The Right to Bear Arms is a misunderstood amendment.  It doesn't say you have a right to guns, it says you have the right to bear arms (weapons) in the interest of forming a 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.

Funny thing is, this amendment really says nothing about one's right to carry guns about wherever they please or discharge them as they like, as so many seem to like to interpret it.

And it was Congress' job, as outlined by Constitution, to organize, equip and train these militias.  So really it has nothing to do with individuals, and everything to do with state militias capable to fending off potential foreign attackers.  Remember, back in the days of the Founders you didn't have quick communication, and often the first form of defense were the settlements and their inhabitants.

by Mike McTighe on 03/18/2010 11:59:36 PM EST