the author thinks (incorrectly) that the prefatory clause overrides the operative clause. The operative clause being that "the right of the people to keep and b

the author thinks (incorrectly) that the prefatory clause overrides the operative clause. The operative clause being that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed" But, for the record, at the time the "militia" was considered to be every able bodied male in the country.