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The 2A Gives Individuals the Right to Weapons -This Right May Also Be Reasonably Regulated

Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:02 am
Posted by RFK
Mar-a-Lago
Member since May 2012
3204 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:02 am
I got my hands on an advance copy of “On the Mark,” a history of punctuation and how it has evolved and shaped the world we know today.

A section dives into the impact of the commas in the 2nd Amendment, and the comma placement after “well regulated militia.” SCOTUS determined this exact placement makes it a prefatory clause, which in turn grants individual Americans the right to weapons.

I agree with this.

However, if we are going to take the clause as written (regardless of different grammatical norms of the day) then we have to also take “well regulated” militia at face value, as well.

This has always been the best argument for responsible (see: common sense) gun control.

It’s why you can’t buy a tank or a tactical nuke. To those who read the 2A to truly grant an “ininfringed/unrestricted” right to weapons, these restrictions would be unlawful, which is not practical.

At bottom, individuals are entitled to weapons, because the people have the right to form a militia against a tyrannical government if needed. However this militia can be “well regulated.”

The founders endorsed an individual right that does naturally adapt to better arms, but embedded in a culture of responsibility and regulation — not an absolutist free-for-all. The debate today often projects modern ideologies onto them. The historical reality was more nuanced.

Now another question is how much “well regulation” is reasonable when regulation comes from the very people you would be overthrowing.

Maybe this is a moot point. If there was a need to overthrow the modern government, there’s no way personal arms can reasonably counter the modern DoD.
This post was edited on 5/31/26 at 6:04 am
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
5996 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:07 am to
quote:

It’s why you can’t buy a tank

Why then did the FF's think it was ok for private citizens to own the most dangerous weapons of the time? War ships, cannons, explosives and such.

And private citizens can still buy a tank today.
quote:

“well regulated militia.”

The word regulated, in this phrase, does not mean what you think it means.
Posted by Pragmatist2025
Member since Jun 2025
1110 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:07 am to
quote:

If there was a need to overthrow the modern government, there’s no way personal arms can reasonably counter the modern DoD.
I have no delusions about overthrowing the government. I just want to have the right and means to take out a few who may one day decide to overthrow me.
Posted by BamaScoop
Panama City Beach, Florida
Member since May 2007
56810 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:18 am to
If the people decided they needed to overthrow the government we would be the ones with all the weapons. You do realize that it’s the people that form the military right?

The military would choose sides just like they did in the civil war.
Posted by nealnan8
Atlanta
Member since Oct 2016
4792 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:20 am to
If you are in the camp that believes there should be no regulations on what type of weapon or who can possess such weapons, then you are fine with a 3 year old owning a gun. If you are not fine with a 3 year old owning a gun, then you support federal oversight and restrictions on gun ownership.
I use this example to point out that the OP is correct - the 2A should be reasonably regulated by the federal government.
Posted by udtiger
Over your left shoulder
Member since Nov 2006
115654 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:20 am to
quote:

Why then did the FF's think it was ok for private citizens to own the most dangerous weapons of the time? War ships, cannons, explosives and such.


Ding.

2A isn't about hunting.
2A isn't about self-defense.
2A is about the people having the tools/means to repel/fight its own government if necessary.
Posted by wryder1
Birmingham
Member since Feb 2008
4948 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:20 am to
So the purpose of the 2nd amendment is to help protect the constitutional rights of the citizens from a tyrannical government, but the government should be allowed to “regulate” based on “common sense” measures?

1) No congressman has shown to have any common sense.
2) Where have we heard common sense over and over from?
3) Why let the ppl who are meant for it to keep in check, define the rules for regulation? Seems self serving?
4) Anytine gvt is given a chance to do anything, they will take it to the extreme for taking away from its citizens because there is power in “No”.
5) As long as there are idiots like AOC and Biden, and evil like Obama, I’ll take a hard no on regulating the 2nd amendment. There is a reason that the most gun crimes occur in the most concentrated Democrat areas. It’s no coincidence either that this is also the same party that wants to regulate the guns but knowing it will only affect the responsible gun owners.

Posted by jizzle6609
Houston
Member since Jul 2009
20310 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:21 am to
quote:

Now another question is how much “well regulation” is reasonable when regulation comes from the very people you would be overthrowing.


How on earth do you think the government can “regulate” when there are 500mm guns on the streets currently?

Curious.
Posted by Shorty_price
Member since Oct 2018
420 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:22 am to
I'm not reading all that drivel.

You're the classic "smartest guy in the room."

"Shall not be infringed" is pretty straightforward.
This post was edited on 5/31/26 at 6:22 am
Posted by RFK
Mar-a-Lago
Member since May 2012
3204 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:22 am to
quote:

The military would choose sides just like they did in the civil war.
Recent polling says otherwise.

Their loyalty is to the constitution, not the regime.

Also, the consequences of refusing to follow orders in this instance are too grave for most to reasonably consider.
Posted by jizzle6609
Houston
Member since Jul 2009
20310 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:23 am to
quote:

The military would choose sides just like they did in the civil war.Recent polling says otherwise. Their loyalty is to the constitution, not the regime. Also, the consequences of refusing to follow orders in this instance are too grave for most to reasonably consider.


Boy id hate to be collecting all the firearms.

Everyone thought Fallujah and the likes were bad. Imagine going door to door here. Fun times.
This post was edited on 5/31/26 at 6:24 am
Posted by Diamondawg
Mississippi
Member since Oct 2006
38547 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:25 am to
There by the Grace of God goes you and you aren't in charge and never will be. We go this. Now go back to your corner.
Posted by TNTigerman
James Island
Member since Sep 2012
12100 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:27 am to
quote:

1) No congressman has shown to have any common sense.
2) Where have we heard common sense over and over from?
3) Why let the ppl who are meant for it to keep in check, define the rules for regulation? Seems self serving?
4) Anytine gvt is given a chance to do anything, they will take it to the extreme for taking away from its citizens because there is power in “No”.
5) As long as there are idiots like AOC and Biden, and evil like Obama, I’ll take a hard no on regulating the 2nd amendment. There is a reason that the most gun crimes occur in the most concentrated Democrat areas. It’s no coincidence either that this is also the same party that wants to regulate the guns but knowing it will only affect the responsible gun owners.

Some intelligence exists in Birmingham.
Posted by BozemanTiger
Member since Jul 2020
4824 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:30 am to
I didn't read any of it.

Just wanted to let you know that when I'm in the mood to read 'stupid', just for a laugh, you're waaaay near the top of my list of go-to's.
Posted by jizzle6609
Houston
Member since Jul 2009
20310 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:36 am to
quote:

you are in the camp that believes there should be no regulations on what type of weapon or who can possess such weapons, then you are fine with a 3 year old owning a gun. If you are not fine with a 3 year old owning a gun, then you support federal oversight and restrictions on gun ownership. I use this example to point out that the OP is correct - the 2A should be rea


Why would a 3 year old have a gun?

How did the 3 year old get a job to afford to buy the gun?

Curious, I’m looking for a job.
Posted by nealnan8
Atlanta
Member since Oct 2016
4792 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:37 am to
quote:

"Shall not be infringed" is pretty straightforward.

Serious question: do you think a 3 yr. old should have the right to own a firearm?
Posted by 2 Jugs
Saint Amant
Member since Feb 2018
2368 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:37 am to


quote:

The 2A Gives Individuals the Right to Weapons


This is a false statement.

quote:

This Right May Also Be Reasonably Regulated


Also, false.
Posted by Tchefuncte Tiger
Bat'n Rudge
Member since Oct 2004
63508 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:38 am to
quote:

It’s why you can’t buy a tank


You absolutely can.
Posted by jizzle6609
Houston
Member since Jul 2009
20310 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:39 am to
quote:

You absolutely can.


Not armed though right?

For the record I’m perfectly fine with tank ownership in this country.
This post was edited on 5/31/26 at 6:40 am
Posted by SouthEasternKaiju
SouthEast... you figure it out
Member since Aug 2021
47478 posts
Posted on 5/31/26 at 6:40 am to
Why are the Left so hell
bent on controlling people when it comes to self defense but NOT protecting the most vulnerable?
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