Reply #166: That is correct. [View All]

[gorfle]

Except that the militias mentioned in the 2nd amendment Had as one of their duties putting down insurrections.

Not to mention when the situation of a armed rebellion among citizens who thought they were being oppressed came up, the Founders had no issue at all putting it down.

This correct. The state militias could act in concert to do just that if they felt it was just and necessary. This played out in its ultimate act during the American Civil War.

I think I should also add that personally, rights come with responsibilities. There is no need for guns at a demonstration. Bringing them isn't exercising one's rights. it's attempting to intimidate.

Of course it is. Firearms are the teeth of liberty. Demonstrating with them is sending the clear message "don't tread on me or I will shoot you." It is the ultimate expression of defiance short of actual violence. It shows that the people demonstrating have more than just idle words to back up their message.