Intention & Interpretation

“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.” As everyone knows (at least should know) this is our second amendment to the Constitution. Some say this means it is a universal individual right to bear arms. Others disagree arguing it does not guarantee the individual the right to bear arms, giving the right only to any militia.

I think sometimes one little word can change everything. For example if the Founders had put the word “and” in the statement, it wouldn’t really be much of a question these days what is was they meant. It would be clear that the militia and the individual have the right to bear arms. However, they didn’t put that word in there, so we are left to determine what is was they intended. I think maybe they meant for it to mean both the militia and the individual. If they meant the whole statement only for the militia, why did they use the word people and not militia in the second half of that sentence? The whole phrase would make just as much sense either way.

I don’t think the Founders intended for everyone to run around like the Wild West wielding pistols and shotguns. Instead, I believe they wanted every American citizen to have the right to protect themselves and their property when necessary. I think this should be common sense and we as a society have to learn how to apply what the Founders meant to today’s world. For example, a concealed handgun license is a great way to do this. It’s not intended for people to go around shooting everyone whenever they feel like it. It’s meant for self-defense and defending others, when necessary.