EXPLAINING THE SECOND AMENDMENT. 

Thoughts from the day on what it means.

     Starting off as we approach Independence day we need to reflect on what our founding fathers envisioned when they composed the first ten amendments to our Constitution. What has become known as THE BILL OF RIGHTS and more specific the 2nd of those Amendments. 27 words which has long been debated as to what each word, part, or punctuation means. 

     But seldom does those debating what was the intent do those debating refer to what was written by the men, scholars, and leaders of the time explaining 2A.

They make claims of that militia means the military, or National Guard, or armed forces of the United States in some manner. They argue that arms means only weapons available when the Amendment was written and the writers could not envision advancements of modern guns. (only muskets in short) without giving these men the wisdom they most certainly deserve as to being able to see what future advances might be. These same men who had the forethought to develop the idea of a country where the supreme power lied with the people. 

     

"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."

     So what did some of the great minds of the day have to say regarding the Second Amendment.  Some of these were included in the Federalist papers and others obtained from other sources as noted. I mean who better to explain 2A then the founding fathers through quotes made which refer to the right itself.

So  here are some powerful quotes from the founding fathers themselves.

first Thomas Jefferson and his quote referring to "Shall not be infringed."

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."

- Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Constitution, Draft 1, 1776

Take notice he did not say his musket or his cannon but specifically said arms. To any person with the ability to use reason and common sense above that of a earth worm it included every type weapon available that the man may want. Cannons, Bombs, Grenades, Rifles, pistols, explosives, etc.

     But they only had muskets and that is what they meant by arms. That argument is equal to saying they were limited to pea shooters and rubber bands. So what was the arms of the day besides muskets that Jefferson referred to.  Revolutionary War Artillery. Cannon, mortars and howitzers made up the three types of artillery used at Yorktown by the Americans, French and British. Cannon included both field guns, which were lightweight, mobile pieces and heavy siege guns which had limited mobility along with muskets, pistols, grenades and bayonets and anything else that could be used as a weapon.

"To disarm the people...is the most effectual way to enslave them."

- George Mason, referencing advice given to the British Parliament by Pennsylvania governor Sir William Keith, The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, June 14, 1788.

"The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes…. Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.” – Thomas Jefferson, Commonplace Book (quoting 18th century criminologist Cesare Beccaria), 1774-1776"

“The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.” – Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Cartwright, 5 June 1824

“I ask who are the militia? They consist now of the whole people, except a few public officers.” – George Mason, Address to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 4, 1788

Having provided several quotes on the subject I save the most important for the Second Amendment and every other Amendment for here. 

“Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” – William Pitt (the Younger), Speech in the House of Commons, November 18, 1783

     Necessity as in modern times has become 'FOR THE GREATER GOOD" The argument now should be the same as it was during the time of the founders: "It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.” 

“A militia when properly formed are in fact the people themselves…and include, according to the past and general usage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms…  “To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.” – Richard Henry Lee, Federal Farmer No. 18, January 25, 1788

“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…. The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.” – Patrick Henry, Speech to the Virginia Ratifying Convention, June 5, 1778

     In closing after having read the words of the founding fathers only one logical conclusion can be reached on the Second Amendment. 

"A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State,

Means every able bodied man, woman, and child are the Militia.

the right of the people to keep and bear Arms,

Means any and every type weapon you may desire and can afford should be available to you.

shall not be infringed."

Means without conditions, requirement, restrictions, or in any manner controlled by any person or authority.

   There you have it the Second Amendment explained and commented on by some of the founding fathers. Of course there are a lot more comments available made by the founding fathers through the Federalist papers and other reliable sources. So the next time you here the phrase common sense gun control simply explain that debate was settled way back in the 1700's by men far wiser then those asking for gun control.