[ExSoldier]

I couldn't disagree with your statement more. The primary burden for the defense of this nation lies with the official armed forces including the police. The armed citizen is a vital component, but it's not the only component. When a crime is reported, who responds? The cops. Sure they may be late because their numbers are limited BUT they are charged with the safekeeping of society. Aside from a nebulous "citizen's arrest" assertion, do average citizens enjoy the right to arrest an armed felon? No of course not! They can hold or detain a suspect until the lawful authority arrives, but they cannot under US law act in the stead of a law enforcement officer and that of course is the correct course to take. I got my B.A. degree in Criminal Justice and I'm getting my masters in Homeland Security & Counter Terrorism (just now finished a lecture in fact).

Sheepdogs among the citizens hold the line where necessary but they're there to HELP not run the effort on their own. Those Korean's in LA were taking care of themselves, not the greater metropolis. That was a job for an out numbered and out gunned police who eventually had to bring in the national guard and even then the US Army was standing by in the wings. As long as the military abides by the Constitution and the civil federal government does the same they are acting within the boundaries of their official warrants under the law. When they step outside the Constitution is where the Constitution provides WE THE PEOPLE with a remedy internal to itself. We call it the Second Amendment.

[Ken H]

I couldn't disagree with your statement more. The primary burden for the defense of this nation lies with the official armed forces including the police.

So Obama is Commander-in-Chief of the police, too? Look, police are not part of this nation's 'official armed forces'. They are a civil creation of state and local governments under authority of the Tenth Amendment.

The armed citizen is a vital component, but it's not the only component.

Which means he is not one of the helpless sheep, either. Not only is it BS, it is downright patronizing and arrogant for cops to present themselves as big sheepdog protecting helpless 'civilians'.

The military are the only ones entitled to be called 'sheepdogs'.