quote:Originally posted by BuddyRoadhouse
As I understand it, the NRA defines "militia" as every man, woman and child who is a citizen of the United States. You know what, I'll give 'em that. No argument. BUT-let's focus on the two words before that, "well-regulated". Well, let's see, I got me a Funk & Wagnalls (no, really) dictionary right here..."regulate, transitive verb, 1.To direct, manage, or control according to certain rules, principles, etc. 2.To adjust according to a standard, degree, etc."
So, a "well-regulated militia" is one that is subject to the management and control of the individual state (the second amendment only prohibits the federal government from sticking their noses into things) based on that state's rules and principles which can be adjusted to meet the needs and requirements of that state based on current standards or degrees. In other words, gun ownership never has been and never should be a free for all.
I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, but you understand it incorrectly. First of all, the NRA does not define it at all. The NRA supports it.
Here is Title 10 of the United States Code:
TITLE 10 > Subtitle A > PART I > CHAPTER 13 > § 311
§ 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.
Second, it is clear that you do not understand the words "well-regulated" as they were used prior to, at the time of, and for many years after the amendment was written. From the OED:
1709 -- "If a liberal Education has formed in us well-regulated Appetites and worthy indications."
1714 -- "The practice of all well-regulated courts of justice in the world."
1812 -- "The equation of time ... is the adjustment of the difference of time shown by a well-regulated clock and a true sun dial."
1848 -- "A remissness for which I am sure every well-regulated person will blame the Mayor."
1862 -- "It appeared to her well-regulated mind, like a clanndestine proceeding."
1894 -- "The newspaper, a never wanting adjunct to every well-regulated American embryo city."
Well-regulated, as it was used at the time of the writing of the Consitution, and for one hundred years after, referred to something being in proper working order. Something that was well-regulated was calibrated correctly and/or functioned as expected.
Now, with this in mind, you have my permission to further your education and realize just exactly how far off you are on this matter.