>The right to bear arms was written into the constitution so the yanks could shoot any of us marauding limeys (Minutemen) as I understand it (in defence of the realm) - not to blast deer, cops, burglars and college students.

Actually, AIUI, it was done to allow the citizenry to overthrow the government if it should become onerous again. It was a direct response to the revolution that created the country.

Tamar