Hi gnu,

I read your post.

I respect nearly all opinions on nearly everthing.

I admit having not checked for gun control threads at this forum. That's cause I only intend to communicate over this medium on music related topics.

This will be the only post you'll see from me on this subject unless someone brings it up.

I have strong notions regarding what Madison wrote, and I think he was crystal clear.

You may join with those who wish to overthrow the 2nd amendment and return to the days of Wild Bill; I won't be part of that.

I have no intention of listening to, or commenting on Heston or the Bradybillers. They just talk while guns go bang and nothing gets resolved, except to go on talking for which each side gets paid big bucks). But, as long as it remains an essential element (bill of rights) of the supreme law of the U. S., I will try to get folks to read James' very plain language. "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security mof a free state . . . (I trust you know the rest).

I could PM you the long version that I send whenever the issue gets me riled, but in a nutshell its says:

If you want the constituional right to carry a gun, go and join a well regulated militia.

If you belong to a well regulated militia, the federal government cannot demand that you surrender your weapon.

If you do not wish to join a militia, you have no legal protection to keep your weapon. By the same logic as, "you can't keep chickens", if the people pass the laws "you can't keep guns".

The only issues to decide are:
- What constitutes a "regulated militia"
- What constitutes a "militia".

It is my belief that if you keep the debaters within those parameters you can make real progress toward a less violent society.

I this country, the USA, a militia is a citizens army. A volunteer group whose leaders are responsible to the citizenry from which they draw their power.

And to whom they are responsible to carry out whatever laws passed by those citizens constitute "well regulated".

For example: Robert E. Lee quit the national army to lead a militia (Army of Northern Virginia) and fight against an invasion by the national government. Later, that same army, on numerous occasions, fought alongside the national government in conflicts when Virginians deemed that a threat existed.

I know full well that the national guard has been misused many times to hurt people when the threat didn't warrant the actions taken (Kent State). But remember, whenever people lose control of the contract they have with their government, what follows is facism.

I'm certain Kent State proved that; the problem is, did we pay attention?

Ben Franklin commented that the constitution gave us a republican form of government (in the greek sense) and was a precious gift (liberty) that we must diligently guard if we intend to keep it.

That's the short version.

PM me if there are points that need further clarification.

On a music-related note (finally back to where we belong); "Robin and Linda Williams And Their Fine Group" do a wonderful tune called "Men with Guns" that sums up perfectly, my personal attitude on the issue.