The right to bear arms is coming up frequently, given the ghastly recent events in Newtown CT, Aurora CO, as well as other places. However, I notice something that stands out in my mind. I will now recite the verbatim wording of the 2nd amendment as it appears in the United States Constitution. "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 next time someone brings up the 2nd amendment, remind them about the 1st half of that amendment!! Isn't it interesting how the portion of that particular amendment regarding 'right to bear arms shall not be infringed' is referred to so frequently, but nobody mentions the part that says 'a well regulated militia, necessary for the security of a free state'??

There is a reason for that, it would defeat their entire argument. The reason the 2nd Amendment was enacted was originally for the security of a free state. At the time of our founding fathers, we did not have our own military. We had a well regulated milita. It was the only thing stopping the British from trampling what was at the time, a fledgling nation.

So, I think that clearly, the 2nd amendment does not cover private ownership of firearms. It states the right of a militia to organize, & own firearms to protect the state. Now I have an opinion, it's not a popular one, but I believe it translates a lot more clearly to the wording of the 2nd amendment... I think that if people want to own weapons, they should join the National Guard, & earn the right to bear arms by becoming part of a well regulated militia, necessary for the security of a free state.

Not only is doing so more clearly in sync w/ the wording of the 2nd amendment, but also, one will be doing a great service to your country by being a real patriot, and protecting our beloved nation. However, I am almost certain, in a day & age where most people are only concerned about themselves, I'm sorry to say I just don't see a lot of people understanding my point of view. Mostly b/c it's a opinion that is not self serving, and self benefiting. I guess that when Kennedy said "Ask not what you're country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", his words fell upon selfish, & deaf ears. Let the temper tantrums begin.