I believe the complete phrase was, "... the need to arm the populace as a militia is no longer of much concern ..."
Given the fact that we now have a standing army, the reserves, and the National Guard, you still feel that we should organize, arm, and form a citizens militia? To fight ... who?
I mean, citizens should be armed, I agree. But the author was referring to a militia.
robertpaulsen wrote:
--- you still feel that we should organize, arm, and form a citizens militia? To fight ... who?
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Enemies, -- domestic?
Our enemy within becomes ever more bold paulsen, as we see by exposing sites like this one, and you all, -- who support them.
The reason the Founders wanted a well armed militia was not only to serve as a force against an invading army but also as a check against the potential tyranny of its own government. The Founders had just thrown off the shackles of what they thought was an oppressive government with a standing army (Britain). A well armed citizenry was to serve as the nation's fighting force, but also as a balance to its own government.
With todays standing armies and the power of the federal government, a well armed citizenry is needed now more than ever.