This, in so many ways. If you want to espouse what the Founding Fathers envisioned, then put yourself in the shoes of someone who just led a fledgling populace

This, in so many ways. If you want to espouse what the Founding Fathers envisioned, then put yourself in the shoes of someone who just led a fledgling populace to a bloody victory over an oppressive monarchy half-way across the world. The Battles of Lexington and Concord were preceded by a secret British order to confiscate and destroy the military supplies (rifles, ammo, cannons) of the militia that had been formed following tensions between Patriots and the British after the Boston Tea Party. [0] So the very first act of military aggression - and the "shot heard round the world" - was at least in part the last resort of the militia after a failed attempt to confiscate guns. So when someone considers what the Founding Fathers actually envisioned, it is absolutely that the people of the United States always be able to stand up to a standing army. We can argue the current practicality of citizens owning nukes, but that doesn't remove the spirit of the amendment. [0] http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Lexington_and_Concord http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battles_of_Lexington_and_Conc...