Letter: Second Amendment and the militia
"It is ridiculous to imagine today's armed citizens attempting to defend themselves against the U.S. military," writes Alvin Brier. Credit: Paul Tong / Tribune Media Services
Several letters about gun control admonish the public for not understanding the meaning and purpose of the Second Amendment ["Gun control: Yay and nay," July 31]. The letter writers seem to feel that the amendment's purpose is to defend our citizens against their government and its soldiers.
Actually, that is not true. Because the United States at the time had no peacetime standing army, an armed militia was needed -- similar to our national guard -- that could be quickly mobilized against an invading army.
It is ridiculous to imagine today's armed citizens attempting to defend themselves against the U.S. military.
Alvin Brier, Plainview
