afterall, agenda needs no distraction that isn't built in to serve it's own purpose. ;)



And I love the non-partisan, unbiased finger-pointing response to the neccessity of the DHS (apparently you don't seem too impressed with it, either, but gawrsh a concession of any kind is too much a sign of weakness - ahem). `Cause it's all about attacking the Democratic party. Nothing more important. ;)


:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 31, 2007, 08:01:01 PM
If voter registration cards had a state-issued picture ID, nah, I wouldn't mind. I've lived in 2 states, neither of which has that--and VA doesn't even ask for ID at the poll

DHS--Nah, HATE it, as it is nada but another level of bureaucracy to get in the way--(though to be fair, it hasn't been tested yet, as far as we know)....And there ARE more important things than attacking the Democratic party, I just can't think of any at the moment...wait, I know...wife made brownies:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 08:06:05 PM
Driver's license bureau broken in Va.? (Not that I'm aware of.) So, wouldn't adopting Texas' policy of asking for a VR card and some form of picture ID to back it up be easier than creating citizenship documentation? I mean, you don't wanna register your handgun .... why do you want the state to require you carrying papers to prove you have rights? Not seeing a Democrat party fault in that.

And brownies rock. Someone loves you. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bj229r on December 31, 2007, 08:14:43 PM
Ya miss the point--(yes, she Is cool, and cute) The House Dems are saying that requiring Proof of ID to vote is somehow keeping the brothers down...and EVERY state's dmv. as far as I know, has an official ID that can be used by folks who don't drive, but Peolosi, et al, are saying that even requiring THAT ID is akin to suppressing the vote of minorities, as they obviously can't be expected to get to the dmv every 4 years or so to renew an ID. To shut down that argument, I'd be happy to have a program to give afore-mentioned poor folks free ID's at said dmv establishments. (The unemployed should be forced to endure the same crap as the rest of us)..Mebbe they could get jobs there
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on December 31, 2007, 08:44:31 PM
I didn't really get the racial prejudice part of the argument, myself. Yes, they could argue that nobody should have to pay a poll tax and that it affects the poor more than the rich but the $15.00 fee for a Texas I.D. does indeed fly in the face of that argument *and* the right to vote is supposedly guaranteed for *everyone* (income/race not a factor to justify a poll tax of any kind - and I mean that both ways).

But I don't get the neccessity of carrying citizenship documentation to prevent voting fraud, either, when it would be more efficient to just reimburse the states for services they can readily provide. From a pure practical and fiscal standpoint, the tools and system to accomplish what they seek is in place. There's no need for yet *more* bureaucratic ballast.

Add the additional bit that everytime I've voted they stamp my VRC with a small stamp saying "voted" so it can't be passed onto someone else for them to use (and they check off my name on the rolls). I suppose someone could steal my wallet and attempt to use the card to vote, for some odd reason. But the VRC also has my address - just like the DL. Gotta vote in the right ballot place or they send you over to it. Would be an interesting meeting - me there to try to vote without my VRC but with proof I'm who I am and they with my VRC and no photo proof. ;)

What's the accomplishment desired? What's the neccessity? Where does one slot the priority for such a perceived crisis? There's a lot more rotten meat on Congress's plate right now, even if this is a distraction worth attacking political rivals over.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 10:26:10 AM
(http://nukegingrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/thejudge.thumbnail.jpg)

Taurus Judge: .45 LC or .410 shotshell. Completely legal.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 01, 2008, 10:34:20 AM
bingie..  in miller the court asked if a sawn off shotgun of less than 18 inches would have any use as a martial weapon.  they were told no by the government lackies.    The truth is that they had been used in wars and uprisings around the world since the first shotguns.  the south made extensive use of em in the civil war.   The act also forbade full automatic weapons but this was never deceided on.

And that is the real lesson of Miller.. that the SC are whimps on the second.   that they can and will make very narrow decisions so as not to have to really hear on the second.   I think that is what will happen here.

Unlike you and arlo..  I don't think that they will say that "the People" means the state or that the state means the people.   I don't think they will use the useless newspeak term "collective right" since it is meaningless.

I don't think they are quite ready yet to turn the constitution into toilet paper and get "people" to upset...  

I also don't think that they are ready to say that all gun laws are an infringement of the right of the people to keep and bear arms.. they will avoid that.

I believe that they will rule that any total ban is an infringement and that a gun that is all apart or without ammo is no real gun at all and is therfore a "ban" and an infringement on rights.

Probly all that will happen for the next few decades is that the current trend of democrat mayors to ban firearms in the home, or.. make them useless (locked or stored without ammo say)..... will cease.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 10:36:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
What's the neccessity? Where does one slot the priority for such a perceived crisis? There's a lot more rotten meat on Congress's plate right now, even if this is a distraction worth attacking political rivals over.


Necessity? You question the necessity of having only citizens vote on issues that affect citizens? If it isn't necessary, why not just have online internet polls open to anyone in any country and use that to decide our issues? Clearly, one of the essential elements of nationhood is having the citizens...and ONLY the citizens... of that nation determine their own fate.

Priority? Relatively high, I'd think. Dealing with the rotten meat on the Congressional plate and palate requires some citizen participation, leadership and guidance. (As in throw the incompetent greedy bass turds out.)

Now, does it require a tattoo on the forehead? Nope. I think the elements of such a system already exist. You should have to register to vote and provide proof of citizenship at that time. You should have to have your VR card to vote and it should be marked at the polling place so you can't vote in the same election twice. You should have to have a government issued picture ID (IE: driver's license) to verify that you are in fact the person to whom the VR card was issued. I think it's reasonable that whatever picture ID card is used should require proof of citizenship to be issued. If you are a non-citizen getting a driver's license, that's OK. Your DL should just be clearly marked as non-citizen.

I think these things are reasonable and I think they are do-able and pretty low cost considering the elements already exist.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on January 01, 2008, 11:36:01 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Necessity? You question the necessity of having only citizens vote on issues that affect citizens? If it isn't necessary, why not just have online internet polls open to anyone in any country and use that to decide our issues?


If that would favor the democrats instead of the republicans I'm sure that's exactly what the democrats would be pushing for.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 01, 2008, 11:45:32 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
(http://nukegingrich.files.wordpress.com/2007/03/thejudge.thumbnail.jpg)

Taurus Judge: .45 LC or .410 shotshell. Completely legal.


Nice gun what does it have to do with this?

Nice pachmyers when did they make those? 1939?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 12:10:13 PM
It's a hand-held shotgun; it shoots 2 3/4" or 3" .410 shotshells. It's perfectly legal.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 01, 2008, 03:13:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2

Unlike you and arlo (and existing precedent) ..  I don't think that they will say that "the People" means the state or that the state means the people.   I don't think they will use the useless newspeak term "collective right" since it is "meaningless."

I don't think they are quite ready yet to turn the constitution into toilet paper and get "people" to upset...  



Since you're fixated on "my opinion", as well (though you don't seem particularly focused on what I post):

The SC serving it's intended function doesn't "turn the Constitution into toilet paper" (even if they fail to interpret it the way you want them to*).

Again.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_the_People

"People of the United States"

The phrase "People of the United States" has been construed synonymously with "citizens",[4] but has also been construed as "all under the sovereign jurisdiction and authority of the United States."[5] The phrase has been construed as bearing witness to the fact that the Constitution emanated from the people and was not the act of sovereign and independent States,[6] and that it was made for, and is binding only in, the United States of America.[7] Thus, this language implies that the power and authority of the federal government of the United States does not come from the various states, or even from the peoples of the various states, but rather from the greater entity identified as the people of the United States of America.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[4] ^ See Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. (19 How.) 393 (1857) (stating that the Preamble protected only U.S. citizens, and did not give Dred Scott, a citizen of Missouri but not a U.S. citizen, the right to sue in federal court). But see id. at 581–82 (Curtis, J., dissenting) (arguing that the Preamble applies to the people of the states, and dictates that people born in any state are automatically U.S. citizens). Scott was superseded by the 13th Amendment and 14th Amendment.

[5] ^ Jacobson, 197 U.S. at 22.

[6] ^ McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. (4 Wheat.) 316, 403 (1819); Martin v. Hunter's Lessee, 14 U.S. (1 Wheat.) 304, 324 (1816); Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 U.S. (2 Dall.) 419, 471 (1793),

[7] ^ Downes v. Bidwell, 182 U.S. 244, 251 (1901); In re Ross, 140 U.S. 453, 464 (1891).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The formation of the Republic was deliberate. A representative Democracy. Not a state of individuals where each person was the law unto themselves.

*Laz, anyone can have an opinion. Even you. And I'm sure it's hard to overcome the conviction that yours is always superior to anyone else's ... even the Supreme Court should it not rule in favor of your percieved perfection.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 01, 2008, 03:19:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Necessity? You question the necessity of having only citizens vote on issues that affect citizens?


That would be an obvious no if you read what I posted closely enough without reading into it. However, starting out misconstruing only to ....

Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Now, does it require a tattoo on the forehead? Nope. I think the elements of such a system already exist.


.... end up agreeing with my point is a minor "victory", I suppose. Many couldn't find where the road really lead to after such an immediate and radical departure from it to begin with.

Very good. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 01, 2008, 03:21:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by AKIron
If that would favor the democrats instead of the republicans I'm sure that's exactly what the democrats would be pushing for.


Your finger, not mine. Nasty habit that. Doesn't seem to accomplish much. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 01, 2008, 04:14:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
It's a hand-held shotgun; it shoots 2 3/4" or 3" .410 shotshells. It's perfectly legal.


Hand-held hahaha good one, as opposed to foot held or mouth held? it's a pistol. It can shoot Casul ammo to I imagine.. if it didnt blow apart from the pressure.

So... did they have them in 1939? Does the US Military issue them in 1939 or after NFA in 1934? has nothing to do with Miller decision.

Still falls under the NFA as "any other weapon" and requires registration.
From what I can tell its for law enforcement or the military only?

There is however a 410 pistol from the time the Stevens 410 singleshot pistol outlawed in 1934.  then given amnesty in 1968 to get registered. Today the fine for owing one with no registration is $250,000 and/or 10 years in the pokey.
(http://www.4-10.freeuk.com/stevenspistol1a.jpg)

The judge is cool  :cool:  I think someone else makes one similar and there are deringers.
(http://passtheammo.com/hick/files/pta/texas_defender_derringer.jpg)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 04:43:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Does the US Military issue them in 1939 or after NFA in 1934? has nothing to do with Miller decision.



Is it your position that Miller is somehow linked solely to weapons that were US military issue in 1939?

That wouldn't really surprise me coming from you.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 05:00:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
That would be an obvious no if you read what I posted closely enough without reading into it.


Nah, you state you're satisfied with your state's system, which does seem better than most.

However, in many if not most states, a driver's license alone will get you into the voter's booth one way or the other.

Twenty states do not require driver's license applicants to prove they are legally in the United States.
 
Clearly, there IS a need for proof of citizenship before voting and clearly there's no effective nationwide system in place.

Nor did you state that you agree with the need for such a nationwide system. You merely said the elements are pretty much in place. That's not the same thing at all.

And you DO question the necessity for such a nationwide system, it's priority, etc., etc..

Quote
What's the accomplishment desired? What's the neccessity? Where does one slot the priority for such a perceived crisis?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 05:03:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
Still falls under the NFA as "any other weapon" and requires registration.
From what I can tell its for law enforcement or the military only?

 


Oh, btw, you are wrong in both instances here. It does NOT require registration as any other weapon. It's merely a revolver like any other.

Second, it is not LEO or military only. It is sold over the counter to the general public through the normal 4473 process and Taurus currently can't keep up with the demand.

Note it is a shotgun available with as short as a 3" barrel.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 01, 2008, 05:52:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Nah, you state you're satisfied with your state's system, which does seem better than most.

However, in many if not most states, a driver's license alone will get you into the voter's booth one way or the other.

Twenty states do not require driver's license applicants to prove they are legally in the United States.
 
Clearly, there IS a need for proof of citizenship before voting and clearly there's no effective nationwide system in place.

Nor did you state that you agree with the need for such a nationwide system. You merely said the elements are pretty much in place. That's not the same thing at all.

And you DO question the necessity for such a nationwide system, it's priority, etc., etc..


While you're busy telling me what I said by reading into it what you want to see just ignore that what I really did was illustrate the lack of necessity of going to extremes (unless there really is some ulterior motive) when just making the system universal based on the Texas model would make more practical sense.

Lighten up, Francis. :D

You were just *this* close to avoiding going overboard. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 01, 2008, 07:02:16 PM
Arlo, you remind me of Nash.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 01, 2008, 07:39:13 PM
Toad, I really don't care about your perceptional disability. And since that's all you can muster up to whimper back about, I'll reserve sympathy for those it manages to impress. I'm sure there's worse things you can whip yourself into a frenzy over. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 12:08:37 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Note it is a shotgun available with as short as a 3" barrel.


Naa its just a firearm. It's not considered a shotgun :D  Like I said they also have deringers .45/410

(d) Shotgun.:The term "shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of projectiles (ball shot) or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire a fixed shotgun shell.
http://www.nraila.org/federalfirearms.htm#TITLE%20II
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 07:54:40 AM
I see. So, since the Miller gun was sawed off at both barrel and stock it was not a shoulder fired weapon either.

Thus it is just like your derringer?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 07:57:03 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Toad, I really don't care about your perceptional disability.


How even more Nash-like.

That's it Arlo; of course! It's not what/how YOU write. It's the inability of nearly everyone else on the BBS to correctly understand what you wrote.

Couldn't be you; has to be the other guy.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 02, 2008, 08:11:47 AM
arlo..  the "people" is every citizen..   nothing you cited changes that... "collective right" means nothing.   It would have no meaning in any amendment that used the words "the people" except to mean the every citizen.

Other than that.. "collective right" is jibberish...  It can only mean every citizen.. not some sort of hive mentality.

bingie.. I think toad answered you.. the second does not mean nor did miller mean that only current arms used by the military or.. militia.. were protected..

As for the "judge" and the various shotgun revolvers and derringers.. they have rifling in the barrel so are not considered shotguns in any case.   In fact... you can buy shot loads for many popular caliber handguns including .22

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:41:23 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
As for the "judge" and the various shotgun revolvers and derringers.. they have rifling in the barrel so are not considered shotguns in any case.  
lazs


Ahhhh, shoot. You told him.

I was going to let him display more of his in-depth research and all inclusive knowledge of this entire subject area.  ;)

How long do you think it'd take to hone out the rifling? Maybe just a little longer than it takes to erase the microstamping from a firing pin? :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 10:20:49 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I see. So, since the Miller gun was sawed off at both barrel and stock it was not a shoulder fired weapon either.

Thus it is just like your derringer?


Nope its not a weapon used in the military in 1939.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 10:24:28 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Ahhhh, shoot. You told him.

I was going to let him display more of his in-depth research and all inclusive knowledge of this entire subject area.  ;)

How long do you think it'd take to hone out the rifling? Maybe just a little longer than it takes to erase the microstamping from a firing pin? :)


hehe your a card I knew it was rifled. you do not pass go. just pointing out what makes a shotgun for ya,  it also says smooth bore as well as shoulder fired. Since you didnt know. And were calling it a 3" shotgun :rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 10:47:11 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo..  the "people" is every citizen..   nothing you cited changes that... "collective right" means nothing.   It would have no meaning in any amendment that used the words "the people" except to mean the every citizen.

Other than that.. "collective right" is jibberish...  It can only mean every citizen.. not some sort of hive mentality.

bingie.. I think toad answered you.. the second does not mean nor did miller mean that only current arms used by the military or.. militia.. were protected..

As for the "judge" and the various shotgun revolvers and derringers.. they have rifling in the barrel so are not considered shotguns in any case.   In fact... you can buy shot loads for many popular caliber handguns including .22

lazs


Toad did not answer me I answered you.

You said:"The reason miller was not allowed to own a sawn off shotgun was because the court was mislead by the government.. they were lied to. the government said that a sawn off shotgun had no military or defense (miltia) purpose."
they knew this to be a lie since the government had used sawn off shotguns in wars in the past."


I said where they did use shotguns and I posted the law pertaining to  weapons of 1934 there were no sawed off SHOTGUNS in use at the time by anyone since there were outlawed in 1934. I dont care if they used a sawed off double barrel in before 1934. the law when they wrote miller was at 1939 not previous wars. and that the government wasnt lied to. as it was not in use by the military at the time.

dont twist things around please. Toad from what I can tell just came barging back in and did not know what we were talking about. NORMAL! Posted his judge and tried to call it a shotgun with a 3" barrel.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 02, 2008, 02:27:12 PM
bingie... actually, one of the judges asked the government toadie if a sawn off shotgun could have any martial use.. they lied and said no.  

But.. If you want to use miller... then I would say that machine guns and automatic weapons would pass the miller muster as being weapons that are quite useful.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 03:06:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
(http://www.4-10.freeuk.com/stevenspistol1a.jpg)



So is this a shotgun? It's not shoulder fired.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 03:21:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
How even more Nash-like.

That's it Arlo; of course! It's not what/how YOU write. It's the inability of nearly everyone else on the BBS to correctly understand what you wrote.

Couldn't be you; has to be the other guy.


You're not "everyone else" on the BBS yet, pot. But I can see you working hard at "coming to an understanding" via presumption. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 03:26:20 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo..  the "people" is every citizen..   nothing you cited changes that... "collective right" means nothing.   It would have no meaning in any amendment that used the words "the people" except to mean the every citizen.



Nothing I cited changes people=citizens .... all of them. Gotcha. Didn't think I presented anything other than. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 03:35:36 PM
BTW, Bingolong, you never answered this question either. Please do.


Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Is it your position that Miller is somehow linked solely to weapons that were US military issue in 1939?

 



Quote
Bingolong: just pointing out what makes a shotgun for ya, it also says smooth bore as well as shoulder fired.



And how do you explain Miller's gun being considered a shotgun? Clearly it wasn't shoulder fired. The buttstock was cut down to basically a pistol grip.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 03:38:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
And how do you explain Miller's gun being considered a shotgun? Clearly it wasn't shoulder fired. The buttstock was cut down to basically a pistol grip.


Point of order ... "shoulder fired" is not a defining element of "shotgun."

Sayin'. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 03:45:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Nothing I cited changes people=citizens .... all of them. Gotcha. Didn't think I presented anything other than. ;)
I'm really hoping the SCOTUS gives you a big STFU smackdown, but these days, who knows...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 03:47:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
I'm really hoping the SCOTUS gives you a big STFU smackdown, but these days, who knows...


Pretty sure that the SCOTUS doesn't have as much a personal issue with me as you apparently do. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 03:56:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Pretty sure that the SCOTUS doesn't have as much a personal issue with me as you apparently do. ;)
I was referring to your statement that "people=citizens .... all of them", which to me smacks of collectivism and socialism and is what I'm hoping the SCOTUS smacks down.  I have no problem with you personally, sorry if I came across as if I did...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 04:21:44 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
I was referring to your statement that "people=citizens .... all of them", which to me smacks of collectivism and socialism and is what I'm hoping the SCOTUS smacks down.  I have no problem with you personally, sorry if I came across as if I did...


There are times throughout history the people of this land were refered to as just that, the *people* of this land. Such references pre-date socialism, whether political or economic. (And, as a side-note, capitalism is neither the defining factor of democracy or freedom. Take China, for example.) So, when it comes to fear of anything remotely resembling socialism regarding the intent of wording in the constitution, I take that with a grain of salt. Modern arguments out of historical context run the risk of redefining original intent no matter which way the butter knife is swung.

Good to hear there's nothing personal implied. And I'm prepared to accept whatever the SCOTUS rules, myself. But what I cited shows a trend of the SC ruling that the wording of the Constitution, regarding "We the People" in the constitutional preamble as defining the nature of our governmental body as being a citizen-participatory one through representation. Nothing more or less to read into. Do individuals have rights? Of course they do. Rights to own a gun? No argument here. Right to not have government regulate certain types of weapons in order to insure tranquility? Under debate, it seems. A given, one way or another? Only to those with a hardset agenda.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 04:46:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Do individuals have rights? Of course they do. Rights to own a gun? No argument here. Right to not have government regulate certain types of weapons in order to insure tranquility? Under debate, it seems. A given, one way or another? Only to those with a hardset agenda.
My only "agenda" is that rights belong to individuals, not groups.  That concept is pretty core to libertarian philosophy.  

The Constitution and BoR DO NOT recognize the rights of GROUPS, they simply enumerate some INDIVIDUAL rights, admonishes the FedGov to not mess with said rights, defines the scope of the FedGov and leaves everything else up to the States.  They even recognize that the list of rights they're covering isn't exhaustive, as a saftey net. They do not create rights, nor do SCOTUS rulings. They simply RECOGNIZE them.

Rights aren't "created" by anything, other than me being a living, breathing human being. That's the concept behind "inalienable rights" and "All men are created equal". I own them, they're mine. You've got the same rights, and they're yours. Gov't doesn't "give" them to us, nor can it take them away. Furthermore, accepting any Gov't interference with my exercising my rights (registration, permits, licenses, etc...) is akin to having to ask permission. If you have to ask permission to do something or register prior to exercising a right, then you're not truely free to do it, are you?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 04:52:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
My only "agenda" is that rights belong to individuals, not groups.  That concept is pretty core to libertarian philosophy.


I didn't single you out.

Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
The Constitution and BoR DO NOT recognize the rights of GROUPS, they simply enumerate some INDIVIDUAL rights, admonishes the FedGov to not mess with said rights, defines the scope of the FedGov and leaves everything else up to the States.  They even recognize that the list of rights they're covering isn't exhaustive, as a saftey net. They do not create rights, nor do SCOTUS rulings. They simply RECOGNIZE them.

Rights aren't "created" by anything, other than me being a living, breathing human being. That's the concept behind "inalienable rights" and "All men are created equal". I own them. So do you. They're ours. Gov't doesn't "give" them to us, nor can it take them away. Furthermore, accepting any Gov't interference with my exercising my rights (registration, permits, licenses, etc...) is akin to having to ask permission. If you have to ask permission to do something or register prior to exercising a right, then you're not truely free to do it, are you?


Debateable opinion and ranging in scale of reason depending on the specifics being argued. Automobiles and assault weapons didn't exist when this nation was formed.

If you want a moral definate .... God commanded thou shall not kill. Now if you want to discuss the context and particulars, that's where the details lay. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 04:55:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
 Shotgun.:The term "shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder  


Counterpoint of order.

I'm not the one who said it was a defining element.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 04:59:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Debateable opinion and ranging in scale of reason depending on the specifics being argued. Automobiles and assault weapons didn't exist when this nation was formed.
First of all, the Founders provided a means to alter the Constitution if required, via amendments...  Secondly, IMO only a communist would debate that opinion.  Thirdly, way to change the subject...  :P
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 05:04:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Counterpoint of order.

I'm not the one who said it was a defining element.


Recognized (though you're apparently responding as you accepted such). I further recognize that there are sources limiting shotguns to said definition (to my surprise). Even the NRA supports said definition:

"SHOTGUN"
 
"A shoulder gun with smooth-bored barrel(s) primarily intended for firing multiple small, round projectiles, (shot, birdshot, pellets), larger shot (buck shot), single round balls (pumpkin balls) and cylindrical slugs. Some shotgun barrels have rifling to give better accuracy with slugs or greater pattern spread to birdshot."

POO retracted. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 05:06:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
First of all, the Founders provided a means to alter the Constitution if required, via amendments...  Secondly, way to change the subject...  :P


First of all ... of course they did and such bears contextual application to all.

Secondly, there's lots of things been discussed with marginal relationship in this thread. I've not deviated anymore (or less) than anyone else. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 05:23:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
First of all ... of course they did and such bears contextual application to all.
say what?

Quote
Secondly, there's lots of things been discussed with marginal relationship in this thread. I've not deviated anymore (or less) than anyone else. ;)
That's OK, I thought WE were debating individual vs. collective rights.  If you want to move on to the next topic that's cool...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 05:33:10 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
say what?


Living document ... yes. Making sure all arguments over this are viewed within that context .... wise. :)
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
That's OK, I thought WE were debating individual vs. collective rights.  If you want to move on to the next topic that's cool...


I can discuss more than one relational topic at a time. Do it all the time. So have most in this thread to this point. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 05:41:18 PM
BTW, Bingolong, you never answered this question either. Please do.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Toad
Is it your position that Miller is somehow linked solely to weapons that were US military issue in 1939?

"NO"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bingolong: just pointing out what makes a shotgun for ya, it also says smooth bore as well as shoulder fired.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"And how do you explain Miller's gun being considered a shotgun? Clearly it wasn't shoulder fired. The buttstock was cut down to basically a pistol grip."

It wasnt, it was illegal, it was "any other weapon". So is the stevens 410.
If you need to know anything else look it up  yourself K :D  Try the NRA the have all the gun laws, be my guest. Oh and there is a registration. You can look that up too.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 05:43:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Living document ... yes. Making sure all arguments over this are viewed within that context .... wise. :)
The "The Constitution is a Living Document" propenents hardly endorse amending the Constitution, they prefer the judicial to the legislative.  Amending the Constitution IS constitutional.  If you want to twist that into implying support for the "Living Document" crowd then you're either being intentionally ambiguous or flat-out deceitful.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 05:54:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
The "The Constitution is a Living Document" propenents hardly endorse amending the Constitution, they prefer the judicial to the legislative.  Amending the Constitution IS constitutional.  If you want to twist that into implying support for the "Living Document" crowd then you're either being intentionally ambiguous or flat-out deceitful.


Hmmmm .... *scratches chin*. I agree with you on the amendable nature of the document as a wise decision by the national forefathers regarding their recognition that the world changes and any form of government that expects to last better have the flexibility to change with it and you interpret me as being "deceitful" because the architecture of our government also allows for judicial interpretation of legislation as it relates to the current form of the constitution?

I don't know if I'd be prone to rush to judgement back your direction regarding your own apparent deception (self or otherwise). It may have been just an honest mistake. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 06:18:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
In fact... you can buy shot loads for many popular caliber handguns including .22

lazs


and I did, cci had them .22 shot shells.... 30 years ago!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 06:23:07 PM
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Bingolong
Shotgun.:The term "shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



"Counterpoint of order.

I'm not the one who said it was a defining element."

post the whole quote next time!:rolleyes: :lol

(d) Shotgun.:The term "shotgun" means a weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of projectiles (ball shot) or a single projectile for each pull of the trigger, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire a fixed shotgun shell.
http://www.nraila.org/federalfirearms.htm#TITLE%20II
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 06:32:55 PM
It makes no difference either way.

You still haven't explained this. Is this a shotgun?

(http://www.4-10.freeuk.com/stevenspistol1a.jpg)


Is this a shotgun? 14" barrel, shoulder fired, fired the  M576 buckshot round containing twenty pellets of #4 buckshot (M576E1) or twenty-seven pellets of #4 buckshot (M576E2).

(http://freepages.military.rootsweb.com/~bobw/M79.gif)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 06:34:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
It makes no difference either way.

You still haven't explained this.

(http://www.4-10.freeuk.com/stevenspistol1a.jpg)

Is this a shotgun?


 THAT is a Stevens .410

(e) Any other weapon.:The term "any other weapon" means LOOK IT UP!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 06:40:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
It makes no difference either way.

You still haven't explained this.

(http://www.4-10.freeuk.com/stevenspistol1a.jpg)

Is this a shotgun?


Not directed at me but going for a strict legal definition and finding:

SHOTGUN - A weapon designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed shotgun shell to fire through a smooth bore either a number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single pull of the trigger. 18 USC

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/s046.htm

SHORT-BARRELED SHOTGUN - A shotgun having one or more barrels less than eighteen inches in length and any weapon made from a shotgun if such a weapon as modified has an overall length of less than twenty-six inches. 18 USC

http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/s044.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Was it made from a pre-existing shotgun? What's the barrel length? Is the overall length less than 26"?

Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Is this a shotgun? 14" barrel, shoulder fired, fired the  M576 buckshot round containing twenty pellets of #4 buckshot (M576E1) or twenty-seven pellets of #4 buckshot (M576E2).

(http://freepages.military.rootsweb.com/~bobw/M79.gif)


M79s are legal. Seems to be a trendy weapon of choice for survivalists as of late. But is ownership of 40mm grenades legal? There are plenty of optional types of rounds for that weapon:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_40_mm_grenades

Should they all be legal if the round's specific purpose cannot be defined as practical for defense? Guess that goes right back to the questions of militia and divine right to ownership of exotic weaponry.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 07:11:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie... actually, one of the judges asked the government toadie if a sawn off shotgun could have any martial use.. they lied and said no.  

But.. If you want to use miller... then I would say that machine guns and automatic weapons would pass the miller muster as being weapons that are quite useful.

lazs

 
Laz show me that he lied, prove it to me. I mean you must have something a letter, anything?
I assume its more explaznation!

useful for what military or militia? machine guns and such, yes.. it would and would likewise need fed registration! So your saying that m-16 should be a military or militia fire arm?

So what is a militia, cause I want my M-16 man! Matter fact I asked for back on page 2-3.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 07:20:53 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
THAT is a Stevens .410



You are almost right. It is a Stevens No. 35 Off-Hand Shotgun. Google it up.

It is, beyond doubt, a shotgun. It is classified by the NFA as "any other weapon", a typically legalese term used as a catch-all for those guns that didn't immediately fit into the other descriptions in the National Firearms Act of 1934. But it is a shotgun nonetheless. Your first hint might have been that it shoots shotgun shells.

As for registration, yes, that's true. However, other hand-held shotguns like the Taurus Judge do not have to be registered.

A Stevens No. 35 Off-Hand Shotgun can be purchased today by anyone that can muster up the whopping $5 transfer tax the NFA requires.

BTW, you seem to be confused about legal and illegal weapons. For example your response to my question about the Miller weapon being a shotgun was:

Quote
"And how do you explain Miller's gun being considered a shotgun? Clearly it wasn't shoulder fired. The buttstock was cut down to basically a pistol grip."

It wasnt, it was illegal, it was "any other weapon". So is the stevens 410.



If the Miller shotgun was classified as "any other weapon" it wouldn't have been illegal at all. It would merely have required registration and a payment of the $5 tax.

But once again, you are simply wrong. The Miller gun would have been classified as a "Short Barreled Shotgun" under the NFA, not "any other weapon". As such, it could be legally owned if registered and the appropriate tax paid.

For example, you could buy this SBS right now:

(http://www.hatchergun.com/NFA/Coachgun_I-2.JPG)

From this site here (http://www.hatchergun.com/sbs.htm)  for$780 + transfer fee.

Once again, I am reminded of the amount of study and depth of knowledge you show with regards to this entire subject.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 07:30:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You are almost right. It is a Stevens No. 35 Off-Hand Shotgun. Google it up.

It is, beyond doubt, a shotgun. It is classified by the NFA as "any other weapon", a typically legalese term used as a catch-all for those guns that didn't immediately fit into the other descriptions in the National Firearms Act of 1934. But it is a shotgun nonetheless. Your first hint might have been that it shoots shotgun shells.

As for registration, yes, that's true. However, other hand-held shotguns like the Taurus Judge do not have to be registered.

A Stevens No. 35 Off-Hand Shotgun can be purchased today by anyone that can muster up the whopping $5 transfer tax the NFA requires.

BTW, you seem to be confused about legal and illegal weapons. For example your response to my question about the Miller weapon being a shotgun was:




If the Miller shotgun was classified as "any other weapon" it wouldn't have been illegal at all. It would merely have required registration and a payment of the $5 tax.

But once again, you are simply wrong. The Miller gun would have been classified as a "Short Barreled Shotgun" under the NFA, not "any other weapon". As such, it could be legally owned if registered and the appropriate tax paid.

For example, you could buy this SBS right now:

(http://www.hatchergun.com/NFA/Coachgun_I-2.JPG)

From this site here (http://www.hatchergun.com/sbs.htm)  for$780 + transfer fee.

Once again, I am reminded of the amount of study and depth of knowledge you show with regards to this entire subject.


in 1939 there was no "short barreled shot gun" definition

It shoots .410 brainiac I did google it before I posted it. It is classified as "any other weapon". and since your not going to post it after looking it up I will.
(e) Any other weapon.:The term "any other weapon" means any weapon or device capable of being concealed on the person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive, a pistol or revolver having a barrel with a smooth bore designed or redesigned to fire a fixed shotgun shell, weapons with combination shotgun and rifle barrels 12 inches or more, less than 18 inches in length, from which only a single discharge can be made from either barrel without manual reloading, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire.Such term shall not include a pistol or a revolver having a rifled bore, or rifled bores, or weapons designed, made, or intended to be fired from the shoulder and not capable of firing fixed ammunition.

Do you know the size of the barrell in miller? it was under 18 inches. do you have more info than that? Like it was less than 12"? NO! and if it was it would be clasified a fire arm just like you little Judge.

You are really impressing me.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 07:39:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
M79s are legal. Seems to be a trendy weapon of choice for survivalists as of late. But is ownership of 40mm grenades legal? There are plenty of optional types of rounds for that weapon:

Should they all be legal if the round's specific purpose cannot be defined as practical for defense? Guess that goes right back to the questions of militia and divine right to ownership of exotic weaponry.


The M79 and its explosive rounds are classified as "Destructive Devices" by the NFA. You can own them, $200 tax on each item, as in $200 for the M79 and $200 for each round classified as a DD. There are some rounds out there that may not be classed as DD though.

Should they be legal? They ARE legal. I see no reason why they should not be legal.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 07:40:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
[edited in] Secondly, IMO only a communist would debate that opinion.  


Just saw your edit. Heh. You wouldn't be the first one who resorted to calling me a commie when you got a little too excited about an exchange with me. Did you serve alongside me in the Cold War or were you "defending capitalism" by avoiding such? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 07:46:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
The M79 and its explosive rounds are classified as "Destructive Devices" by the NFA. You can own them, $200 tax on each item, as in $200 for the M79 and $200 for each round classified as a DD. There are some rounds out there that may not be classed as DD though.

Should they be legal? They ARE legal. I see no reason why they should not be legal.


That's why I phrased it to be a discussion, not a foregone conclusion, Toad. I didn't say they were illegal, I asked you your reasoned opinion so we could discuss the why.

What's the goal of terrorism? Should tools to help achieve that goal be readily available without regulation or a method to track? Should we worry? Should we not? Is it a divine right? WWONFD? (What would our national forefathers do?) :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 07:48:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Just saw your edit. Heh.
was wondering when you would...  :)
Quote
You wouldn't be the first one who resorted to calling me a commie when you got a little too excited about an exchange with me.
then continue the exchange and give me an alternative...  ;)  what points in my statement do you deem "debatable opinion"?
Quote
Did you serve alongside me in the Cold War or were you "defending capitalism" by avoiding such? :D
Nope, I didn't enlist 'till '94, missed the cold war.  Got a ribbon for Iraq 1 though, even though I was never "over there"...
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 07:57:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
was wondering when you would...  :)
then continue the debate and give me an alternative...  ;)  


That cuts both ways. I've responded directly and straightforwardly so far. Where did I leave you hangin'? :D

Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict

what points in my statement do you deem "debatable opinion"?


Anything not a written law or a definitively ruled on matter is opinion and up for debate. Hence practically every political thread on this forum. What points in your statement reflect anything that doesn't involve your opinion and not a court ruling or standing law without contest? Not that that's a bad thing (and you shouldn't jump to concluding you're under attack). I've my own and you shouldn't even presume mine always conflict with yours.

Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
Nope, I didn't enlist 'till '94, missed the cold war.  Got a ribbon for Iraq 1 though...  :)


Well good on yas. Desert Shield started six months after my time. Now go find a senior lifer who may have served during my time (whether you're still in uniform or not) and call him (or her) a commie and hope their sense of humor is as good as mine. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 07:58:44 PM
Bingolong,

I'm truly sorry you don't really study this stuff before you post. It would save a lot of electronic ink.

The point is Stevens manufactured it as a shotgun. The NFA merely classifies it as AOW. It's not illegal; it just requires registration/taxation.

You apparently still haven't figured out that owning an exact Miller-replica shotgun isn't illegal. It's merely a matter of registering it under the NFA and paying the transfer tax.  The length of the barrel once under 18" is pretty inconsequential. You can own one of any length under 18" as long as it is registered under the NFA and the tax paid.

Study hard and good luck to you!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:02:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
... owning an exact Miller-replica shotgun isn't illegal. It's merely a matter of registering it under the NFA and paying the transfer tax.  The length of the barrel once under 18" is pretty inconsequential. You can own one of any length under 18" as long as it is registered under the NFA and the tax paid.


What I get a kick out of is how many here don't realize I don't have a problem with this. I just don't share their perceptions about what they see as inevitable threats. Nor do they mine, in some instances.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 02, 2008, 08:05:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Where did I leave you hangin'?
"debatable opinion".
Quote
Anything not a written law or a definitively ruled on matter is opinion and up for debate. Hence practically every political thread on this forum. What points in your statement reflect anything that doesn't involve your opinion and not a court ruling or standing law without contest? Not that that's a bad thing (and you shouldn't jump to concluding you're under attack). I've my own and you shouldn't even presume mine always conflict with yours.
well, my statement is based on my understanding of two documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution/Bill of Rights.    I'm still hanging on what part of my statement (which is based on my opinion...) you consider up for debate.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:18:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
What's the goal of terrorism? Should tools to help achieve that goal be readily available without regulation or a method to track? Should we worry? Should we not? Is it a divine right? WWONFD? (What would our national forefathers do?) :)


Note that an M-79 (or any other destructive device) is not readily available, not unregulated or not tracked. Thus the questions you pose are moot.

As a DD, anyone legally purchasing one would have to have his chief of local law enforcement sign off on a Federal Form 4 that the purchaser is not wanted locally and that the official knows of no law which will be broken if the purchaser is approved by the government. Then The BATFE will examine the paperwork for completeness, it will be assigned to an agent, who will have a nationwide FBI background check performed on the purchaser.

Highly unlikely then that a terrorist would procure an M79 legally. It would probably be far to easier to smuggle some in should terrorists need them.

So no, I don't worry about M79's.. The last big terrorists seemed to have little trouble getting some really huge, fast destructive devices to fly into buildings. That terrorist loophole still exists and is probably easier to exploit than gaining an M79 through legal channels.

Is there a divine right (hmm... who's the one getting all excited here?)? I think the rights enumerated in the BOR exist prior to and independent of the creation of the government, as did Jefferson.

WWONFD? I would think they would probably allow the M79 as it is typical of "arms" as perceived in Colonial times.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:24:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bsdaddict
"debatable opinion".
well, my statement is based on my understanding of two documents, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution/Bill of Rights.    I'm still hanging on what part of my statement (which is based on my opinion...) you consider up for debate.


Well hell. So are mine. ;)

All opinions are up for debate. Yours. Mine. If they weren't I doubt there'd be need for a SCOTUS ruling.

So, if you wanna start over from scratch (I thought our opinions on the matter already stated, whether we comfortably stood on the same ground or not), I'll offer mine again, you offer yours again and we can agree, agree to disagree or you can look for a reason to accuse me of deceit and call me a commie while I take even less effort not taking you seriously. ;)

Intent of 2nd: Arlo says the national forefathers weren't intending to imply divine right of any specific form of weaponry personally desired and that the term "militia" (which was carefully woven into the rationalization behind the amendment) had no rational meaning if it was all just about an individual's right to own an assault weapon. Nor does Arlo think the term "well-regulated" was accidently penned in when what they really meant was "gun and knife show supplied or on sale at K-mart."

Purpose of SCOTUS rulings: Arlo believes, from his recollection, to determine the legitimacy of legislation as it relates to the constitution of the United States.

Purpose of amendments: Arlo believes, from his recollection, to update the constitution to continue to provide a legal framework for which the federal government can operate to serve the people of the United States

disclaimer: Arlo (tm) is rarely in the habit of using third person phraseology to refer to himself.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:25:42 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Note that an M-79 (or any other destructive device) is not readily available, not unregulated or not tracked. Thus the questions you pose are moot.

As a DD, anyone legally purchasing one would have to have his chief of local law enforcement sign off on a Federal Form 4 that the purchaser is not wanted locally and that the official knows of no law which will be broken if the purchaser is approved by the government. Then The BATFE will examine the paperwork for completeness, it will be assigned to an agent, who will have a nationwide FBI background check performed on the purchaser.

Highly unlikely then that a terrorist would procure an M79 legally. It would probably be far to easier to smuggle some in should terrorists need them.

So no, I don't worry about M79's.. The last big terrorists seemed to have little trouble getting some really huge, fast destructive devices to fly into buildings. That terrorist loophole still exists and is probably easier to exploit than gaining an M79 through legal channels.

Is there a divine right (hmm... who's the one getting all excited here?)? I think the rights enumerated in the BOR exist prior to and independent of the creation of the government, as did Jefferson.

WWONFD? I would think they would probably allow the M79 as it is typical of "arms" as perceived in Colonial times.


So .... we're good with this? Good. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:34:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
in 1939 there was no "short barreled shot gun" definition
 


Which doesn't matter in the least.

Read the SC opinion.

Quote
a double barrel 12-gauge Stevens shotgun having a barrel less than 18 inches in length, bearing identification number 76230, said defendants, at the time of so transporting said firearm in interstate commerce as aforesaid, not having registered said firearm as required by Section 1132d of Title 26, United States Code, 26 U.S.C.A. 1132d (Act of June 26, 1934, c. 757, Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1237), and not having in their possession a stamp-affixed written order for said firearm as provided by Section 1132c, Title 26, United States Code, 26 U.S.C.A. 1132c (June 26, 1934, c. 757, Sec. 4, 48 Stat. 1237) and the regulations issued under authority of the said Act of Congress known as the 'National Firearms Act' approved June 26, 1934, contrary to the form of the statute in such case made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the United States.


They were guilty of not registering the gun, not paying the tax and not having the stamp.

That's it. That's all.

If you care to do the research you will find that Sections 1132D and 1132C don't mention the type of gun per se at all. They deal with paying the tax and registering the gun.

AOW classification doesn't matter in Miller.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:34:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
So .... we're good with this? Good. :D


I was always good with it. You seemed to be the one with questions.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:37:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I was always good with it. You seemed to be the one with questions.


Not seeing where they were intended to be "not good" with it. I got your why and it matched mine. See why comparing notes isn't always bad?*ShruG* Some just look way too hard for a fight that just .... ain't. Lighten up, Francis. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 08:37:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Bingolong,

I'm truly sorry you don't really study this stuff before you post. It would save a lot of electronic ink.

The point is Stevens manufactured it as a shotgun. The NFA merely classifies it as AOW. It's not illegal; it just requires registration/taxation.

You apparently still haven't figured out that owning an exact Miller-replica shotgun isn't illegal. It's merely a matter of registering it under the NFA and paying the transfer tax.  The length of the barrel once under 18" is pretty inconsequential. You can own one of any length under 18" as long as it is registered under the NFA and the tax paid.

Study hard and good luck to you!


Look I know all about it and visited a few threads on it. I know what it is and how it is classified. and yes to answer you it's a shotgun when I went looking for it how do you think I found it, feel better? I was trying to find shotguns in use by the military or before 1939.

But then again so is a 22 38 or a 44 or whatever can fire bird shot.

As far as the Stevens you can buy one of those for as little as 300 bucks provided it was registered in/or by 1968 otherwise  you could get a fine as I posted before. BATF Class 3 license required to purchase or subject to seizure made 1923-1934, it was also made in .22 and some others.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:38:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo

Intent of 2nd: Arlo says the national forefathers weren't intending to imply divine right of any specific form of weaponry personally desired and that the term "militia" (which was carefully woven into the rationalization behind the amendment) had no rational meaning if it was all just about an individual's right to own an assault weapon. Nor does Arlo think the term "well-regulated" was accidently penned in when what they really meant was "gun and knife show supplied or on sale at K-mart."

 


You DO remind me of Nash. Absolutely.

If I read that hodgepodge correctly, you and I disagree on the 2nd.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:41:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You DO remind me of Nash. Absolutely.

If I read that hodgepodge correctly, you and I disagree on the 2nd.


Mkay. *ShruG* I'm sure one (if you're not feeling up to it) or both of us (if you are) will survive this. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:42:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
I was trying to find shotguns in use by the military or before 1939.
 


IIRC, you were trying to find shotguns in use by the military on or about 1939.

That's pretty ludicrous in and of itself.

Shotguns, with barrels varying from pistol length to duck hunting length were used in every conflict from the American Revolution to the current affair in Iraq. The idea that short barreled shotguns (including pistol length; google Lemat revolver) are NOT historic US military weapons is laughable.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:43:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I'm sure one (if you're not feeling up to it) or both of us (if you are) will survive this. :)


Well, I'm certain I will. G'luck to ya.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:44:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Well, I'm certain I will. G'luck to ya.


No luck involved. I was practically born with superior coping skills. (relax Francis, I'm not singling you out in that statement. Maybe you have them too.);)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 08:50:14 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
IIRC, you were trying to find shotguns in use by the military on or about 1939.

That's pretty ludicrous in and of itself.

Shotguns, with barrels varying from pistol length to duck hunting length were used in every conflict from the American Revolution to the current affair in Iraq. The idea that short barreled shotguns (including pistol length; google Lemat revolver) are NOT historic US military weapons is laughable.



:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:50:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
IIRC, you were trying to find shotguns in use by the military on or about 1939.

That's pretty ludicrous in and of itself.

Shotguns, with barrels varying from pistol length to duck hunting length were used in every conflict from the American Revolution to the current affair in Iraq. The idea that short barreled shotguns (including pistol length; google Lemat revolver) are NOT historic US military weapons is laughable.


Trench clearing in WWI sticks out in my mind. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 08:52:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Trench clearing in WWI sticks out in my mind. ;)



yes it does I posted that very same back a few :) and a trench gun has a 20" barrel :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 08:55:24 PM
This is a thread about guns, gorramit! Why can't we just all get along! ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 08:58:53 PM
Bingolong, before you :aok  me, please understand that when I posted

"The idea that short barreled shotguns (including pistol length; google Lemat revolver) are NOT historic US military weapons is laughable. "

that means I find the US V Miller SCOTUS decision an incorrect ruling that is so wrong in so many ways I can only laugh at its absurdity.

Arlo, the 1897 Trench guns had "legal" barrels of over 18". Most were 20" but some were 18's. I have an 1897 riot gun with an 18"; used by the Federal Reserve until about 1970 and then sold off as surplus for $10. My dad should've bought ten of them. Anyway, the WW1 trench guns would not have been covered by the NFA. I'm sure Bingolong will be quick to point that out.

The entire militia aspect of the 2nd is misunderstood by those who don't think the 2nd is an individual right. A little study into the writings of the Founders and into the actual history of the amendment should be enough to set the SC on a course to settle this once and for all as an individual right.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 09:01:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Arlo, the 1897 Trench guns had "legal" barrels of over 18". Most were 20" but some were 18's. I have an 1897 riot gun with an 18"; used by the Federal Reserve until about 1970 and then sold off as surplus for $10. My dad should've bought ten of them. Anyway, the WW1 trench guns would not have been covered by the NFA. I'm sure Bingolong will be quick to point that out.


Again. We're not at odds here. I didn't whip anything out and measure it to prove anything. :)

p.s. Yes. Your dad shoulda.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 09:09:19 PM
Just pointing out that the 1897 trench (or the riot version) is not an NFA firearm. Bingolong beat me to the post though; not suprising. He seems entranced with the NFA although it has nothing to do with the 2nd and is actually correctly seen as a part of the tax code.

The 1897's do sometimes exhibit a rather disconcerting trait of going off now and then without anything touching the trigger if you slam the action closed.

Pays to be very careful where you are pointing it when you work the action.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 09:14:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Just pointing out that the 1897 trench (or the riot version) is not an NFA firearm. Bingolong beat me to the post though; not suprising. He seems entranced with the NFA although it has nothing to do with the 2nd and is actually correctly seen as a part of the tax code.

The 1897's do sometimes exhibit a rather disconcerting trait of going off now and then without anything touching the trigger if you slam the action closed.

Pays to be very careful where you are pointing it when you work the action.


Dad had a Spanish made pump that did that. I developed that habit at a young age as a result.

I should participate in the gun threads that aren't centered around debating the 2nd more. It's not like I've got tons of stories but I can relate.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 09:43:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Bingolong, before you :aok  me, please understand that when I posted

"The idea that short barreled shotguns (including pistol length; google Lemat revolver) are NOT historic US military weapons is laughable. "

that means I find the US V Miller SCOTUS decision an incorrect ruling that is so wrong in so many ways I can only laugh at its absurdity.

Arlo, the 1897 Trench guns had "legal" barrels of over 18". Most were 20" but some were 18's. I have an 1897 riot gun with an 18"; used by the Federal Reserve until about 1970 and then sold off as surplus for $10. My dad should've bought ten of them. Anyway, the WW1 trench guns would not have been covered by the NFA. I'm sure Bingolong will be quick to point that out.

The entire militia aspect of the 2nd is misunderstood by those who don't think the 2nd is an individual right. A little study into the writings of the Founders and into the actual history of the amendment should be enough to set the SC on a course to settle this once and for all as an individual right.


Thats just the point toad, you and laz find. Thats not what the courts find except 1. I have posted  ad nauseam  the laws of the militia and cases that back it up..
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 09:53:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Just pointing out that the 1897 trench (or the riot version) is not an NFA firearm. Bingolong beat me to the post though; not suprising. He seems entranced with the NFA although it has nothing to do with the 2nd and is actually correctly seen as a part of the tax code.

The 1897's do sometimes exhibit a rather disconcerting trait of going off now and then without anything touching the trigger if you slam the action closed.

Pays to be very careful where you are pointing it when you work the action.


I does have something to do with the 2nd where miller is concerned.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 09:55:43 PM
I have faith that this court ruling will find for individual rights.

I believe this because, as I said, any honest man of normal intelligence that actually reads the writings of the men that wrote the Constitution, that actually reads the history of the 2nd amendment as it was debated and finally approved, that actually studies the Bill of Rights as a whole can come to no other conclusion except that the 2nd delineates an individual right.

Oh, yeah... and one other thing. Unlike Miller, in this case BOTH sides of the argument will be heard.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 09:56:10 PM
It was tax laws that convicted Capone. Not tax laws covering "tommygun taxes," obviously ..... but .....
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 09:57:32 PM
The NFA is about excise taxes; end of story Bingolong.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 09:58:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
The NFA is about excise taxes; end of story Bingolong.



and registration
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 10:04:08 PM
Ha! The only reason you have to register is so they can make sure you pay the taxes.

It's not about the 2nd as I'm sure you would agree; that is the main point.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 10:09:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I have faith that this court ruling will find for individual rights.

I believe this because, as I said, any honest man of normal intelligence that actually reads the writings of the men that wrote the Constitution, that actually reads the history of the 2nd amendment as it was debated and finally approved, that actually studies the Bill of Rights as a whole can come to no other conclusion except that the 2nd delineates an individual right.


I understand that's your firm conviction but it comes across as rather condenscending and egotistical. If it was as simple as you claim and all it takes is "honesty, normal intelligence and familiarity with the U.S. constitution and the writings of those who penned and ratified it" (attempting to, as eloquently as possible, paraphrase your position) then you appear to present yourself as superior, regarding those qualifiers, to everyone that's worn the robes of a Supreme Court justice for over a century and had to deal with, debate, and rule on that article.

Emotionally tied or opposed to your views and desires, I cannot justify that much hubris cushioning my own opinion.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 10:10:44 PM
Thanks, Nash.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 10:12:54 PM
You're welcome, Laz. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 02, 2008, 10:28:36 PM
You honor me too much. I've met Laz and spent quite a bit of time with him at a Con. I hold him in high regard and count him amongst the more honest and perceptive individuals I know. Certainly far more so than most that post here.

As for your SC justices. Miller was a travesty of justice, with many obvious flaws. A short barreled shotgun NOT an historic US military arm? Come now.


US v Emerson in 2001 said it quite plainly.

Quote
We find that the history of the Second Amendment
reinforces the plain meaning of its text, namely that it protects
individual Americans in their right to keep and bear arms whether or not
they are a member of a select militia or performing active military
service or training.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 02, 2008, 10:32:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You honor me too much. I've met Laz and spent quite a bit of time with him at a Con. I hold him in high regard and count him amongst the more honest and perceptive individuals I know. Certainly far more so than most that post here.

As for your SC justices. Miller was a travesty of justice, with many obvious flaws. A short barreled shotgun NOT an historic US military arm? Come now.


US v Emerson in 2001 said it quite plainly.


The section under consideration, in our bill of rights, was
adopted in reference to these historical facts, and in this point
of view its language is most appropriate and expressive.  Its words
are, "the free white men of this state have a right to keep and
bear arms for their common defence." It, to be sure, asserts the
right much more broadly than the statute of William & Mary.  For
the right there asserted is subject to the disabilities contained
in the act of Charles II.  There, lords and esquires, and their
sons, and persons whose yearly income from land amounted to 100
pounds, were of suitable condition to keep arms.  But, with us,
every free white man is of suitable condition, and, therefore,
every free white man may keep and bear arms. But to keep and bear
arms for what?  If the history of the subject had left in doubt the
object for which the right is secured, the words that are employed
must completely remove that doubt.  It is declared that they may
keep and bear arms for their common defence.  The word "common,"
here used, means, according to Webster: 1. Belonging equally to
more than one, or to many indefinitely. 2. Belonging to the public.
3. General. 4. Universal. 5. Public.

The free white men may keep arms to protect the public
liberty, to keep in awe those who are in power, and to maintain the
supremacy of the laws and the constitution.  The words "bear arms,"
too, have reference to their military use, and were not employed to
mean wearing them about the person as part of the dress.  As the
object for which the right to keep and bear arms is secured is of
general and public nature, to be exercised by the people in a body,
for their common defence, so the arms the right to keep which is
secured are such as are usually employed in civilized warfare, and
that constitute the ordinary military equipment.  If the citizens
have these arms in their hands, they are prepared in the best
possible manner to repel any encroachments upon their rights by
those in authority.  They need not, for such a purpose, the use of
those weapons which are usually employed in private broils, and
which are efficient only in the hands of the robber and the
assassin.  These weapons would be useless in war.  They could not
be employed advantageously in the common defence of the citizens.
The right to keep and bear them is not, therefore, secured by the
constitution.
Aymette v. State of Tennessee, 2 Humph., Tenn., 154, 158.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 02, 2008, 10:45:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You "honor" me too much. I've met Laz and spent quite a bit of time with him at a Con. I hold him in high regard and count him amongst the more honest and perceptive individuals I know. Certainly far more so than most that post here.

 


Not like your Nash confusion is the worst insult I've ever heard. Guess I would actually have to understand the panty-wadding behind it to sympathize. Same can well be said about whether someone is or isn't a fan of a particular SCJ and whether it's based on emotion or logic. And .... well .... regarding Laz, I suppose perception really is one's reality bubble. Got nothing personal against the guy but I've not seen anything inspiring me to be his groupie or fanboy and I've certainly recognized his virtual penchant for imagining an argument into being. Maybe he avoids ADD better in person. I know I do. ;) *ShruG* :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 03, 2008, 08:51:50 AM
thanks toad..   great conversations.  

arlo..  sorry I upset you.   but..  this thing is getting a little far afield here.   Bsd pretty much seen it..  we try to argue one point and when you and bingie start to lose (you more than him) you go off on a tangent and claim victim status and that your opponents are getting angry at you personally

Never met you.   You seem a little flighty tho.

Bsd asked you to stick to the point..   the point in question was what you thought "collective rights" meant.. it is jibberish and it SEEMS that you admitted that it meant nothing more than each and every citizen.. or... another way of saying individual rights.

You then talked of the constitution being a "living document" and it SEEMS that you agree that the amendment process is the real mechanism for change and not judge activism.. that a judge is only allowed to interpret intent?

you jump to cars.   there are no laws stopping you from buying a car.   You do not have to register it and you can drive it without a licence and as fast as you want..  so long as it is on private property... many many cars have lived out their lives (or ended em) in such a manner.. cars are not a good example.. I am sure the founders would be happy with the way things are so far as cars.

So..  what are we really talking about?   do either you or bingie feel that the DC law is just and not an infringment?    

It is a ban.   you are good with this?  that is why we will not come to an agreement... any ruling that said it was fine for a city to ban guns is no "sensible" gun law.. or do you not agree?

I think you could understand why I am a little confused with yours and bingies opinion and what it means to me..   you both portray yourselves as "sensible" gun owners and profess to believe in the right of Americans to own firearms but...

I can't help wondering what guns I own today you would say I couldn't... I can't help wondering what new law that takes away guns I already own that you would find offensive.   It seems that no ban would be too great for you if you are alright with the DC one.

So tell us.... what gun laws do you think are "sensible" ones and why?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 03, 2008, 09:29:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Emotionally tied or opposed to your views and desires, I cannot justify that much hubris cushioning my own opinion.


How's your hubris on the Dred Scott, Plessy v Furgeson, Lum v Rice?

Bad decisions are bad decisions, no matter who wore the robes of a Supreme Court justice for over a century and had to deal with, debate, and rule on a particular issue.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 03, 2008, 11:05:08 AM
OH WELL.......................

Had pretty much decided that Arlo and Bing were just trolling and stopped replying.

Still pretty much hold that opinion.

The answers Arlo gives SEEM intended to irritate and annoy more then actually answer.

Nothing said by Arlo means much to me.  Due to the above.  Just figure he would rather insult and irritate rather then discuss.

:aok

Now he's probably gonna come back and say something in as oily and insulting a manner as he can think of.  WHICH IMHO makes him a troller looking to push buttons and create anger or at the very least irritation.

Hey Arlo No Problem I understand.  Best to you Sir.

Kinda sad really.  Thinkin maybe that sort of thing makes his whole day :confused:

Well they say it take all kinds AND there is an Amendment that says he has every right to state his opinion.

Wonder what his reaction would be if the 1st Amendment was having such negative activity?  (Not that it already isn't under attack, IMHO, it's just a little more subtle is all.)  (Thinkin maybe the anti-terroism laws may be used there?)

:rofl   Fully expect a reference to conspiracy nuts after I stated the above.  I find it sadly humerus that our rights are slowly being whittled away and soooo many keep ignoring that fact and side with those takin em away.  You know, the ones that keep sayin a it's a Living Document, and what they really mean is they want to change the meanings we have held so dear for over 200 years.

As to actually reading up on those Documents that Laz refers to...................

Many of our younger generations have already been worked on by our Public School Systems.  Very few are actually taught, or have ever read, the Preamble to the Constitution, or the Declaration of Independence.

And if any have ever actually read the documents left behind by our Founders they pretty much did so on their own, as the schools seem to work very hard to avoid those altogether.  Like they didn't exist or something.  Guess they don't like em?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Edbert on January 03, 2008, 11:20:04 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
But Jefferson wasn't the only architect and more than his opinion counts (or counted). Hence the nature of an amendable constitution and the design of the three branch government.

You are right there friend, but if you want to change part of the constitution the correct way to do it it is via an amendment, not having courts invent rights that are not enumerated and deny ones that are.

Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
Never met you.   You seem a little flighty tho.

I've met both of you, at separate cons, and consider you both as friends I'd have a beer or six with anytime. Speaking of which, has this year's con been announced?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 03, 2008, 11:40:04 AM
The question recurs, does the act, "To suppress the evil practice of carrying weapons secretly," trench upon the constitutional rights of the citizen? We think not. The constitution in declaring that, "Every citizen has the right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State," has neither expressly nor by implication, denied to the Legislature, the right to enact laws in regard to the manner in which arms shall be borne. The right guarantied to the citizen, is not to bear arms upon all occasions and in all places, but merely "in defence of himself and the State." The terms in which this provision is phrased seems to us, necessarily to leave with the Legislature the authority to adopt such regulations of police, as may be dictated by the safety of the people and the advancement of public morals. The statute of 1 Wm. and M. while it declares the right of the subject, it refers to Parliament to determine what arms shall be borne and how; while our constitution being silent as to the action of the Legislature, does not divest it of a power over the subject, which pertained to it independent of an express grant.

We do not desire to be understood as maintaining, that in regulating the manner of bearing arms, the authority of the Legislature has no other limit than its own discretion. A statute which, under the pretence of regulating, amounts to a destruction of the right, or which requires arms to be so borne as to render them wholly useless for the purpose of defence, would be clearly (p.617)unconstitutional. But a law which is intended merely to promote personal security, and to put down lawless aggression and violence, and to that end inhibits the wearing of certain weapons, in such a manner as is calculated to exert an unhappy influence upon the moral feelings of the wearer, by making him less regardful of the personal security of others, does not come in collision with the constitution.

The act of the 1st of February, 1839, "To suppress the evil practice of carrying weapons secretly," does not either directly, or indirectly tend to divest the citizen of the "right to bear arms in defence of himself and the State;" and is, therefore consistent with the 23d section of the 1 Art. of the constitution.

 Whether the peculiar terms employed in the Kentucky constitution, viz: "That the right of the citizens to bear arms, &c. shall not be questioned," influenced to any extent, the conclusion of the court, that the right could not be regulated, but must remain as it was at the time of its adoption, we are not prepared to say. Yet we are strongly inclined to believe, that the inhibition to question the right, was regarded as more potent than a mere afirmative declaration, intended to secure it to the citizen; and that while the one amounted to a denial of the right to legislate on the subject, the other would tolerate legislation to any extent which did not actually or in its consequences destroy the right to bear arms.



THE STATE V. REID.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 03, 2008, 02:52:03 PM
bingie... you seem to want to have it both ways.. now you quote a judgement that pretty much says that no one can stop you from "bearing arms" so long as you do it out in the open... in any case.. it most certainly seems to point to an individual right to bear arms.

As I have said.. the state should and could have the right to restrict the manner that guns were carried or kept so long as it did not infringe on your individual right to "keep and bear arms"

The DC problem is that a firearm that is in pieces and locked up with no ammo is not a firearm according (rightly so) to the court and as such.. an infringement.

Some states say... no open carry and others say any open carry but no concealed carry... it is a matter of taste more than anything and no real benifiet has ever been shown in prohibiting one or the other.

with one exception... during wild west days.. where the duel was still popular.. open carry was tantamount to admitting that you were willing to participate in a gunfight..  open carry was prohibited but so far as anyone can tell.. concealed carry was not.   This really did cut down on the number of barroom challenges.

In any case.. we will have to see.   No matter how much the court points out that our INDIVIDUAL right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed tho...  that does not mean that destructive devices or explosives can not be regulated.

My beef with yours and arlos thinking is that neither of you can see past the end of your nose on the thing.    You would downgrade the right to a simple whim of the state.   That was not the original intent nor.. is it a good path to go down.   Turn "the people" into "the state" and there are no more individual rights for anyone or anything.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:35:01 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
arlo..  sorry I upset you.[1]   but..  this thing is getting a little far afield here.   Bsd pretty much seen it..  we try to argue one point and when you and bingie start to lose (you more than him) you go off on a tangent and claim victim status and that your opponents are getting angry at you personally[2]

Never met you.   You seem a little flighty tho.[3]

Bsd asked you to stick to the point..   the point in question was what you thought "collective rights" meant.. it is jibberish and it SEEMS that you admitted that it meant nothing more than each and every citizen.. or... another way of saying individual rights.[4]

You then talked of the constitution being a "living document" and it SEEMS that you agree that the amendment process is the real mechanism for change and not judge activism.. that a judge is only allowed to interpret intent?[5]

you jump to cars.   there are no laws stopping you from buying a car.   You do not have to register it and you can drive it without a licence and as fast as you want..  so long as it is on private property... many many cars have lived out their lives (or ended em) in such a manner.. cars are not a good example.. I am sure the founders would be happy with the way things are so far as cars.[6]

So..  what are we really talking about?   do either you or bingie feel that the DC law is just and not an infringment?  

It is a ban.   you are good with this?  that is why we will not come to an agreement... any ruling that said it was fine for a city to ban guns is no "sensible" gun law.. or do you not agree?[7]

I think you could understand why I am a little confused with yours and bingies opinion and what it means to me..   you both portray yourselves as "sensible" gun owners and profess to believe in the right of Americans to own firearms but...

I can't help wondering what guns I own today you would say I couldn't... I can't help wondering what new law that takes away guns I already own that you would find offensive.   It seems that no ban would be too great for you if you are alright with the DC one.[8]

So tell us.... what gun laws do you think are "sensible" ones and why?[9]

lazs


[1] Sorry you percieve so.

[2] The irony of your claim is not lost.

[3] Likewise.

[4] I cited precident and wrote it out plainly. You seeing it as jibberish isn't my problem.

[5] Seems? The whole "judge activism" buzz phrase is only complaining that every ruling doesn't always flop your way. I've accepted that reality and I accept the system. I even know how to work within it. And I even don't have to resort to reinterpreting and reinventing to complain how broken it is by whinging about activist judges and my superior knowledge of the constitution.

[6] No. I use the example oft given by hyper-"conservatives." The car correlation was never my invention. You can own as many legal guns on private property as you want, as well. Tanks to drive around may require a special process to aquire but you can get them, too. You still seem confused over my acceptance of arms regulations and my supposed desire to take all your guns away from you.

[7] Still weaving straw? Where did you imagine I said the DC situation was the model for utopia? If you could recall (not that you noticed during) I said the DC situation is not a universal. I believe I used the specific phrase "local anomoly." Do you know what "anomoly" means?

[8] You are confused. If I challenge how poorly one puts together their argument and they hop to a rock believing I'm all things bad to them now, well ....

[9] At the "risk" of repeating myself for the umpteenth millionth time: I have no problem with gun ownership. I love guns every bit as much as you do. The feel of raw power in my hand. Thunder at my fingertips. Skill at hitting a fixed or moving target. The fun of fast draw. I also have no problem with gun registration and a background check. "Gun control" (regulation) does not equate to gun elimination. That's the hyperbole that makes some arguments stupid (and some crusaders seem to work really hard at it) before they begin.

A registered gun defends you as well as an unregistered one. The drawback? All I can see is it's easier to track if you (or I) unpredictably crack and shoot a convenience store clerk for taking too long to give us our change. That and you'd actually have to wait for a criminal to use their weapon on someone before taking it away even IF the p.o. had reasonable intent on his side when stopping the possessor prior to the crime ... if the right to guns outweighed the right to life and tranquility. A registered and licensed firearm? No warrants? No prior felonies? Sorry for the inconvenience, sir .... have a nice day.

Background check? I have no problem there. YMMV. Why should I champion the "right" of someone who fails one because it came back that they're a convicted felon or that they're currently under psychiatric care for schizophrenia?

Some rights really aren't practically universal. And do you subscribe to the idea that rights cannot be forfeit when one exhibits criminal or anti-social tendency?

Saved them all for last: :D :cool: :aok ;) :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:37:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
How's your hubris on the Dred Scott, Plessy v Furgeson, Lum v Rice?

Bad decisions are bad decisions, no matter who wore the robes of a Supreme Court justice for over a century and had to deal with, debate, and rule on a particular issue.


And opinions on what's a good or bad decision are as worthwhile as opinions on a "good" or "bad" call during the superbowl from your easy chair. Then there's the practicality of recognizing the good thing about having a system that can constantly review itself, even if you don't like the rulings that happen during the process. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:38:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
OH WELL.......................

Had pretty much decided that Arlo and Bing were just trolling and stopped replying.

Still pretty much hold that opinion.



That's the easy and convenient route to take when supplying an actual rational argument gets too hard to handle, I reckon. :D

Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Now he's probably gonna come back and say something in as oily and insulting a manner as he can think of. WHICH IMHO makes him a troller looking to push buttons and create anger or at the very least irritation.

Hey Arlo No Problem I understand. Best to you Sir.


You're welcome. And to you, too, sir. Good luck with the bi-polar issues.
:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:42:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Edbert
I've met both of you, at separate cons, and consider you both as friends I'd have a beer or six with anytime. Speaking of which, has this year's con been announced?


N'yet. But I'm all for it. I think there's a petition going around to have MREs at the next one (that's how rumors start .... sometimes more). ;)

Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:45:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
My beef with yours and arlos thinking is that neither of you can see past the end of your nose on the thing.


And I'm sure you're surprised or fail to see that's how you're percieved by many in return. *ShruG*

It's not a crisis and there's too many anxious to connect dots way down the line yet to fret about. I never understood why it rated a minimum of one new thread a week (kudos on coming back to this one and practicing effective recycling). :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 03, 2008, 03:49:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie... you seem to want to have it both ways.. now you quote a judgement that pretty much says that no one can stop you from "bearing arms" so long as you do it out in the open... in any case.. it most certainly seems to point to an individual right to bear arms.

As I have said.. the state should and could have the right to restrict the manner that guns were carried or kept so long as it did not infringe on your individual right to "keep and bear arms"

The DC problem is that a firearm that is in pieces and locked up with no ammo is not a firearm according (rightly so) to the court and as such.. an infringement.

Some states say... no open carry and others say any open carry but no concealed carry... it is a matter of taste more than anything and no real benifiet has ever been shown in prohibiting one or the other.

with one exception... during wild west days.. where the duel was still popular.. open carry was tantamount to admitting that you were willing to participate in a gunfight..  open carry was prohibited but so far as anyone can tell.. concealed carry was not.   This really did cut down on the number of barroom challenges.

In any case.. we will have to see.   No matter how much the court points out that our INDIVIDUAL right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed tho...  that does not mean that destructive devices or explosives can not be regulated.

My beef with yours and arlos thinking is that neither of you can see past the end of your nose on the thing.    You would downgrade the right to a simple whim of the state.   That was not the original intent nor.. is it a good path to go down.   Turn "the people" into "the state" and there are no more individual rights for anyone or anything.

lazs



really I was pointing out that gun control started a mere 25 years after the constitution. Its not some recent development to regulate your rights. and the more feared weapon of the time was a knife  rather than a gun.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 03:52:32 PM
The country went to pot when they outlawed dueling in the street, man. Those were the days. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 03, 2008, 04:56:16 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
And opinions on what's a good or bad decision are as worthwhile as opinions on a "good" or "bad" call during the superbowl from your easy chair. Then there's the practicality of recognizing the good thing about having a system that can constantly review itself, even if you don't like the rulings that happen during the process. :)



Nice dodge.

I suppose someone would have been exhibiting hubris if they had questioned the decisions in the Scott, Plessy and Lum cases at the and said that someday the obvious mistakes would be rectified in a later SC decision. Perhaps when Brown v Board of Education was first put on the SC docket, for instance.

I don't mind a system that has appeal to judicial review. However, I do prefer that those who want to change what the Constitution clearly says use the amendment system that is provided rather than making stuff up.

Like attempting to change the Constitution by pretending that a short-barreled shotgun is not a military weapon; that doesn't fit my understanding of a fair review. Of course, neither does rendering a verdict when one side of the case is not represented and not heard.

If some think the 2nd is not an individual right, I'm fine with those folks putting forth a Constitutional amendment removing that right and trying to get it ratified. That would be the correct procedure.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 05:18:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Nice dodge.

I suppose someone would have been exhibiting hubris if they had questioned the decisions in the Scott, Plessy and Lum cases at the and said that someday the obvious mistakes would be rectified in a later SC decision. Perhaps when Brown v Board of Education was first put on the SC docket, for instance.

I don't mind a system that has appeal to judicial review. However, I do prefer that those who want to change what the Constitution clearly says use the amendment system that is provided rather than making stuff up.

Like attempting to change the Constitution by pretending that a short-barreled shotgun is not a military weapon; that doesn't fit my understanding of a fair review. Of course, neither does rendering a verdict when one side of the case is not represented and not heard.

If some think the 2nd is not an individual right, I'm fine with those folks putting forth a Constitutional amendment removing that right and trying to get it ratified. That would be the correct procedure.


Dodge? Nope. Hubris does seem to fall within the range of someone having an opinion of themselves as superior in knowledge of Constitutional law than all the SCs to date who've studied, debated and ruled on the Second Amendment, since the matter isn't settled to thier liking, yet.

The SC interprets the validity of legislation as related to the Constitution. That's it's function. That's what it's done, is doing and hopefully will ever do. Ruling on cases brought before them is not "activism" in any way shape or form. Complaining that the rulings aren't what you wanted then harping that the amendment ruled on "clearly states" your opinion on what you want it to mean isn't productively working within the system.

Why don't you help devise a campaign/candidate (or group of) that devote themselves to amending the Constitution (which is also a method of clarifying previous amendments) until it's as clear and unavoidable to the SCOTUS as it "is" to you? Until then, sorry .... we have a Supreme Court that will rule on anything anyone else with "superior knowledge" of the Constitution puts before them.

My admitting I don't have an inclination to present myself as the world's bestest expert on the Constitution and law, possessing the eye that sees the clearest meaning of all things, must be a bad thing ... in some eyes ... but, yaknow, doesn't seem to bother me as much as my challenging your claim to such bothers you.

Carry on. :D

(How's that "dodge?" ;))
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 03, 2008, 05:25:39 PM
just a small point, the SC has made wrong decisions in the past, and they can be expected to do so in the future.

It is the duty of the people to correct the SC when they make a mistake.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 03, 2008, 11:53:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
just a small point, the SC has made wrong decisions in the past, and they can be expected to do so in the future.

It is the duty of the people to correct the SC when they make a mistake.


Not seein' you pick up on the whole "opinions differ but the real opinions that count in a ruling are those of the Justices nominated by the POTUS and confirmed by the Senate" obvious fact thingie but .....

The people are represented in Congress and that's where legislation happens. I'm generally amused by the complaint that the other side isn't "using the system correctly" when those complaining about it can't seem to figure the system out, themselves. It's not that much a mystery but it's surely a lazy method to complain that "the SC just ain't fair cause they're not listening to how much more I know about the Constitution than they do!" then recommend the side that isn't having issues with the ruling amend the Constitution instead of accepting the ruling as rendered.

;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 04, 2008, 12:04:24 PM
bingie..  again.. you have shifted points.   I have never said that politicians have not tried to enforce gun control from the minute of the first matchlock..   some countries they did a really good job in fact.   that is why our founders put the second amendment into the constitution.

Now.. you seem to be willing to give up one of your (and everyone elses) rights because it is not one of the ones you particularly care about.

england has a "collective rights" model.. if such a thing exists.. they have a "right" to keep and bear arms so long as the government says so.

This worked out ok for them for a pretty long time.   I mean... who in their right mind would "ban" guns?  the brits who thought the politicians would come after their guns were just paranoid right?   I mean... what is the worst that can happen and why fight a few "sensible" gun laws?

You seem to think that our second is made of the same toilet paper that the brits "right to keep and bear arms" is made of..

I certainly hope not.   it would mean all the others are too... it would set a precident for all the amendments that used "the people" to really just mean.. the state.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 04, 2008, 03:55:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie..  again.. you have shifted points.   I have never said that politicians have not tried to enforce gun control from the minute of the first matchlock..   some countries they did a really good job in fact.   that is why our founders put the second amendment into the constitution.

Now.. you seem to be willing to give up one of your (and everyone elses) rights because it is not one of the ones you particularly care about.

england has a "collective rights" model.. if such a thing exists.. they have a "right" to keep and bear arms so long as the government says so.

This worked out ok for them for a pretty long time.   I mean... who in their right mind would "ban" guns?  the brits who thought the politicians would come after their guns were just paranoid right?   I mean... what is the worst that can happen and why fight a few "sensible" gun laws?

You seem to think that our second is made of the same toilet paper that the brits "right to keep and bear arms" is made of..

I certainly hope not.   it would mean all the others are too... it would set a precident for all the amendments that used "the people" to really just mean.. the state.

lazs


Laz for the most part I agree with you on the second amendment, just because I can argue for the other side means nada. I dont want them to take your guns from you for the 5th time. I just want them to define the unorganized militia, what ever it is, okay? The law as it is supports it
What you want is for them to just say the unorganized militia is everyone on gods green earth, what you have been saying about it. Neither Side want to fully delete the 2nd or even try to amend it. Thats why I say the Militia is the sweet spot.
 
Okay laz I'll try to shift gears and make your argument for you. Have not researched it yet but I think you can make a better case using other amendments rather than trying to reley on the 5th cir. or emmerson or the 2nd solely...plus so many cases have gone with the collective view and have based there arguments on the same{the history, founders etc} ....so maybe another path or new argument is needed. Like the 4th, 5th, 10th, or 14th or all four. Now just winging it here have to look and see.  


Far as the laws
Toss in  no machine guns and a ban on anything that can be converted in 12 mins to full auto and I will be happy. As I said before, thought should be put into redesign that will not infringe your rights. So maybe that could be mentioned as well.... dadada by the year xxxx guns are to be revised.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Charon on January 04, 2008, 04:45:28 PM
DC just filed it's brief. It can be downloaded here:

http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/uncategorized/petitioners-brief-in-dc-guns-case-now-available/

Haven't read through it yet, but apparently not much new. A discussion on it can be found at THR here:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=328612

Charon
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 04, 2008, 05:04:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Hubris does seem to fall within the range of someone having an opinion of themselves as superior in knowledge of Constitutional law than all the SCs to date
[/b]

I personally find it amusing that so many people think of the Constitution as some cosmicly complicated, inscrutable arcane piece of writing that only some first-in-his-class Harvard law grad that grew up to be an SC justice can understand.

Oh, sure, some issues are really complex. Many others, however, are not.

I think it pays to remember that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written by farmers, merchants and sure, a few lawyers. For the most part they all had far less formal education on fewer subjects than the university grads that frequent this board.

They had one thing though that a lot of people on this board don't have. They had the balls to fight for their freedom from an oppressive government and the brains to devise a better system after they had won that freedom. The unifying aspect of all their divisive debates in creating this government was FREEDOM. Every aspect of their new form of government revolved around providing as much freedom as possible to the individual and as much restraint as possible on government power over the individual.

Bearing that in mind, one is never far wrong in deciding a Constitutional issue with the intent to provide as much freedom to the individual as possible while restraining the power of the government.

Does one need to be "superior in knowledge of Constitutional law" to determine the right decision in simple constitutional issues?

Hardly. If someone told you that Congress had just passed a law prohibiting Catholics from attending mass under penalty of imprisonment, just about any US citizen would realize that as a gross violation of the 1st Amendment before the issue ever reached the SC.

And you don't have to go far into the past to see such issues that have been incorrectly decided by the SC.

Medical marijuana, Raich v. Ashcroft, is one such decision. They found the Feds could take precedence over local marijuana laws based on the Commerce Clause which gives the government the following "limited" power..."to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;".

It's an uncredible, unbelieveable reach to find that growing your own for medical purposes threatens to swell the illicit drug market. It would seem to reduce the numbers of customers, not increase them.

It is an obviously incorrect usurpation of state power by the Feds. The amazing thing is the LIBERAL SC justices, whom you think would be less worried about medical marijuana, supported this government power grab whilst the Conservative judges, those you would think most likely to be favor government control over any illicit drug issue were against it.

Another obviously bad decision was Kelo v City of New London, which gave local government the power to force property owners to sell out and make way for private economic development when officials decide it would benefit the public, even if the property is not blighted and the new project's success is not guaranteed.

Say WHAT?  The framers of the Constitution must have spun in their graves over that one. This is the freedom they fought for? A government that can steal your home, forcibly shifting land from one private owner to another?

Does this follow the intent of more freedom for the individual and restraint on the powers of government? I don't think so and I think that is obvious to even the most casual observer. This is the sort of judicial activism that many decry, that is clearly outside Constitutional intent.

If this be hubris, then it is hubris in the fine tradition of the men that had the audacity to rebel against England and create this experiment in government.

Quote
Why don't you help devise a campaign/candidate (or group of) that devote themselves to amending the Constitution (which is also a method of clarifying previous amendments) until it's as clear and unavoidable to the SCOTUS as it "is" to you?
[/b]

As I mentioned before, Ii believe anyone that takes the time to read the writings of the Founders on firearms, that takes the time to read the history of the 2nd Amendment as it came to ratification, that takes the time to research the meaning of "the people" in the rest of the Constitution comes to the inescapable conclusion that the militia clause is a dependent clause. It can be no other way. All that is need is honesty. There are always those that will attempt to twist simple words, to convince the sheep that white is actually black, that will attempt to twist the Constitution to suit their own purposes. Again, which version of the 2nd gives the individual MORE freedom and restrains government power? It's not that difficult to determine.


Quote
doesn't seem to bother me as much as my challenging your claim to such
[/b]

Doesn't bother me in the least. I don't think I'm the world's best Constitutional scholar. I do, however, think I have the common sense and basic understanding of the English language necessary to read history and interpret a pretty simple statement in the Bill of Rights.

Tell me, does this seem to difficult to understand to you?

Quote
No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger;


Seems pretty clear to me.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bsdaddict on January 04, 2008, 05:37:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad


I personally find it amusing that so many people think of the Constitution as some cosmicly complicated, inscrutable arcane piece of writing that only some first-in-his-class Harvard law grad that grew up to be an SC justice can understand.

Oh, sure, some issues are really complex. Many others, however, are not.

I think it pays to remember that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written by farmers, merchants and sure, a few lawyers. For the most part they all had far less formal education on fewer subjects than the university grads that frequent this board.

They had one thing though that a lot of people on this board don't have. They had the balls to fight for their freedom from an oppressive government and the brains to devise a better system after they had won that freedom. The unifying aspect of all their divisive debates in creating this government was FREEDOM. Every aspect of their new form of government revolved around providing as much freedom as possible to the individual and as much restraint as possible on government power over the individual.

Bearing that in mind, one is never far wrong in deciding a Constitutional issue with the intent to provide as much freedom to the individual as possible while restraining the power of the government.

Does one need to be "superior in knowledge of Constitutional law" to determine the right decision in simple constitutional issues?

Hardly. If someone told you that Congress had just passed a law prohibiting Catholics from attending mass under penalty of imprisonment, just about any US citizen would realize that as a gross violation of the 1st Amendment before the issue ever reached the SC.

And you don't have to go far into the past to see such issues that have been incorrectly decided by the SC.

Medical marijuana, Raich v. Ashcroft, is one such decision. They found the Feds could take precedence over local marijuana laws based on the Commerce Clause which gives the government the following "limited" power..."to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes;".

It's an uncredible, unbelieveable reach to find that growing your own for medical purposes threatens to swell the illicit drug market. It would seem to reduce the numbers of customers, not increase them.

It is an obviously incorrect usurpation of state power by the Feds. The amazing thing is the LIBERAL SC justices, whom you think would be less worried about medical marijuana, supported this government power grab whilst the Conservative judges, those you would think most likely to be favor government control over any illicit drug issue were against it.

Another obviously bad decision was Kelo v City of New London, which gave local government the power to force property owners to sell out and make way for private economic development when officials decide it would benefit the public, even if the property is not blighted and the new project's success is not guaranteed.

Say WHAT?  The framers of the Constitution must have spun in their graves over that one. This is the freedom they fought for? A government that can steal your home, forcibly shifting land from one private owner to another?

Does this follow the intent of more freedom for the individual and restraint on the powers of government? I don't think so and I think that is obvious to even the most casual observer. This is the sort of judicial activism that many decry, that is clearly outside Constitutional intent.

If this be hubris, then it is hubris in the fine tradition of the men that had the audacity to rebel against England and create this experiment in government.

[/b]

As I mentioned before, Ii believe anyone that takes the time to read the writings of the Founders on firearms, that takes the time to read the history of the 2nd Amendment as it came to ratification, that takes the time to research the meaning of "the people" in the rest of the Constitution comes to the inescapable conclusion that the militia clause is a dependent clause. It can be no other way. All that is need is honesty. There are always those that will attempt to twist simple words, to convince the sheep that white is actually black, that will attempt to twist the Constitution to suit their own purposes. Again, which version of the 2nd gives the individual MORE freedom and restrains government power? It's not that difficult to determine.


[/b]

Doesn't bother me in the least. I don't think I'm the world's best Constitutional scholar. I do, however, think I have the common sense and basic understanding of the English language necessary to read history and interpret a pretty simple statement in the Bill of Rights.

Tell me, does this seem to difficult to understand to you?

 

Seems pretty clear to me. [/B]
hear hear!  :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 04, 2008, 08:03:25 PM
ARGUMENT
I. THE SECOND AMENDMENT PROTECTS ONLY MILITIA-RELATED FIREARM RIGHTS.
Almost seventy years ago, this Court held that “[w]ith obvious purpose to assure the continuation and render possible the effectiveness of [the state-regulated militias] the declaration and guarantee of the Second Amendment were made. It must be inter-preted and applied with that end in view.” Miller, 307 U.S. at 178. The text and history of the Second Amendment confirm that the right it protects is the
12
right to keep and bear arms as part of a well-regulated militia, not to possess guns for private pur-poses. The Second Amendment does not support re-spondent’s claim of entitlement to firearms for self-defense.
A. The Language Of The Entire Amendment Is Naturally Read To Protect The Keeping And Bearing Of Arms Only In Service Of A Well-Regulated Militia.
1. Both clauses of the Second Amendment, read separately or together, establish the Amendment’s ex-clusively military purpose.
“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, . . . ”
Unique in the Bill of Rights, the Second Amend-ment begins by stating the reason for its existence: to support a “well regulated Militia.” Militias are the state- and congressionally-regulated military forces described in the Militia Clauses (art. I, § 8, cls.15-16). Their function is to safeguard the states and to be available “to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” Id.; Miller, 307 U.S. at 178; see also U.S. Const. art. II, § 2 (President commands “the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States”), amend. V (cases arising in “the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger” excepted from grand jury requirement).
The words “well regulated” underscore that the “Militia” contemplated by the Framers were organized and trained fighting forces. As Miller explained, a mi-litia is a “body of citizens enrolled for military disci-
13
pline.”

Laz?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 04, 2008, 11:30:17 PM
as i said before the SC is not always right, IE dred scott.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 05, 2008, 11:00:25 AM
bingie... sorry.. where did you get that arguement?   it is wrong.

If the "well regulated militia" is a reason then..   it is fair to say that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" is the purpose.

The reason could be anything..  it could be.. "a profit to gunstores being... "   it matters not.. if you ever want a well regulated militia... you can't infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

No matter how you cut it..  "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" means just what it says.

What do I hope?   I hope that part will come out in the DC decision.. I know that all gun laws will not go away but...

DC is functionally removing the right by not allowing a real firearm.. it is infringing on our right to keep and bear (functional) arms.

I really hope that a city who said.. "you cant carry guns openly in town" would then be forced to say that concealed was allowed.. as you would not be functionally disarmed if you could carry concealed...

By the same token.. if you outlawed handguns and open carry.. your rights would be infringed since you could not functionally carry a long gun concealed.

It is pretty simple stuff and the states have been playing fast and loose with our right to keep and bear arms for decades...

Time to reign em in a bit.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 11:17:35 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
bingie... sorry.. where did you get that arguement?   it is wrong.

If the "well regulated militia" is a reason then..   it is fair to say that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" is the purpose.

The reason could be anything..  it could be.. "a profit to gunstores being... "   it matters not.. if you ever want a well regulated militia... you can't infringe on the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

No matter how you cut it..  "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" means just what it says.

What do I hope?   I hope that part will come out in the DC decision.. I know that all gun laws will not go away but...

DC is functionally removing the right by not allowing a real firearm.. it is infringing on our right to keep and bear (functional) arms.

I really hope that a city who said.. "you cant carry guns openly in town" would then be forced to say that concealed was allowed.. as you would not be functionally disarmed if you could carry concealed...

By the same token.. if you outlawed handguns and open carry.. your rights would be infringed since you could not functionally carry a long gun concealed.

It is pretty simple stuff and the states have been playing fast and loose with our right to keep and bear arms for decades...

Time to reign em in a bit.

lazs


Laz... you can go read the whole thing here. I have. I'll reserve comment.
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/petitioners-brief-in-dc-v-heller.pdf
Edit: Charon posted it just a few posts up and I think you should read the whole thing.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 11:35:31 AM
The commentary BBS is fun to read.

Quote
1. They didn't address the QUESTION posed by the Court.
2. They affirmed the right of DC residents to own rifles/shotguns.
3. They affirmed the right of DC residents to have ready-to-use arms in the home, and that their goal was not disarmament.
4. They affirmed that disarmament by government is a "bad thing."
5. They affirmed that military-class weaponry is suitable to the militia.

Anyone wonder why DC counsel for this case was fired after the brief was filed?


Well, it will be interesting and it is long overdue.

More liberty or more government power; time to choose.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 11:37:13 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
The commentary BBS is fun to read.



Well, it will be interesting and it is long overdue.

More liberty or more government power; time to choose.


What about the militia there Toad? You two swore upside down and backwards it wasnt about it?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 11:42:19 AM
Bingolong, I truly am sorry, but I just don't feel you even understand the question posed by the SC. It's not like it hasn't been pointed out in this thread several times though.

You DO realize the counsel for the District's postion was fired after filing the brief with the SC to overturn the lower court's ruling right? The city FIRED him for filing this brief.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 11:44:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Bingolong, I truly am sorry, but I just don't feel you even understand the question posed by the SC. It's not like it hasn't been pointed out in this thread several times though.


that your sorry? yes, did you even read DC's argument Toad?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 11:45:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
You DO realize the counsel for the District's postion was fired after filing the brief with the SC to overturn the lower court's ruling right? The city FIRED him for filing this brief.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 11:46:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad


Tell that to the SC? Sorry your honors we fired that mofo, lets just all fuhgetaboutit eh?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 11:51:40 AM
Quote
Peter Nickles, Fenty's soon-to-be interim attorney general, described his legal team as the "superheroes of Supreme Court practice." Nickles fired Alan Morrison, who wrote much of the brief as counsel to former Attorney General Linda Singer, in late December.



Must have fired him for doing such a good job on the brief as noted above.

The justices chose their own wording for what they want to decide in the Heller case.

What do you think the SC will say to DC's attorneys about not answering the question in the brief? You think the SC enjoys being snowed with unrelated blather instead of getting a direct answer to their question?

It will be interesting. You might want to research the actual question the SC posed in Heller; it will help you as this case unfolds I think.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 11:52:42 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Must have fired him for doing such a good job on the brief as noted above.

The justices chose their own wording for what they want to decide in the Heller case.

What do you think the SC will say to DC's attorneys about not answering the question in the brief? You think the SC enjoys being snowed with unrelated blather instead of getting a direct answer to their question?

It will be interesting. You might want to research the actual question the SC posed in Heller; it will help you as this case unfolds I think.



once more :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 05, 2008, 02:17:53 PM
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peter Nickles, Fenty's soon-to-be interim attorney general, described his legal team as the "superheroes of Supreme Court practice." Nickles fired Alan Morrison, who wrote much of the brief as counsel to former Attorney General Linda Singer, in late December.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Must have fired him for doing such a good job on the brief as noted above.

The justices chose their own wording for what they want to decide in the Heller case.

What do you think the SC will say to DC's attorneys about not answering the question in the brief? You think the SC enjoys being snowed with unrelated blather instead of getting a direct answer to their question?

It will be interesting. You might want to research the actual question the SC posed in Heller; it will help you as this case unfolds I think.



Morrison, who has argued 20 cases before the high court, had been hired by then-AG Linda Singer, who resigned two weeks ago. Morrison suggested to the WaPo that he was fired as part of a feud between Nickles and Singer.

D.C.’s 15,000-word brief is scheduled to be filed with the Supremes tomorrow, reports the WaPo, and Morrison had already been practicing for oral argument. AG Nickles said yesterday that a team of lawyers helping with the case — including iPhone expert Tom Goldstein of Akin Gump and Walter Dellinger of O’Melveny (and Duke Law) — would remain on board. Nickles, who used to work at Covington, also hinted that he might employ the services of his former colleague Robert Long.

“The brief we are submitting is a "fabulous brief", a winning brief by a great team,” Nickles told the WaPo. “We will not miss a step. . . . Alan is a very good lawyer, but I decided to move in a different direction. It’s not as if one person is indispensable.”

David Vladeck, a Georgetown Law professor and the brother of the suddenly ubiquitous NY employment lawyer Anne Vladeck, begs to differ. “This is a case that requires an unusual amount of preparation because one of the issues comes back to, ‘What did those folks who wrote the Bill of Rights really mean when they wrote the Second Amendment?’ ” Vladeck, a friend of Morrison, told the WaPo. “In addition to needing a good lawyer and appellate advocate, you need someone who has immersed himself in very complex historical sources. Alan has been doing that for two or three months by now. Whoever takes over this case will start many, many, many laps behind where we ought to be.”

"This is not something I sought or expected," Dellinger says, but he agreed to Nickles' offer, first made to him on Wednesday night, to help the city. Dellinger had never met Nickles before and says he does not know why Morrison was fired. "Alan is a truly exceptional lawyer," says Dellinger, adding that he hopes to "reach out" to Morrison for his insights on the case as he prepares for oral argument.


Your eyes must be brown Toad?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 03:45:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad


I personally find it amusing that so many people think of the Constitution as some cosmicly complicated, inscrutable arcane piece of writing that only some first-in-his-class Harvard law grad that grew up to be an SC justice can understand.



I find it equally amusing that some prize their opinion (and refuse to accept it as such) on meaning more than those vested with the responsibility of rendering the rulings. Even more than noteworthy scholars.

Quote
Originally posted by Toad

If this be hubris, then it is hubris in the fine tradition of the men that had the audacity to rebel against England and create this experiment in government.


You sure `bout that? If so, apparently I hold our forefathers in higher regard than you:

Hubris
Noun
1. Overbearing pride or presumption.

(No other definition provided)

http://www.websters-dictionary-online.org/definition/hubris

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 03:53:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
as i said before the SC is not always right, IE dred scott.


As I said before, just because it's your opinion that doesn't make it a universal fact. Whether I agree or not, try not to confuse the two. It makes it so much easier to actually have a productive debate with another. That or you can just whine "troll" because you weren't entirely agreed with or because someone critisized your method of argument.

You're welcome. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 05:28:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo

You sure `bout that? If so, apparently I hold our forefathers in higher regard than you:


I think the Brits viewed it as extreme hubris. The other side always does. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 05:32:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I find it equally amusing that some prize their opinion (and refuse to accept it as such) on meaning more than those vested with the responsibility of rendering the rulings. Even more than noteworthy scholars.
 


More individual freedom or more government power? Which would the Founders favor?

No comment on Raich v Ashcroft or Kelo v City of New London? Nothing to add to your previous comments on judicial activism? Or do you agree with those rulings?

And if the Congress banned the practice of the Catholic religion would you think that was unconstitutional? Would you be certain about it either way?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 05, 2008, 06:00:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
As I said before, just because it's your opinion that doesn't make it a universal fact. Whether I agree or not, try not to confuse the two. It makes it so much easier to actually have a productive debate with another. That or you can just whine "troll" because you weren't entirely agreed with or because someone critisized your method of argument.

You're welcome. :D


what did he just say? :huh
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 06:10:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
More individual freedom or more government power? Which would the Founders favor?


Federalists favored the latter .. confederalists the former.

Quote
Originally posted by Toad
No comment on Raich v Ashcroft or Kelo v City of New London? Nothing to add to your previous comments on judicial activism? Or do you agree with those rulings?


My agreement or disagreement does not a SC judge make of me. I've got no problem with someone voicing that in their opinion they believe a ruling was wrong and their basis for such but I don't much see anyone who claims superior knowledge regarding the second amendment because the interpretation under debate by judges and scholars for over a century (or more) is "obviously plain" .... to them (and anyone in disagreement is obviously not honest or capable of average intelligence). That's a lazy (and, quite frankly, insecure) method of argument.

If you feel you have a convincing case, form it officially and present. But I'm fairly sure presenting "Well, ain't it obvious or are you guys stupid?" ain't gonna make much headway. :D

There is no such thing as "judicial activism." Cases are brought to judges (and justices) and ruled on ... on a case by case basis ... precedent either applied or established. Let go of the rationalized buzzword groupthink bs you think rawks and embrace reason.

Quote
Originally posted by Toad
And if the Congress banned the practice of the Catholic religion would you think that was unconstitutional? Would you be certain about it either way?


If spacebats landed tomorrow and ......

*ShruG*
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 06:13:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
what did he just say? :huh


What part of "you're more impressed with your own opinions (aka 'facts of faith') than I am" can you not figure out, oh expert of the Second Amendment? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 06:18:51 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I think the Brits viewed it as extreme hubris. The other side always does. :)


It doesn't take a Brit to recognize. It's pretty easy. Take, for instance, someone proclaiming their stance is obviously right based on the rightness and obviousness of it (and anyone disputing said stance is either dishonest or of sub-par intelligence) but when pressed for a real argument they can't really muster one. When the wrongness and obviousness of their attitude and claim is challenged, they're too proud to back off. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 06:28:39 PM
Lol, Arlo... all you do is dodge.

C'mon, take a stand man. Trust your own intelligence. Embrace liberty.

I get the distinct feeling you'd have been a Tory during the Revolution.

From what you post about your inability to decide simple right and wrong issues, I'd have to mentally put you in the pen with the rest of the sheeple. Apparently you feel you can't read simple declaritive sentences and understand what they say.

What do you think about that 5th Amendment clip? Too complicated to understand? :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 06:33:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Lol, Arlo... all you do is dodge.

C'mon, take a stand man. Trust your own intelligence. Embrace liberty.

I get the distinct feeling you'd have been a Tory during the Revolution.



*Yawn* (chuckle)

Again. Dodge? What part of my observation that your and my opinions are just opinions required you proving they're not .... by asking if my opinion matches yours? When you can figure out how to answer that I may be inclined to compare opinions (AND offer what I back it with).

Got feet? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 05, 2008, 06:56:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
*Yawn* (chuckle)

Again. Dodge? What part of my observation that your and my opinions are just opinions required you proving they're not .... by asking if my opinion matches yours? When you can figure out how to answer that I may be inclined to compare opinions (AND offer what I back it with).

Got feet? :D



is that a yes or no?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 07:02:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
is that a yes or no?


Don't let matters or responses not as simple as your mind requires confuse you, john. Try pretending like you understand by going "huh?" less and just posting a "yarp" after the posts you think you agree with and "narp" after the ones you think you don't. The rest of us can handle your simplicity but some things just can't be dummied down in return. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 05, 2008, 07:04:38 PM
i'm sorry but arlo have forced me to use the word"obfuscate", arlo you are accused of obfuscating.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 07:20:57 PM
Is that a "yarp" or a "narp?" Heh. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 05, 2008, 07:26:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
yada yada yada yada yada
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 07:30:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
whimper whimper (I just don't understand!) whimper whimper


:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 09:24:36 PM
The idea that there is no judicial activism is foolish. You may not like the buzzword but rulings that are outside the bounds of the Constitution happen. Raich v Ashcroft and Kelo v City of New London are two solid examples. The idea that justices do not make bad, unconstitutional decisions is refuted by the very system itself. Or do you actually think only the lower courts are capable of making unconstutional decisions? That anything the Supremes decide is correct? Again, history itself refutes that idea.

As for the value of opinions, I think I'll just point out that the opinions of the American Revolutionaries were probably seen as hubris by the British. Those opinions counted for nothing until they fought and the British lost. I certainly have opinions on the Constitution and if necessary, I'll fight to make them count.

Right now, the fight is in the SC. I have faith, as I said, that common sense, honesty and basic intelligence will see that it ends there.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 10:09:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
The idea that there is no judicial activism is foolish. You may not like the buzzword but rulings that are outside the bounds of the Constitution happen. (And the rest is about as impressive as you exhibiting you've finally learned how to tie your own shoes. - Arlo)


Wrong answer. Two spaces back. Skip a turn. Ruling on constitutional legality is the SC's job as per the Constitution[/b]. This is not left to interpretation. This is not an opinion. That particular function of government leaves no room for ambiguity (unlike the second amendment, alas). The SC doesn't go out (actively away from the bench) and look for a way to subvert the Constitution to achive it's militant Illuminatus agenda or some such piffle. Whining about the ruling as a means of "legal protest" by making up buzzwords to evoke emotion and stir up the devoted is a poorly formed groupthink sheeplet buzzword whine. Accomplishes nothing but a warm feeling in a wet diaper.

Now, if you wanna be productive .... and taken as seriously as you seem to think you deserve for just sobbing angrily how unfair and "unconstitutional" it is that the SCOTUS works within it's parameters (what you wanna believe with all your heart is "activism" (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/activism) - clickable link - learn to define the whine) then, like I said, form a practical argument and stop imagining it's always been there, "clear as day" but the rulings you're at odds with have been a long-term conspiracy (and not just an opinion you disagree with). :D :aok

Short version: Lighten up, Francis. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 05, 2008, 11:03:06 PM
Shorter version: SCOTUS makes mistakes. There is a clear history of the SC doing so.

Pretending they don't is laughable.

Pretending their mistakes can't be recognized by normally intelligent people is even more laughable.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 05, 2008, 11:24:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Shorter version: SCOTUS makes mistakes. There is a "clear history" of the SC doing so.

Pretending they don't is laughable.

Pretending their mistakes can't be recognized by normally intelligent people is even more laughable.


Well glad to see you laughing all the way through your foamy
apoplectic (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/apoplectic) fit over "judicial activism."

Get over your opinion (of yourself) and present your opinion honestly and I may just manage to take your opinions (even of yourself) more seriously. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 06, 2008, 03:11:30 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Well glad to see you laughing all the way through your foamy
apoplectic (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/apoplectic) fit over "judicial activism."

Get over your opinion (of yourself) and present your opinion honestly and I may just manage to take your opinions (even of yourself) more seriously. :D


Hmmm..........

IMHO Toad gave you a straight and to the point answer and you again dodge, bobbed, weaved, and ignored his VALID point!

IMHO you did so to NO AVAIL!

Play word games and avoid giving legitimate answers all you want.  IMHO you're not getting much of anywhere, and mostly just burying yourself under mountains of misdirection B. S.

Go ahead and give your standard comeback about how all of us are so very below your standards of education and therefore just can't understand yada yada yada.

You must have an I.Q. somewhere around 1000 right?  All us little minded prepube types just can't deal with your brilliance right?

Go ahead be honest tell us what you really think...............






I'll tell you what I think of your tactics, your methods, your approach to communicating...........


BULLLLLLLL <<<  you do know the word that follows this right?



The SC makes mistakes!!!!!!!!!!!

IIRC They've even later refuted some of their own rulings!

IIRC They've actually made BAD rulings and years later reversed them.

They're PEOPLE just like you and me and everyone else.

AND .... Because they are PEOPLE they are NOT without error, or bad judgment.

NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR CLAIM THAT IS FACT!

People make mistakes!  

The SC is made of people and people are capable of making MISTAKES!




Are you one of those people that thinks because some judge, or group of judges SAY, or claim, something is legal and right that it truly is legal and right no matter what?

Dang!  If so perhaps I have a Bridge you might like to buy  :rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 10:19:43 AM
Arlo, I think you're just one of those guys that likes to hear himself talk. You are indeed just a basic drive-by poster in Nash's mold. Your supercilious (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/supercilious) attitude doesn't impress anyone but yourself.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 06, 2008, 10:24:33 AM
I also think that their decisions have to get better than the dredd scot ones...

The country is able to watch the sausage being made in a way that they never could before.

I too have faith that common sense and honesty and the constitution will prevail.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 06, 2008, 12:08:07 PM
haha down to calling everything a mistake after being shot down all the way along. wonder whats next. The devil made me do it?
Incredible!

How bout the guy that got fired for doing such a crappy job Toad?
Its a mistake. It's a mistake I tell ya! Da Plane.

Laz? the argument still wrong?
Toad? still dont know what the case is about?
Will Arlo and Bing continue the smakdown?

Tune in tommorrow for more bloviated pontification, from the my way or the highway crowd knownaughts.


:rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 06, 2008, 12:45:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
haha down to calling everything a mistake after being shot down all the way along. wonder whats next. The devil made me do it?
Incredible!

How bout the guy that got fired for doing such a crappy job Toad?
Its a mistake. It's a mistake I tell ya! Da Plane.

Laz? the argument still wrong?
Toad? still dont know what the case is about?
Will Arlo and Bing continue the smakdown?

Tune in tommorrow for more bloviated pontification, from the my way or the highway crowd knownaughts.


:rofl


Smakdown?  You mean smack down?

No matter.

Sounds like you think your winning........

IMHO that doesn't seem to be the case.

IMHO This hasn't been much of a discussion.

If you honestly believe the SC is going to go a certain way, or not going to go a certain way, whats wrong with explaining WHY you think so, perhaps with LINKS to support your stance, without the name calling?

I confess I've read some stuff that suggest the SC may NOT decide the way supporter of the 2nd Amendment think they will.

I've also read some stuff that suggest the SC will come out in support of the 2nd Amendment.

My understanding of the 2nd Amendment comes from the military and the schooling I received when I was young.  I admit that was some time ago :lol








Or is this one of those run it up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes it type post?  

I didn't see many salute it!  

Perhaps one other?

Arlo......

And he SEEMS to be using the if you don't agree with him your trailer park trash approach.

TROLL?  

Lookin for support?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 06, 2008, 01:04:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Smakdown?  You mean smack down?

No matter.

Sounds like you think your winning........

IMHO that doesn't seem to be the case.

IMHO This hasn't been much of a discussion.

If you honestly believe the SC is going to go a certain way, or not going to go a certain way, whats wrong with explaining WHY you think so, perhaps with LINKS to support your stance, without the name calling?

I confess I've read some stuff that suggest the SC may NOT decide the way supporter of the 2nd Amendment think they will.

I've also read some stuff that suggest the SC will come out in support of the 2nd Amendment.

My understanding of the 2nd Amendment comes from the military and the schooling I received when I was young.  I admit that was some time ago :lol








Or is this one of those run it up the flag pole and see if anyone salutes it type post?  

I didn't see many salute it!  

Perhaps one other?

Arlo......

And he SEEMS to be using the if you don't agree with him your trailer park trash approach.

TROLL?  

Lookin for support?


IMHO :aok I really dont have any idea what the SC will say. I have stated what I would like to hear from them.

No after almost 750 posts Im just tired of proving you all wrong :) I guess? and when I do the NO response run off attitude. Its a mistake.

If I were proved WRONG I man up and say so. So far that hasnt been the case.

Toad INSISTED that the guy who wrote the argument was FIRED for screwing the thing up.

When PROVED wrong he clams up or changes the subject.....

all three of you said it wasnt going to have anything to do with the militia.
Right out of the GATE 1st argument. where is Laz and Toad  awwwww..... they didnt answer the question. Its wrong! they fired that guy! What BS!

AGAIN proven wrong, off they trot laying road apples along the way.

and no I ment Smakdown! Thanx fer da lesin tacher boi!

I just picked a few words to SHOUT so you might understand me better....!
,";:.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 06, 2008, 01:36:52 PM
sorry, I'm having a hard time keeping up with all this, what did Bingolong just say?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 03:17:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Hmmm..........

IMHO  foam growl his VALID point!

IMHO foam growl NO AVAIL!

Woof word games and hissss legitimate answers IMHO growl hiss meow (pee diaper) mountains of misdirection B. S.

Go ahead and sob sniffle yada yada yada.

You must have an I.Q. whimper moan pizz cry?

Go ahead yardle yardle ...............






I'll tell you what I think wah wah wah wah wah wah...........




Holy crap! Did I stumble across the apopleptic-conspiracy-theory-mad and just ain't gonna take it anymore support group or what? :D :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 03:21:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Arlo, I think you're just one of those guys that likes to hear himself talk. You are indeed just a basic drive-by poster in Nash's mold. Your supercilious (http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/supercilious) attitude doesn't impress anyone but yourself.


You're pretty damned super-silly yourowndoofself. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 03:23:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
sorry, I'm having a hard time keeping up with all this, what did Bingolong just say?


Seeing a rather sad trend here. Heh. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 05:54:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

How bout the guy that got fired for doing such a crappy job Toad?
 


I suggest you go to Charon's link on the commentary on the brief. I think the mistakes highlighted in the brief may open your eyes. The DC team crowing about their "fabulous brief" after firing the guy that wrote it is pretty funny though.

No, I still don't think you know what this case is about. I think you haven't even read the question to be answered the way the Supreme Court wrote it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 05:57:08 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
You're pretty damned super-silly yourowndoofself. ;)


Do you ever have anything of substance to offer? It does not appear that  you do.

Cya!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:02:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Do you ever have anything of substance to offer? It does not appear that  you do.

Cya!


Well that's damned convenient. Cry I'm "less substantial" in the manner I argue politics in the AHBB off-topic o-club than you then run for the door. I offered. But I'm not gonna help you stroke your pride. Not my job and you should hold off doing it in public so much.

Wanna share opinions? I'm all for it. Recognize them as such. :aok

I'm sure complaining about how unfair I am and quitting is easier, though. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 06, 2008, 06:07:55 PM
obfuscate

to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.


how you doing francis?:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 06:12:45 PM
Hardly running for the door; I'll be around here for quite a while I think.

You just have nothing to add to the discussions in the threads to which you post. You're just a kibbitzer. I'm sure your own cleverness is a continual source of pride and amusement for you but you'll excuse me if I merely find it tiresome.

Your opinions? You don't offer any. You're just a sniper. You don't put anything of yourself out here on the BBS.

You had your opportunities in this thread but, as always, you sidestepped them. Discussing the rulings in Raich or Kelo are two examples.

So, I think I'll just pass on responding to any more of your yarp.

If you ever get around to something substantive, I'll probably see it and might respond if it's interesting.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:17:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Hardly running for the door; I'll be around here for quite a while I think.

You just have nothing to add to the discussions in the threads to which you post. You're just a kibbitzer. I'm sure your own cleverness is a continual source of pride and amusement for you but you'll excuse me if I merely find it tiresome.

Your opinions? You don't offer any. You're just a sniper. You don't put anything of yourself out here on the BBS.

You had your opportunities in this thread but, as always, you sidestepped them. Discussing the rulings in Raich or Kelo are two examples.

So, I think I'll just pass on responding to any more of your yarp.

If you ever get around to something substantive, I'll probably see it and might respond if it's interesting.


*stretch* *yawn*

When your opinion becomes one, I'll offer back any of mine you're curious about. But it takes an honest effort. You'll get back whatever you're in it for ... in spades. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 06:18:45 PM
LOL, I haven't seen you make an honest effort in any thread on this board.

Buh-Bye!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:19:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
obfuscate

to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.


how you doing francis?:D


Much better now that you're working on improving your vocabulary skills, because ... man ... that's my biggest worry as of late. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:20:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
LOL, I haven't seen you make an honest effort in any thread on this board.

Buh-Bye!


Don't forget your diaper bag. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 06:25:57 PM
Goodness! You are sooooooooo clever! How can you possibly type without spraying your drink all over the monitor?

You are The Yarper! Beyond doubt! !
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:27:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Goodness! You are sooooooooo clever! How can you possibly type without spraying your drink all over the monitor?

You are The Yarper! Beyond doubt! !


And here I thought you were done but keep running back for "one last grovel." :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 06:32:48 PM
Pointless sniping is so easy that I may snipe you now and then. It's cute watching you pound your chest like King Kong over your own cleverness.


:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 06:36:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Pointless sniping is so easy that I may snipe you now and then. It's cute watching you pound your chest like King Kong over your own cleverness.


:aok


Ahhhh ... but am I cuter than you when you do it? Had I known this was a "Miss AHBB politics" contest I mighta been better prepared. Just remember ... when you win the thread you walk down the runway, crown on head, roses carefully caressed and ... for gawsh sake ... make the tears look sincere!

:aok :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 06, 2008, 07:03:13 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ahhhh ... but am I cuter than you when you do it? Had I known this was a "Miss AHBB politics" contest I mighta been better prepared. Just remember ... when you win the thread you walk down the runway, crown on head, roses carefully caressed and ... for gawsh sake ... make the tears look sincere!

:aok :D


lighten up francis, your going to get your panties all bunched up.:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 06, 2008, 07:03:20 PM
Dunno.. I'm new to it. And you've got such a head start.

I think the crown is yours, honey.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 07:12:06 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
lighten up francis, your going to get your panties all bunched up.:D


Ahhhhh ..... self-reaffirmation through projection. Don't bother, just respond "yarp." ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 07:14:19 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Dunno.. I'm new to it. And you've got such a head start.

I think the crown is yours, honey.

:D


Well then. No need for you to just keep surrendering and sobbing endlessly, then. Eh? Or are you thinking you're really going somewhere with this dance? Wasn't your "point" about how "insubstantial" my participation is? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 06, 2008, 07:22:41 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Well then. No need for you to just keep surrendering and sobbing endlessly, then. Eh? Or are you thinking you're really going somewhere with this dance? Wasn't your "point" about how "insubstantial" my participation is? ;)


my god arlo, you are so pathetic. I'm starting to feel sorry for you.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 07:28:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
my god arlo, you are so pathetic. I'm starting to feel sorry for you.


Your God Arlo appreciates your prayers. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 06, 2008, 07:37:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Your God Arlo appreciates your prayers. :D


good night francis.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 06, 2008, 07:57:59 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
good night francis.


Good night, Gracie. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Edbert on January 07, 2008, 07:30:04 AM
Almost didn't post this, since it has nothing to do with the subject of a militia, and it is totally unscientific. But after voting myself I was completely astonished by the results, scientific or not they are overwhelming. I thought it did portray the general consensus of the public (call that the "common sense" being bandied about by our local combatants) on the true meaning of the 2nd amendment.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/quickquestion/2007/november/popup5895.htm

Carry on...as I'm sure you will.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 07, 2008, 08:21:10 AM
Holy moly!   97% of the USA today readers realize that it is indeed an individual right?

Bet the government stooge and his liberal journalist friend who started asked are both shaking in their boots over the result of that poll.

I am surprised but gratified..  It seems my faith in my fellow citizens is not entirely misplaced.

over 350,000 votes and only 1% did not feel that it was an individual right.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 07, 2008, 08:25:32 AM
geeze arlo... I guess this isn't going as well as it does around your friends eh?

Your not gonna cry are ya?   wait...  is that a tear?  don't tell me that's a tear!

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 07, 2008, 12:08:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
No, I still don't think you know what this case is about. I think you haven't even read the question to be answered the way the Supreme Court wrote it.


The brief is divided into three main components, arguing:

1) The sophisticated collective rights view of the 2A (exclusively military context)...approx. 24 pages

What I have been saying and the longest argument.


2) Jurisdictional issues - the 2A applies only to states (and thus not DC)...approx. 5 pages

I was saying this as well


3) Reasonable restrictions don't violate 2A...approx. 18 pages



1st  2 out of 3 arguments

I think you have proved yourself unenlightened :D
You should study a little more so you can fully acheive an understanding of what this is about. Tunnel vision does make it eaisier for you I understand....but geez the guy still rowing as he goes over the waterfall.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 07, 2008, 12:54:54 PM
Sorry, I don't think you've understood the situation even now.

The brief does not address the question as the Supreme Court framed it.

Focus on that. The SC framed the question to be answered by both sides. The DC brief DOES NOT address the question the SC asked.

Got it yet?

Again, you need to search out and READ the question the SC is asking in this case.

Hope that begins to enlighten you.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Curval on January 07, 2008, 01:25:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Dunno.. I'm new to it. And you've got such a head start.

I think the crown is yours, honey.

:D


Now I'm bummed.  I thought the crown was mine.

What did Arlo do...poke fun at lazs...and then you came a-running?

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 07, 2008, 01:34:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Sorry, I don't think you've understood the situation even now.

The brief does not address the question as the Supreme Court framed it.

Focus on that. The SC framed the question to be answered by both sides. The DC brief DOES NOT address the question the SC asked.

Got it yet?

Again, you need to search out and READ the question the SC is asking in this case.

Hope that begins to enlighten you.


What he said!!!!

This issue, as I understand it, is a Judge ruled that a disassemble firearm, as the statute/law required, is NOT a firearm.  That due to this statute/law people in that locations were having their 2nd Amendment INFRINGED.

The SC is taking up the appeal made by the D.C. Government to keep this statue/law in place.

Now it is POSSIBLE that the militia issue MIGHT come into play during the SC session due in about June of 2008.

Then again it may not.

So?

All this militia stuff your crowing about may NOT be a factor.

I also point out that MANY people agree with the 2nd Amendment is an INDIVIDUAL RIGHT.

If the SC rules otherwise that COULD result in a disaster for this country.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 07, 2008, 01:36:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Sorry, I don't think you've understood the situation even now.

The brief does not address the question as the Supreme Court framed it.

Focus on that. The SC framed the question to be answered by both sides. The DC brief DOES NOT address the question the SC asked.

Got it yet?

Again, you need to search out and READ the question the SC is asking in this case.

Hope that begins to enlighten you.



 They more than answered the question very well I might add with plenty of case law behind them, but you might not see it through the peep hole.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 07, 2008, 02:13:18 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Holy crap! Did I stumble across the apopleptic-conspiracy-theory-mad and just ain't gonna take it anymore support group or what? :D :aok


:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

Couldn't deal with it without changing the words and ignoring what you didn't like HUH?

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 07, 2008, 02:20:16 PM
I sure don't want to read all those pages but... I would love to see what they consider a "sophisticated collective right"

I would like to know what a collective right is period..  a collective right seems to mean... no right at all.   Why not just say that "the right of the people" means.. the right of the government?

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 03:04:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
geeze arlo... I guess this isn't going as well as it does around your friends eh?

Your not gonna cry are ya?   wait...  is that a tear?  don't tell me that's a tear!

lazs


Tears of joy for being announced runner up to your "Miss AHBB political primadonna" title. I surely gave it my best but I can't help but be happy for you winning the thread and all. I think it was the talent competition where you proved you could mentally masterbate straw and still measure yourself between strokes without missing a beat .. so to speak.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 03:06:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

Couldn't deal with it without changing the words and ignoring what you didn't like HUH?

:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl


Ummmm .... yeah. You go with that. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 07, 2008, 03:25:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Tears of joy for being announced runner up to your "Miss AHBB political primadonna" title. I surely gave it my best but I can't help but be happy for you winning the thread and all. I think it was the talent competition where you proved you could mentally masterbate straw and still measure yourself between strokes without missing a beat .. so to speak.

:D


what did he just say??:huh
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 07, 2008, 04:41:38 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ummmm .... yeah. You go with that. :D


OK :D :D :D  :aok

Sure you don't want to reconsider?

:D :D :D:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 07, 2008, 04:46:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
what did he just say??:huh


I think he just said.............




he was going with...........




the "if you can't dazzle em with brilliance, baffle em with bull <<< (you know the word that follows )




YEP I think he's going for that award now.........




Do they give such an award? :O
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 07, 2008, 04:50:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Curval
Now I'm bummed.  I thought the crown was mine.

What did Arlo do...poke fun at lazs...and then you came a-running?

:D


As a drive by poster, you are a rookie when compared to Arlo. You've still too much character to really beat him out for the crown. You actually do contribute to some threads.

I've never seen Laz need any help around here.  :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 07, 2008, 04:52:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
They more than answered the question very well I might add with plenty of case law behind them, but you might not see it through the peep hole.


Post the question that the SC gave to both sides in this case. It's out there, it's easy to find. Then I'll at least know you tried to figure out what this case is about.

After you post it, I'll help you out a little with what's wrong with the DC brief.

Until you understand the SC question though, there's no point in even trying to help you.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 07, 2008, 04:53:20 PM
This just in.................

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010402538.html


interesting huh?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 05:31:47 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
OK :D :D :D  :aok

Sure you don't want to reconsider?

:D :D :D:aok


Is there some hidden benefit you're not telling me about, oh kimoslobber? ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 05:56:55 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
what did he just say??:huh


I said you can hold his train for him. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 06:05:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
As a drive by poster, you are a rookie when compared to Arlo. You've still too much character to really beat him out for the crown. You actually do contribute to some threads.

I've never seen Laz need any help around here.  :)


Ahhhh .... character assassination through comparitive character assessment from someone incapable of exemplifying. Good job you.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 07, 2008, 06:12:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Ahhhh .... character assassination through comparitive character assessment from someone incapable of exemplifying. Good job you.

:D


where did arlo learn to talk like that?  Must have been some liberal college.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 06:15:25 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
where did arlo learn to talk like that?  Must have been some liberal college.


Well, if fishing was catching you'd be Bubba Gump. But it ain't, Forrest. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: john9001 on January 07, 2008, 06:31:20 PM
run arlo run.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 07:23:12 PM
Quote
Originally posted by john9001
run arlo run.


You "thrive" on your own confusion, don't you? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 07, 2008, 08:53:11 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Post the question that the SC gave to both sides in this case. It's out there, it's easy to find. Then I'll at least know you tried to figure out what this case is about.

After you post it, I'll help you out a little with what's wrong with the DC brief.

Until you understand the SC question though, there's no point in even trying to help you.


you mean hear on page 3 of this thread I wish you would keep up.

Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
United States v. Cruikshank  1875
Although the Enforcement Act had been designed primarily to halt the violence of the Ku Klux Klan in preventing blacks from voting, the Cruikshank court held that the Due Process and Equal Protection  Clauses apply only to state action, and not to actions of individuals

Presser v. Illinois  1886
But a conclusive answer to the contention that this amendment [the Second Amendment] prohibits the legislation in question lies in the fact that the amendment is a limitation only upon the power of congress and the national government, and not upon that of the state

Malitia Act 1903

Salina v. Blaksley 1905
The court said: "This view cannot be supported. The right to keep and bear arms for the common defense does not include the right to associate together as a military organization, or to drill and parade with arms in cities or towns, unless authorized to do so by law. This is a matter affecting the public security, quiet, and good order, and it is within the police power of the legislature to regulate the bearing of arms, so as to forbid such unauthorized drills and parades." The defendant was not a member of an organized militia, nor of any other military organization provided for by law, and was therefore not within the provision of the Bill of Rights, and was not protected by its terms.

The National Defense Act of 1916

The 1934 National Firearms Act

The Federal Firearms Act of 1938

United States v. Miller  1939
On May 15, 1939 the Supreme Court, in a unanimous opinion by Justice McReynolds,  reversed and remanded the District Court decision. The Supreme Court declared that no conflict between the NFA and the Second Amendment had been established, writing:
In the absence of any evidence tending to show that possession or use of a 'shotgun having a barrel of less than eighteen inches in length' at this time has some reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well regulated militia, we cannot say that the Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear such an instrument.
Describing the constitutional authority under which Congress could call forth state militia, the Court stated:
With obvious purpose to assure the continuation and render possible the effectiveness of such forces the declaration and guarantee of the Second Amendment were made. It must be interpreted and applied with that end in view.
The Court also looked to historical sources to explain the meaning of "militia" as set down by the authors of the Constitution:
The signification attributed to the term Militia appears from the debates in the Convention, the history and legislation of Colonies and States, and the writings of approved commentators. These show plainly enough that the Militia comprised all males physically capable of acting in concert for the common defense. 'A body of citizens enrolled for military discipline.' And further, that ordinarily when called for service these men were expected to appear bearing arms supplied by themselves and of the kind in common use at the time.

Maryland v. United States  1965
The National Guard is the modern Militia reserved to the States by Art. I. 8, cl. 15, 16, of the Constitution

The Gun Control Act of 1968

Burton v. Sills 1969
...Congress, though admittedly governed by the second amendment, may regulate interstate firearms so long as the regulation does not impair the maintenance of the active, organized militias of the states.
Lewis v. United States 1980
''Apparently, then, under the Second Amendment, the federal government can limit the keeping and bearing of arms by a single individual as well as by a group of individuals, but it cannot prohibit the possession or use of any weapon which has any reasonable relationship to the preservation or efficiency of a well-regulated militia.''

 The 1986 McClure-Volkmer Act
banned the sale of machine guns manufactured after the date of enactment to civilians, restricting sales of these weapons to the military and law enforcement

Perpich v. Department of Defense 1990
"The Dick Act divided the class of able-bodied male citizens between 18 and 45 years of age into an "organized militia" to be known as the National Guard of the several states, and the remainder of which was then described as the "reserve militia", and which later statutes have termed the "unorganized militia." ... " In 1908, however, the statute was amended to provide expressly that the organized militia should be available for service "either within or without the territory of the United States." Hence, the National Guard is not the same as the unorganized militia.
This case is significant for Second Amendment case law in that it recognizes that the National Guard is one modern form of the militia under federal law.

Silveira v. Lockyer  2002
The Court engaged in an extensive analysis of the history of the Second Amendment and its attendant case law, and it ultimately determined that the Second Amendment does not guarantee individuals the right to keep and bear arms.


These are documented. The question the Supreme Court pose is whether the provisions of the D.C. statute “violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes.”
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on January 07, 2008, 09:50:17 PM
So then after all of these pages of ego jousting, is this case the final bell weather in the ultimate argument:

Do We the People have protected inalliable rights per the constitution vs. The governments of the United States including federal,  have evolved to the condition that their own interests superced the constitutions express limitations to their evolved "rights by power to control" their subjects in the name of thier own "Entity called GOVERNMENT or Stateism"?

If this case does not rule for an individual right, then it sets formal public precedence which will be trumpeted by the media that the U.S. constitution has finally been found fluid and of no material protection to We the People and our rights of self determination and individual freedom.

"GOVERNMENT\Stateism",  it's needs and rights will hensforth be the supreme arbitor of We the People's lives. And we know the media will remind us at every turn in the future that the SCOTUS ruled We the People are no longer special and just shut up and toe the line like good ignorant pesants because we were stupid enough to let them and government prove we are too stupid to have individual rights and freedoms via the supreme court.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2008, 10:16:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
So then after all of these pages of ego jousting, is this case the final bell weather in the ultimate argument:

Do We the People have protected inalliable rights per the constitution vs. The governments of the United States including federal,  have evolved to the condition that their own interests superced the constitutions express limitations to their evolved "rights by power to control" their subjects in the name of thier own "Entity called GOVERNMENT or Stateism"?

If this case does not rule for an individual right, then it sets formal public precedence which will be trumpeted by the media that the U.S. constitution has finally been found fluid and of no material protection to We the People and our rights of self determination and individual freedom.

"GOVERNMENT\Stateism",  it's needs and rights will hensforth be the supreme arbitor of We the People's lives. And we know the media will remind us at every turn in the future that the SCOTUS ruled We the People are no longer special and just shut up and toe the line like good ignorant pesants because we were stupid enough to let them and government prove we are too stupid to have individual rights and freedoms via the supreme court.


"Final bellweathers" tend not to be phrased in such a stilted manner. Let me give it some thought. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 07, 2008, 11:15:37 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
So then after all of these pages of ego jousting, is this case the final bell weather in the ultimate argument:

Do We the People have protected inalliable rights per the constitution vs. The governments of the United States including federal,  have evolved to the condition that their own interests superced the constitutions express limitations to their evolved "rights by power to control" their subjects in the name of thier own "Entity called GOVERNMENT or Stateism"?

If this case does not rule for an individual right, then it sets formal public precedence which will be trumpeted by the media that the U.S. constitution has finally been found fluid and of no material protection to We the People and our rights of self determination and individual freedom.

"GOVERNMENT\Stateism",  it's needs and rights will hensforth be the supreme arbitor of We the People's lives. And we know the media will remind us at every turn in the future that the SCOTUS ruled We the People are no longer special and just shut up and toe the line like good ignorant pesants because we were stupid enough to let them and government prove we are too stupid to have individual rights and freedoms via the supreme court.


Probable not.
Really it is very simple and the way the argument is phrased all the SC has to do is define a/the unorganized militia.
Since the organized militia has been defined. So has "the people" and "well regulated" and "keep and bear arms" and "not to in fringe" its really the only part left open.

Yes.... the right has to do with a/the militia
No... the right in inalienable /inherent

As I have been saying all along the militia is the hinge for which way the door swings. The 2nd  either slams shut, or swings wide open dependent on what a unorganized militia is.
Dependent on that, they could just say a militia is, as laz would like , every body under the sun OR they could say it is a citizen army dependent on being part of etc governed by etc regulated as etc...

I really can not believe that the simple question has turned into this. It is/was really very simple to figure out what direction this was going to go. To believe that this case was based on if I have a have a gun apart in my house yadayada sisboom ba, Is laughable!
Why do you think the SC wrote their own question? Which they hardly ever do.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Edbert on January 08, 2008, 08:12:43 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong

Yes.... the right has to do with a/the militia
No... the right in inalienable /inherent


Yes = more authority and control to the government
No = more rights for the individual citizen
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 08, 2008, 08:39:42 AM
I think the team.. the new team after they fired the first guy.. of democrats and liberal lawyers who are trying to defend the "collective rights" silliness are wising up to the fact that the individual right is the only thing that will fly.

they now are focusing on part two... even if it is an individual right that the government has some right to restrict arms.

Bingie.. you are wrong on the militia being the hinge.. individual rights will be the hinge.   The words "the people" and "shall not be infringed" is what everyone sees.

I think that the SC has always stepped lightly around that part for good reason... if the polls are to be believed... more than 90% of Americans would be real upset to find out that "the people" meant the government.   and.. that democrats were trying to define "the people" as being meaningless.

I think that the supremes will pretty much ignore the militia issue... maybe a nod to the founders idea of what a militia is (every able bodied man) and go for a narrow decision..

That the second is just as it says and "the people" is the same for all of the amendments but that "infringed" does not mean any weapon anywhere.  

That DC does indeed infringe on the rights of the people for no reason. (no gun law has been shown to protect individuals)  and that they can't have a total ban and that making guns be taken apart or without ammo is really a ban.

In short.. I think that they will pretty much agree with the lower court decision that a gun taken apart or with no ammo is not a gun at all.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 09:07:47 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Woof! Woof! Roughroughrough! Arf! Arf! ah-roo-roo-roo-ROO!

 


This is SO easy!

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 09:12:50 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
you mean hear on page 3 of this thread I wish you would keep up.



Actually, no, that is not what I meant.

The Justices chose to write out for themselves the constitutional question they will undertake to answer in Heller.

Both the defendants and the plaintiffs petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear the case.

The questions posed for review by the petitioner (the District of Columbia) differed significantly from those posed by the respondent (Heller).

The District of Columbia's petition stated that the question presented was, "Whether the Second Amendment forbids the District of Columbia from banning private possession of handguns while allowing possession of rifles and shotguns."

Heller replied that the question was broader, to wit, "Whether the Second Amendment guarantees law-abiding, adult individuals a right to keep ordinary, functional firearms, including handguns, in their homes."

See if you can actually find the question the current SC justices have posed to both sides in the Heller case.

It will help you keep up.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 08, 2008, 11:28:41 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Actually, no, that is not what I meant.

The Justices chose to write out for themselves the constitutional question they will undertake to answer in Heller.

Both the defendants and the plaintiffs petitioned the United States Supreme Court to hear the case.

The questions posed for review by the petitioner (the District of Columbia) differed significantly from those posed by the respondent (Heller).

The District of Columbia's petition stated that the question presented was, "Whether the Second Amendment forbids the District of Columbia from banning private possession of handguns while allowing possession of rifles and shotguns."

Heller replied that the question was broader, to wit, "Whether the Second Amendment guarantees law-abiding, adult individuals a right to keep ordinary, functional firearms, including handguns, in their homes."

See if you can actually find the question the current SC justices have posed to both sides in the Heller case.

It will help you keep up.


Na you go look it up I've posted it 3-4 times in this thread.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 12:09:44 PM
If you have, then you don't understand it and I can't help you in that event.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 08, 2008, 12:15:25 PM
Arlo SEEMS happiest when insulting people.

IMHO it's not worth the effort to discuss anything with him because he's not interested in discussion just insulting.

Guess it give him some kinda boost.

IMHO It's really sad when someone SEEMS to NEED such a boost.

BOOST YOURSELF Arlo I know you need it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 08, 2008, 12:17:22 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
"Final bellweathers" tend not to be phrased in such a stilted manner. Let me give it some thought. :D


You go ahead and think but also think about this.........

who cares?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 08, 2008, 01:02:54 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
If you have, then you don't understand it and I can't help you in that event.


Oh Boy! am I missing out! Go help your self some  :rofl :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 08, 2008, 02:13:53 PM
The judges know about the USA today poll..  they know about past polls..

no matter what..   when 98% of the people think it is an individual right... the SC will not go against that.. no matter how many powerful democrats and liberal lawyers want them to.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 02:17:34 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I am SO easy!

:D


Fixed. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 02:19:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
Arlo SEEMS happiest when insulting people.

IMHO it's not worth the effort to discuss anything with him because he's not interested in discussion just insulting.

Guess it give him some kinda boost.

IMHO It's really sad when someone SEEMS to NEED such a boost.

BOOST YOURSELF Arlo I know you need it.


Apparently not as much as you're needing with all this passive aggressiveness, sweetheart. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 02:20:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
You go ahead and think but also think about this.........

who cares?


You do. And you know it. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 03:13:46 PM
Quote
Originally posted by bustr
So then after all of these pages of ego jousting, is this case the final bell weather in the ultimate argument:

Do We the People have protected inalliable rights per the constitution vs. The governments of the United States including federal,  have evolved to the condition that their own interests superced the constitutions express limitations to their evolved "rights by power to control" their subjects in the name of thier own "Entity called GOVERNMENT or Stateism"?

If this case does not rule for an individual right, then it sets formal public precedence which will be trumpeted by the media that the U.S. constitution has finally been found fluid and of no material protection to We the People and our rights of self determination and individual freedom.

"GOVERNMENT\Stateism",  it's needs and rights will hensforth be the supreme arbitor of We the People's lives. And we know the media will remind us at every turn in the future that the SCOTUS ruled We the People are no longer special and just shut up and toe the line like good ignorant pesants because we were stupid enough to let them and government prove we are too stupid to have individual rights and freedoms via the supreme court.


"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."

One sentence. A singular statement. It starts by identifying it's subject "a well regulated militia." Did they mean "well regulated" as in "lets all go to the beerstore and gunstore and buy implements of destruction and drink!"?
Somehow seems doubtful.

Does "militia" mean "Jimmy Joe Billy Bob's militia of one?" Not seeing it.

How about "security of a free State?" Some say this means protecting the people from a government obviously bound to turn on them eventually. Seems motivated from fear and paranoia (imo). It certainly couldn't mean protection from invasion. Wait. Yes it can.

Now ... a lot of folk like to focus on just "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, (comma) shall not be infringed" .... like it's a sentence all it's own, the comma's just a mistake and the rest of it doesn't count. That makes it "plain as day" that it's all about what they want it to be about.

Ok .... lets look at the whole sentence again:

"A well regulated Militia (subject of the sentence), being necessary to the security of a free State (reason for it's existance), the right of the people to keep and bear Arms (Yes a right. "The people" is indeed a collective phrase. Once again, the words "individual, person and citizen were in common use and the authors were familiar with them), shall not be infringed (And it isn't. Anyone of sane mind and clean record can keep and bear arms. Go figure.)"

So .... though the subject refered to is "a well regulated militia" and the reason of intent is identified as "the security of a free State" the right to keep and bear arms is not being infringed.

And the correlation being made between the second amendment and the preamble?

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

So where in the second does it prohibit the People of the United States (our form of government - of by and for the People) from the regulation (I.E. "well regulated") of the militia .... in order to insure domestic Tranquility?

Handguns, sporting rifles with scopes, shotguns ... they're all still openly available on the market. Once, again, anyone of same mind and clean record can own one. A registered and licensed firearm protects me from criminal and state (ahem) alike just as well as an unregistered and unlicensed one. But it does make it easier to prove in a court of law that weapons I owned were used to commit a crime. Guess that doesn't worry me none. I'm not a criminal.

Some people take things way too far. Timmy McVeigh and Terry Nichols are a couple of examples. Their paranoia, anger and fear of the government "infringing their rights" drove them to terrorism. Timmy rationalized that the lives lost in the OKC bombing were no more or less significant than Iraqi lives. (An interesting statement no matter how you look at it.)

Guess that's why the "clear cut argument" of the second amendment involving more hyperbole and emotion than it really requires comes off as undermining it's own intent in my eyes.

Welp, there ya go. I expect this won't be taken any better than my amused teasing has been. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Edbert on January 08, 2008, 03:32:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo


"A well regulated Militia (subject of the sentence), being necessary to the security of a free State (reason for it's existance), the right of the people to keep and bear Arms (Yes a right. "The people" is indeed a collective phrase. Once again, the words "individual, person and citizen were in common use and the authors were familiar with them), shall not be infringed (And it isn't. Anyone of sane mind and clean record can keep and bear arms. Go figure.)"

...and therein lies the rub and the catalyst to the case...in our Nation's capital even the sane of mind and clear of record cannot keep and bear arms.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 03:34:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Edbert
...and therein lies the rub and the catalyst to the case...in our Nation's capital even the sane of mind and clear of record cannot keep and bear arms.


Then address the local anomoly. Don't attack the Constitution ... learn to use it effectively. :)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Edbert on January 08, 2008, 03:38:59 PM
They are, it just has to work it's way up the food chain, and the SC(R)OTUS is the top of said chain.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 04:07:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Edbert
They are, it just has to work it's way up the food chain, and the SC(R)OTUS is the top of said chain.


Then that's a seperate case and I think it bears merit. "SCROTUS" ... hehe ... I can't believe how much frustration exists over the third branch. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 08, 2008, 04:09:57 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
You do. And you know it. ;)



:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

nope
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 04:18:04 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl

nope


You sure seem to be wasting a lot of your time "not" self-reaffirming. (ahem) ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: wrag on January 08, 2008, 04:42:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
You sure seem to be wasting a lot of your time "not" self-reaffirming. (ahem) ;)


Nope just leading up to this...............
























































I intend to ignore your post from this point on until you develop some manners.  

And get over yourself.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 06:01:30 PM
Quote
Originally posted by wrag
I intend to ignore your post from this point on until you develop some manners.  

And get over yourself.


Because, well, you have them. Right.

Here's hoping your stamina regarding the ignore part of the repeated ignore threat materializes and YOU get over me. :aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 07:14:21 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I won the BBS Special Olympics!  :D  


Accurized!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 07:24:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
"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."

One sentence. A singular statement. It starts by identifying it's subject "a well regulated militia." ...


I guess it's back to English 101 for you.

The subject is NOT "a well regulated militia."

Quote

 
Roy Copperud was a newspaper writer on major dailies for over three decades before embarking on a distinguished 17-year career teaching journalism at USC. Since 1952, Copperud has been writing a column dealing with the professional aspects of journalism for "Editor and Publisher", a weekly magazine focusing on the journalism field.

He's on the usage panel of the American Heritage Dictionary, and Merriam Webster's Usage Dictionary frequently cites him as an expert. Copperud's fifth book on usage, "American Usage and Style: The Consensus," has been in continuous print from Van Nostrand Reinhold since 1981, and is the winner of the Association of American Publisher's Humanities Award.




[Copperud:] "The words 'A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state,' contrary to the interpretation cited in your letter of July 26, 1991, constitutes a present participle, rather than a clause. It is used as an adjective, modifying 'militia,' which is followed by the main clause of the sentence (subject 'the right', verb 'shall'). The to keep and bear arms is asserted as an essential for maintaining a militia.

"In reply to your numbered questions: [Schulman:] "(1) Can the sentence be interpreted to grant the right to keep and bear arms solely to 'a well-regulated militia'?"

[Copperud:] "(1) The sentence does not restrict the right to keep and bear arms, nor does it state or imply possession of the right elsewhere or by others than the people; it simply makes a positive statement with respect to a right of the people."

[Schulman:] "(2) Is 'the right of the people to keep and bear arms' granted by the words of the Second Amendment, or does the Second Amendment assume a preexisting right of the people to keep and bear arms, and merely state that such right 'shall not be infringed'?"

[Copperud:] "(2) The right is not granted by the amendment; its existence is assumed. The thrust of the sentence is that the right shall be preserved inviolate for the sake of ensuring a militia."

[Schulman:] "(3) Is the right of the people to keep and bear arms conditioned upon whether or not a well regulated militia, is, in fact necessary to the security of a free State, and if that condition is not existing, is the statement 'the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed' null and void?"

[Copperud:] "(3) No such condition is expressed or implied. The right to keep and bear arms is not said by the amendment to depend on the existence of a militia. No condition is stated or implied as to the relation of the right to keep and bear arms and to the necessity of a well-regulated militia as a requisite to the security of a free state. The right to keep and bear arms is deemed unconditional by the entire sentence."

[Schulman:] "(4) Does the clause 'A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,' grant a right to the government to place conditions on the 'right of the people to keep and bear arms,' or is such right deemed unconditional by the meaning of the entire sentence?"

[Copperud:] "(4) The right is assumed to exist and to be unconditional, as previously stated. It is invoked here specifically for the sake of the militia."



Maybe you can get a refund on your English class tuition.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 07:39:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I guess it's back to English 101 for you.

The subject is NOT "a well regulated militia."

Maybe you can get a refund on your English class tuition.

:D


My English is fine. Thanks for your concern, Copperund's politically slanted appraisal noted. :D

Constitutional analysis and rhetorical structures

"The Embarrassing Second Amendment" by Sanford Levinson[53] indicates the six approaches to constitutional analysis outlined in Constitutional Fate by Philip Bobbitt:

textual argument — the unadorned language of the text

historical argument — the historical background of the vision being considered, whether the general history (such as the American Revolution) or specific appeals to the intentions of Founding Fathers of the United States

structural argument — inferences from the particular structures established by the Constitution, including the tripartite division of the US federal government; the separate existence of both state and nation as political entities; and the structured role of citizens within the political order

doctrinal argument — prior cases decided by the Supreme Court

prudential argument — consequences of adopting a proferred decision in any given case

ethical argument — reliance on the overall ethos of limited government as centrally constituting American political culture

The legal grammar of constitutional argument comprise these six approaches — or "modalities", as Bobbitt terms them. These approaches are the rhetorical structures within which "law-talk" as a recognizable form of conversation is carried on in analysis of United States constitutional law:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on January 08, 2008, 08:54:43 PM
Ok,

Being that the meaning of this one amendmant has so polorised our nation on ideological lines from private citizens to the most powerful in the government sector. Why has it come to this junction here and now to be decided by 9 unellected government officials rather than a constitutional convention to amend or abolish it?

One side of the question sees only the declaration of a right, "the right of the people to keep and bare arms shall not be infringed". It is enough for them that the constitution enumerates a "RIGHT" of the people. Rights in the constitution have been assumed to be natural, pre-existant to, and recognised by the framers as the reason for their enumeration attendant with direct limitations of government against infringement.

The other side of the question sees "A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state," and for this one declaration asserts it grants the government the constitutions only expression of a power that superceeds the rights of "We the People". All while this assertion ignores the directive of limitation to the government; it's power to control the people's ownership and bareing of arms in the same amendmant. "the right of the people to bare arms shall not be infringed". This last directive in the amendmant stating the government cannot infringe on THIS "RIGHT" of the people.

So how did we get here? When did the "right of the people" become secondairy to the needs of the government in this circumstance? When did "We the People" agree to give away this right in favor of the needs of the government? Why has the government and interested parties not been able to convince "We the People" to allow a constitutional convention to repeal or modify this amendmant?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 09:27:08 PM
Quote
Copperund's politically slanted appraisal noted.
[/b]


Oh, I was quite certain that you wouldn't accept the grammatical findings of someone who merely taught journalism at USC for 17 years and has written a book that is somewhat of a standard on American Usage and Style.

After all, what could he possibly know about the structure and meaning of a sentence that would counter the opinion you just offered?

Oh.. one other tiny little point: After completing the project, Prof. Copperud, who passed away half a year later, told Schulman that he personally favored gun control. See, J. NEIL SCHULMAN, STOPPING POWER 151-59 (Santa Monica: Synapse-Centurion, 1994).

Overall, it looks like when pressed for a real argument you can't really muster one. When the wrongness and obviousness of your attitude and claim is challenged, you're too proud to back off.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 09:33:01 PM
BTW, of the six modalities, beyond doubt 5 of the 6 favor the individual right interpretation of the 2nd Amendment.

:D

Back to the Google-o-matic for you amigo, right after you pass English 101!

:D :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 09:49:09 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad


Oh, I was quite certain that you wouldn't accept ...........
:D


Actually your little problem is you're way too certain about a lot of things. ;) :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 08, 2008, 10:01:35 PM
I think you find it a problem because you can't counter with anything substantive, as we see once again.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 08, 2008, 10:23:35 PM
Ahhhh .... pizz and moan your way back to that. Nothing's substantive if you don't want to hear it. And lawd knows I didn't work hard with ya. Ahem. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 09, 2008, 09:17:01 AM
we all speak english here and use it every day..  

The USA today poll is saying that out of about half a million Americans who speak english and use it.... that 98% of em feel that the second is indeed a "right"... an individual right.

Is the supreme court gonna tell 98% of the population that they don't know what they are reading?   I don't think so.. not to please the one percent like arlo and bingie that think it is some sort of non right... some sort of "collective right"

did the term "collective right" even exist before orwells book 1984?  I doubt it.

No.. the second just says that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed because we will always need to fight tyranny and an armed populace is always best for that..

from the government being cautious about stepping on rights to japan not even thinking about invasion against an armed populace to burglars in the US being more afraid of armed citizens than even cops to concealed carry making stopping assaults on people...

all forms of tyranny against the individual and the state.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 09, 2008, 10:05:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
we all speak english here and use it every day..  

The USA today poll is saying that out of about half a million Americans who speak english and use it.... that 98% of em feel that the second is indeed a "right"... an individual right.

Is the supreme court gonna tell 98% of the population that they don't know what they are reading?   I don't think so.. not to please the one percent like arlo and bingie that think it is some sort of non right... some sort of "collective right"

did the term "collective right" even exist before orwells book 1984?  I doubt it.

No.. the second just says that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed because we will always need to fight tyranny and an armed populace is always best for that..

from the government being cautious about stepping on rights to japan not even thinking about invasion against an armed populace to burglars in the US being more afraid of armed citizens than even cops to concealed carry making stopping assaults on people...

all forms of tyranny against the individual and the state.

lazs



 No it dosnt laz, it says a well regulated militia 1st this insnt hebrew class. and you are just plain wrong.

Btw I  like the way you latched on to that poll like it was gods word to you, it is about all you have.

The well-regulated militia referred to in the Second Amendment was, in fact, the 18th-century equivalent to the U.S. Armed Forces. Other than a small force of paid officers (primarily responsible for supervising civilian conscripts), the United States that existed at the time the Second Amendment was proposed had no professional, trained army. Instead it relied almost exclusively on civilian militias for self-defense--in other words, the rounding up of all available men between the ages of 18 and 50. In the event of foreign invasion, there would be no trained military force to hold back the British or the French. The United States relied on the power of its own citizens to defend the country against attack, and had committed to such an isolationist foreign policy that the chances of ever deploying forces overseas seemed remote at best.

This began to change with the presidency of John Adams, who established a professional navy to protect U.S.-bound trade vessels from privateers. Today, there is no military draft at all. The U.S. Army is made up of a mix of full-time and part-time professional soldiers who are trained well, and compensated for their service.
Furthermore, the U.S. Armed Forces have not fought a single battle on home soil since the end of the American Civil War in 1865. Clearly, a well-regulated civilian militia is no longer a military necessity. Does the second clause of the Second Amendment still apply even if the first clause, providing its rationale, is no longer meaningful?

The Gallup/NCC poll found that of the 68% of respondents who believed that the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, 82% still believe that the government can regulate firearm ownership to at least some extent. Only 12% believe that the Second Amendment prevents the government from restricting ownership of firearms.

The same Gallup/NCC poll cited above also found that 28% of respondents believe that the Second Amendment was created to protect civilian militias, and does not guarantee the right to bear arms. Points in their favor:

While the Founding Fathers may have supported the ownership of slow, expensive powder-loaded rifles, it's doubtful that they would have been able to conceive of shotguns, assault rifles, handguns, and other contemporary weaponry.

The Second Amendment makes no sense without the prospect of civilian militias, as it is clearly a propositional statement.

If you really want to overthrow the government, bearing arms probably isn't enough in 2008. You'd need aircraft to take the skies, hundreds of tanks to defeat ground forces, and a full navy. The only way to reform a powerful government in this day and age is through nonviolent means.

What the majority of Americans believe about the Second Amendment is unsurprising, because a majority of Americans have been misinformed about what the Second Amendment accomplishes and how federal courts have traditionally collectivly interpreted it.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 01:36:28 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
I love to read what I type; it makes me feel a tingly in my special places.

:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: AKIron on January 09, 2008, 01:42:24 PM
There's just too darn many people in the world that want to control our guns, our money, our kids upbringing, and even our religion. The irony is that most of these have the audacity to call themselves "liberals".
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 01:43:07 PM
Jeez, Bingo;

You should at least put quotes around the stuff you borrow to substitute for your own input.

For any who care, Bingo clipped that first part from:

http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/i/2ndamendment.htm

and the second part from:

http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/i/2ndamendment_2.htm
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 09, 2008, 02:08:19 PM
yep.. he uses a couple of lefty sites and doesn't give them credit.

I believe that the sc will do as they should and look at what the founders intended.  there is nothing to say that the peoples right could be regulated based on what the feds or states felt was a milita.

No one but him and arlo and some liberal lawyers think that the second is the right of the government to arm itself.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 02:59:15 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Everytime I see an Arlo post my knee jerks. So far I've kicked the dog, my wife and the coffee table numerous times. :furious
:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 03:00:48 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
No one but him and arlo and some liberal lawyers think that the second is the right of the government to arm itself.
 


You don't know what I think. You're too busy impressing me with what you do. ;)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 03:04:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
No.. the second just says that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed because we will always need to fight tyranny and an armed populace is always best for that..

from the government being cautious about stepping on rights to japan not even thinking about invasion against an armed populace to burglars in the US being more afraid of armed citizens than even cops to concealed carry making stopping assaults on people...

all forms of tyranny against the individual and the state.

lazs


Fear and paranoia, man. Just let go. Relax, you still can legally own guns. You're just not getting how I'm not against that one bit, are ya? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 09, 2008, 03:57:36 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Jeez, Bingo;

You should at least put quotes around the stuff you borrow to substitute for your own input.

For any who care, Bingo clipped that first part from:

http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/i/2ndamendment.htm

and the second part from:

http://civilliberty.about.com/od/guncontrol/i/2ndamendment_2.htm



Guess I am not up with the rules, Im sure it wasnt hard for you to tell I did not write it. but at least you looked something up :)
Good Boy!
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 09, 2008, 04:02:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by lazs2
yep.. he uses a couple of lefty sites and doesn't give them credit.

I believe that the sc will do as they should and look at what the founders intended.  there is nothing to say that the peoples right could be regulated based on what the feds or states felt was a milita.

No one but him and arlo and some liberal lawyers think that the second is the right of the government to arm itself.

lazs



your so smart laz you to have lookitupitis Proved wrong umpteen times still hang on to your little rock.

:aok
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 04:28:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
It is my greatest hope that Toad has the same reactions I have when I see a post of his. When I see him post my knee jerks. So far I've kicked the dog, my wife and the coffee table numerous times. I hope he's suffering as much as I am. Then my efforts will be worth the pain.


:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 04:30:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bingolong
at least you looked something up :)
 


Trying to set a good example for you but I see you're still not following it.

Don't be afraid to do some research; you'll probably be able to enjoy particpating in the discussions in a meaningful way if you do.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: bustr on January 09, 2008, 05:19:32 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad


Overall, it looks like when pressed for a real argument you can't really muster one. When the wrongness and obviousness of your attitude and claim is challenged, you're too proud to back off.

:D [/B]


So is this why none of the scholars in this thread attempted to answer the questions in my last post? And preferably without cutting and pasting from others biased published ideological positions.

Better yet I don't understand why the posters against the 2nd amendmant aren't willing to speak in plain language and state they don't want anyone to have guns but the government because they are afraid of the .01% chance they might or someone they know might be killed or injured over the span of their lifetime. And this concern to them out weighs any law or original human right other than their own personal safety.

The government is always interested in gaining more control of it's monitary source and their activities. Individual human beings must first filter concepts through their own feelings, fear of personal death and injury historicly being one that has caused one group to do anything necessary to control the activities of another how ever unjust the focus even in the face of the targeted activity being lawful.

Anyone willing to address this posting?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Bingolong on January 09, 2008, 05:29:07 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Trying to set a good example for you but I see you're still not following it.

Don't be afraid to do some research; you'll probably be able to enjoy particpating in the discussions in a meaningful way if you do.


Here is some research for ya I do not know if gallup is leftie or not though sure you will let me know.  
(http://media.gallup.com/poll/graphs/Home%20T.gif)

Hows the minority?

make sure I get my reference in to give the folks credit for public knowledge on the internet for the intardnetlets.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/1645/Guns.aspx


Quite a few of you questions answered here laz :)

http://www.pollingreport.com/guns.htm
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 05:36:03 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
I'm not all that imaginative. I'll just repeat what Arlo makes fun of me with back t him and kick more. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 06:10:56 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
If I had any imagination at all, I'd use it to actually participate in discussions and exchanges of ideas. Instead, I'll just spam threads with meaningless, vapid comments.

:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 06:15:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
If I was capable of looking past my own two inch ego I could tell when someone does more than make fun of me and get over it. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 06:27:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo

Someday I may dare to venture out into a real discussion. Right now though, my feminine side is far to fragile to countenance rejection.
 


:D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 06:52:07 PM
Exemplify, Toad. I'll gladly follow your lead. Bandage your bruises. Shelve that ego. Dis-cuss away. If you can demand it ..... you can do it. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 10:16:16 PM
http://paperdragon.newsvine.com/_news/2007/04/19/671842-ill-give-you-the-second-amendment-if-you-give-me-the-rest-back

"Dinesh D'Souza says that people concerned about the constitution should also be concerned about protecting the second amendment. Then he makes a vague reference to being kind of in favor of the other amendments, too, but I guess since he's a conservative, he's not so sure these days.

I'll make you a deal. You give me the rest of the amendments back that Bush has gutted and I'll gladly give you the second amendment. What happened to the right to an attorney? What happened to not being forced to incriminate yourself? What happened to not being subjected to cruel and unusual punishment? What happened to warrants?! What happened to habeas corpus?!!!

You give me all of those back and then some, and you can have your lousy second amendment. America is a little sick in the head with guns. The NRA believes we should have unfettered access to all firearms and doesn't believe there is any downside. That is so wildly disingenuous.

I understand that the downside to having the fourth amendment is that we will not catch some criminals that we otherwise would have. The upside is that we don't live in a police state. Everything has an upside and a downside. Unless you're the NRA and guns are the swellest creation ever put on earth and they have no downsides at all, like maybe killing people. "

Some responses:

Quote
Dennis P. McCann

Look, no one in America is going to be able to take people's guns away. It is too ingrained in our culture, for better or for worse. Your cherished second amendment right is protected. But can you not see that there could be reasonable limits on that right, like there are on all our rights. You can't yell fire in a crowded theater, you also shouldn't threaten to fire your gun in a crowded theater.


Quote
stevetherobot

That is a very poor argument and yet apparently you and nineteen others agree with it. Threatening to fire your gun in a crowded theater is a completely different thing than the right to possess a gun.


Quote
Deh Ehn

He wasn't comparing it to the right to possess a gun. He was comparing it to the right to free speech. You have freedom of speech but there are limits, such as not being able to yell fire in a crowded theatre.

And you have the right to possess a gun, but there are limits, such as not being able to own an Ak-47, or limited acess to automatic weapons or extended clips or whatever the case may be. Obviously unfettered access to guns for one and all as proposed by the NRA goes far beyond the simple right to bare arms.


Quote
Aunk (The Cultural Health Guy)

Hetep and Respect, Claus, I am "liberal" on most things. However, I support the 2 amendment. King Bush is a good example of the value of this amendment.

If we have a King we must have guns!

Let the Constitutionally healthy say Amen


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dis-cuss. Does the Constitution's strength and validity revolve around the second amendment alone? If the second amendment is so "clear" how come the way it's been clear up `til recently is so different from the interpretation of the most militant right?

:)
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 10:26:07 PM
Been there, done that, best  you can do is finally respond to someone else showing that you can't tell a noun from a participial phrase. It was a lovely little piece, except of course that it started off wrong and wandered on into meaningless because of its unfortunate birth.

As for exemplifying, I'll just point out that the statement of mine and the rationale behind it that you find so entrancingly offensive covers three of the six approaches to constitutional analysis outlined in Constitutional Fate by Philip Bobbitt.

I've yet to see you attempt even one of those approaches.

But take comfort in the fact that you are probably a lock for the championship in the next AHBBS cleverly invented fake quotes with smilies tournament.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 10:35:16 PM
As for your second post, the lesson for today is "Incorporation" as it relates to the Bill of Rights.

So what do the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Amendments have in common?
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Toad on January 09, 2008, 10:39:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Arlo
Dis-cuss. Does the Constitution's strength and validity revolve around the second amendment alone? If the second amendment is so "clear?" How come the way it's been clear up `til recently is so different from the interpretation of the most militant right?



Apres vous, Alphonse.

Like Ulysses Everett McGill you're going to have to show your bona fide and worth the candle.
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 11:20:39 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Been there, done that, best  you can do is finally respond to someone else showing that you can't tell a noun from a participial phrase. It was a lovely little piece, except of course that it started off wrong and wandered on into meaningless because of its unfortunate birth.

As for exemplifying, I'll just point out that the statement of mine and the rationale behind it that you find so entrancingly offensive covers three of the six approaches to constitutional analysis outlined in Constitutional Fate by Philip Bobbitt.

I've yet to see you attempt even one of those approaches.

But take comfort in the fact that you are probably a lock for the championship in the next AHBBS cleverly invented fake quotes with smilies tournament.


Hmmm .... offensive? I think I hurt your feelings by not being as impressed as you wanted. Sorry bout that ... but ... them's the breaks. Yup, the prof you illustrated also illustrated bias (even with your claimed admission from him that he has no issues with gun regulation). Last sentence of his admitted the logic required
sumption. What can I say? Presumption being the choo choo leading the conclusion caboose just never sounded like a particularly impressive or compelling argument. So ... it hasn't won me over yet. Big deal. War ain't over, man. Shoot some better bullets. And if mine are missing you, that's fine too. Sooner or later one of us is bound to score, eh?

Fake quotes? Ahahahaha .... hope this isn't you thinking the responses portion of the blog discussion I brought into this thread for discussion were faked. That much paranoia deserves a thwackin'. If you're complainin' that my responses are "fake quotes" because you couldn't Google me borrowin' them from someone else ... that's not "fake" ... that's original. Feel free to borrow them, yourself. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 11:26:23 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
As for your second post, the lesson for today is "Incorporation" as it relates to the Bill of Rights.

So what do the 2nd, 3rd and 5th Amendments have in common?


When you're done with lecture mode feel free to share and we'll dis-cuss as peers. Ain't that whatcha really want? :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: Arlo on January 09, 2008, 11:52:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Toad
Apres vous, Alphonse.

Like Ulysses Everett McGill you're going to have to show your bona fide and worth the candle.


Not really. You see ... an open discussion or debate on a forum has nothing to do with me proving myself to you (or even to myself), just us offering points ... to each other. Acceptance not mandatory, lack of acceptance not the crisis you seem to think it should be. If the other guy's point doesn't come across as proven to you there's no need for all the dramaqueen style responses.

Tweaking each other's noses is fine fun, and I don't mind. I tweak back. If you can handle doing the tweaking, you'd think you could handle it back, as well. Don't give me the bogus whine that all I ever do is tweak your nose when the flip side of your bi-polar personality seems addicted to it. I really do think it's fun. That's why I don't spend as much time beechin' and moanin' about how unfair it is that others play back. Grow a pair and try to get past that. But you think that means I can't keep up with your "mad master-debator skillz?" Heh. :D
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 10, 2008, 08:50:22 AM
bingie..   the poll was just how many homes had guns in em.. that was 42%  are you saying that it is not enough?   all polls say that all people...  no matter if they own (or admit they own) guns believe overwhelmingly that the second is an individual right.

also.. I can see that you are desperately googling around to try to find agreement with a position that you obviously have not given much thought to till now..  you should have read a bit farther into the article you quoted (while pretending you wrote it).

"According to a 2003 Gallup/NCC poll, most Americans believe that the Second Amendment protects individual firearm ownership. Points in their favor:

    * A clear majority of the Founding Fathers unquestionably believed in a universal right to bear arms.
    * The last time the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the civilian militia interpretation of the Second Amendment was 1939--almost 70 years ago, at a time when policies enforcing racial segregation, banning birth control, and mandating recital of the Lord's Prayer in public schools were also considered constitutional.
    * The Constitution is a document, not a piece of software. Regardless of why the Second Amendment justifies its own existence, the fact remains that it still exists as part of the Constitution.
    * The Eighteenth Amendment established Prohibition; the Twenty-First Amendment overturned it. The American people have the means, through the legislative process, to overturn the Second Amendment if it is no longer considered worthwhile. If it's obsolete, why hasn't this happened?
    * The Constitution aside, bearing arms is a fundamental human right. It is the only means the American people have to reclaim control of their government, should it one day become irredeemably corrupt.


The Gallup/NCC poll also found that of the 68% of respondents who believed that the Second Amendment protects the right to bear arms, 82% still believe that the government can regulate firearm ownership to at least some extent. Only 12% believe that the Second Amendment prevents the government from restricting ownership of firearms."

really..  the people who wish to trash individual rights have no leg to stand on.

If the constitution is interpreted as people think it means and the way the founders intended...

Your view is just some far left mental masterbation and justification for removal of individual rights.

lazs
Title: What is a Militia?
Post by: lazs2 on January 10, 2008, 08:55:37 AM
and arlo.. I notice that you always use.. or end up resorting to when proven wrong.. a strange and childish form of debate..

You said that since the other amendments are being infringed on that it is perfectly fine by you that the second be...that we need to make everything else perfect otherwise more infringement is ok..

You do it on taxes and such.. if we waste taxes on one thing then it is fine to waste even more on even worse things.

The way it works is.. that you should always fight the wrong.. you should fix what you can.   You don't play the politics of envy card.   you don't do the little kid "well.... he did it too" thing to excuse what you did.

We must fight for our/others rights where we can.  Even if they are not popular with us.

lazs