“But if circumstances should at any time oblige the government to form an army of any magnitude, that army can never be formidable to the liberties of the people, while there is a large body of citizens, little if at all inferior to them in discipline and use of arms, who stand ready to defend their rights”

One way to be equal to an army of the government is that the body of citizens are allowed the same weapons (i.e. pistols, rifles, shotguns, machineguns) with the same features (i.e. magazine capacity, bayonet lug, pistol grip, silencer, sight, etc.). "...the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed."

When the regulation held by the individual sovereign(s) is equal to that of their servants and representatives (the government), peace, liberty, dignity of life, and the principle that each being is noble and precious have a chance to exist in perpetuity.

Don't forget that the members of the standing army that we have today is very aware of their responsibility to side with the people and against the government should the government turn bad. Disarming ANYBODY not disenfranchised from full citizenship is one of the most visible signs that it has gone wrong. So no, the US Government will have to rely upon law enforcement to disarm civilians, as the military is not "politically reliable" for that task.

Absolutely Joe. Now all we have to do is work on that "little if at all inferior to them in discipline and use of arms, who stand ready to defend their rights" part. And Sarge, you are absolutely correct and I hope the American people realize how right you are. Most of the Marines I served with would sooner hand out the arms rather then take them away.

The crazies are out, demanding their themonucs & nerve gas "for personal use"...

Reminds me of when after hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, FEMA arrived to first confiscate the guns of citizens staying in their homes ready to defend themselves against looters. They hand-cuffed property owners in fron tof their homes and searched the houses for guns, then left the residents unarmed against the looters at night. It was for their own protection, apparently.

i like it, it was thoughtful.

Hamilton's nationalist mindset represents the duality within man. The will to arm, the people, but out of greed, fear or lack of faith, the extra burden of paying for their Liberty through oppression. Being the banker, and merchant in bed with the bank of England. Burr on the other hand, perhaps the left hand, took care of business. The administering of Grace under Liberty, rescue, to all ye heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Grace, unmerited favor from God and his ability to meet the need of his people. Trust is required with any freewill association. Some have not faith. THE OATH IS MORE THAN JUST WORDS. A binding contract with our Creator, who is calling his chips in !! It is not to put your trust in man, but in God who supplies our need. The source of this grace, science seeks to find, socialist despise. Semper FI