original intention of 2nd amendment

Worth a share:

Learned this via Thom Hartmann's radio program, repeating this info today, in light of two domestic terror shootings.. .


Origins of the second amendment --original intention was NEVER to allow citizens to arm against the government.
It was to allow the southern states to keep their slave patrols... [sad thing...] and at the same time, cause the states to prepare 'militias' that could be called up to defend and protect the "nation (state) " or the "country", if needed. A slave patrol could also be designated the official militia of a given state.... You had to be trained as well, in the safe handling --and storing--of a gun.

Jefferson and others distrusted militarism, and were not convinced --other than having a navy -- that there should be a standing army at all, during peace time. They were wary of a military that might overthrow the new government....!
Patrick Henry said that if the federal government called up the militias, any slaves who volunteered would be freed via their service.

Yet today, so many (most?) argue that the second amendment is for protecting ourselves against the U.S. government....

"When will will ever learn, when will we ever learn..." ---Where Have All the Flowers Gone
-Marcia