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"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."
It's now crucial that we focus on SECURITY, the goal stated in the first half of the Second Amendment. Our irrational obsession with the second half's 18th-century strategy is only worsening the security of more and more Americans – especially our children's, whose trauma can last a lifetime.
What Did the George Washington Say About It?
General George Washington (1783):
"Every Citizen who enjoys the protection of a free Government, owes not only a proportion of his property, but even of his personal services to the defence of it, and consequently that the Citizens of America (with a few legal and official exceptions) from 18 to 50 Years of Age should be borne on the Militia Rolls, provided with uniform Arms, and so far accustomed to the use of them, that the Total strength of the Country might be called forth at a Short Notice on any very interesting Emergency...
"By making it universally reputable to bear Arms &... share in the performance of Military duties; in fine, by keeping up in Peace 'a well regulated, and disciplined Militia,' we shall take the fairest and best method to preserve, for a long time to come, the happiness, dignity and Independence of our Country." – Sentiments on a Peace Establishment
President George Washington (1794):
"The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia would be a genuine source of legislative honor... Organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia; and thus providing, in the language of the Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions." – Address to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
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In the 18th century, "to keep and bear Arms" meant to participate in a well regulated militia with the rifles it had provided and trained citizens to use. It did not mean that citizens could independently build their own personal arsenal and carry deadly weapons wherever they wanted.
Unlike in peace time today, back then there were no Reserves and National Guard for citizens to participate in to help "execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions."
George Washington is Patriæ Pater,
The Father of His Country who hoped
"to see America among the foremost nations
in examples of justice and liberality."
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