A well regulated militia

Amendment II

"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."

Other functions of government were left open for change.  A well regulated militia was deemed by our founders to be essential to the preservation of our freedom.

Establishing and regulating the militias of the various states is a duty of the several states.

Any person living at the time of the Revolution could have told you why this was essential and how it was to work locally.  A militia, made up of local people understood, with both their hearts and minds, the need to protect their homes, families, farms and businesses.

The Revolution was fought by militias.  For most, individual militiamen provided their own weapons and ammunition, along with other needs.  

Never intended as a call to anarchy, the state militia was regulated by the state government. Most men served at some time in their lives, placing their own lives in danger to ensure the well being of those they knew and loved. 

Carrying out this Constitutional mandate changed with the adoption of practices which violated the Constitution, ignoring the affirmative power of a people who both governed and protected, themselves.  This took place in 1903 with the unconstitutional displacement of the militias with National Guard.

At the same time America was leaning toward the Federalization of state autonomy in multiple areas, coming in the wake of popularity enjoyed by the Nationalist Clubs of Edward Bellamy, cousin to Christian Socialist, Francis Bellamy. It was Francis whose successful campaign for the Pledge of Allegiance was the first sounding board for federalism, instituted in 1892.

What was displaced was an essential safeguard to the right of the people to govern themselves, a right which must now be reclaimed.

On this site we provide ideas and tools for organizing locally, at the precinct, city, county, and state levels.   As we reestablish the safeguards which have been lost we return to the rule of law under the Constitution.