>>>>> Given all their lofty ideals it's hard for me to believe the founders envisioned an entire society running around armed to the teeth.
>>>
>>>Actually, in the American of the 18th century it would have been hard for the Founders to imagine a society where everyone was *not* armed. Militia was a gathering of *armed* citizens - their own guns.
>>
>>You're right, of course. I wasn't thinking too well to add that extra sentence. I still think they put the word "militia" in there for a reason.
>
>Since personal gun ownership was taken as given, I suppose it was to emphasize that with this came responsibility.
>
>And often in these debates it is the ninth amendment that seems to be forgotten
>
>The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
>
>Rights are there thanks to "Nature and Nature's God" and it is up to the State to find a compelling reason to abridge them.

"Taken as given" -- that's one way to resolve the question! LOL. You get extra points for the ingenuity of that one, Mr. H.