“Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defence, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress?”

Here Parick would imply that the militia should not be put into any ones hands. In order to defeat a disciplined army the opposition must be disciplined and organized. Now whether that discipline and organization comes from "congress" or some other central body or different "congress" is a matter of choice but a central org is needed.

Waffler, welcome back, spoken like the religious socialist (statist collectivist) you are. By the time the Constitution was written, much hindsight had kicked in, proving the insight accuracy of Patrick Henry's statement. By way of example, the Second Amendment makes several interesting distinctions. The terminology used in an official military capacity; 'well regulated' describes a heavily armed gathering of individuals in defense of their God, family, and countrymen. The 'free State' referenced there commenced at as local a level as was necessary to as large as the (county associated) State. Though the States united can be considered a 'State', the here quote's "Congress" was outside the common law militia's conceptual jurisdiction. Congress was given authority to build a national army and navy in defense of the united structure (built on the united individuals and their various constructs)

Patrick Henry knew what he was talking about. The state militias serve as check against the unlawful creation of a federal army -- which obviously shows the Executive has managed to keep a perpetual state of emergency that authorizes a federal army. With over 150 bases around the world, and hundreds of thousands of military personnel how will the state militias keep the government in check? Still, the right to arms is the last check against totalitarianism.

A defence needs command and control not nuts running around. Mike welcomes me back and then stabs me in the back, thanks Mike. Now did Osama get is by unorgainized nuts running around or by careful org and command and control.

Waffler, the welcome back was heart felt. (-; you knew the comments were coming - it wouldn't have been the same without it. Are you saying you are not a statist collectivist ? Love to work off an opposing view, it sharpens the dialogue. Thanks

State militias are 'regulated' i.e. disciplined in the use of weapons and the lawful conditions of defense of person, property, family, county, state, or nation. Every man is still accountable for his actions -- that is what courts of law are for. Waffler, Osama bin Laden has been dead for 10 years -- the only "careful org and command and control" was in the timing of yet another false flag. This is why we need an armed citizenry -- because our govt is lying, lying, lying.