Wow, this is literally thoughtcrime.
Longer jail terms for viewing terror content online
101–102 of 102 posts
Re: Longer jail terms for viewing terror content online
#102Earlier quoted context omitted.
No, so we can resist and overthrow a totalitarian government
Ah, so the 2nd amendement is not about militias at all?
James Madison says in the Federalist Papers no. 46:
"To [the standing federal army composed of 1/100 of citizens at most] would be opposed a militia amounting to near half a million of citizens with arms in their hands, officered by men chosen from among themselves, fighting for their common liberties, and united and conducted by governments possessing their affections and confidence. It may well be doubted, whether a militia thus circumstanced could ever be conquered by such a proportion of regular troops. Those who are best acquainted with the last successful resistance of this country against the British arms, will be most inclined to deny the possibility of it. Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, the existence of subordinate governments, to which the people are attached, and by which the militia officers are appointed, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of. Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. And it is not certain, that with this aid alone they would not be able to shake off their yokes. But were the people to possess the additional advantages of local governments chosen by themselves, who could collect the national will and direct the national force, and of officers appointed out of the militia, by these governments, and attached both to them and to the militia, it may be affirmed with the greatest assurance, that the throne of every tyranny in Europe would be speedily overturned in spite of the legions which surround it."
Unfortunately, we don't have standing militias. I think we should. But the intent is obviously that an armed population can resist an oppressive government if need be.
"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)
Guns shouldn't be used at one's discretion. They are for private self defense and to vest ultimate power in the people. They should be tracked and approved by local governments.
I replied in the negative because the 2a was never meant to be a swiss-style defense against foreign invasion.