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Gun grabbers are increasingly trying to separate the right to keep and bear arms from its constitutional underpinnings. To everyone but many liberals and gun grabbers the word militia implies a body organized for military use. The Supreme Court Miller decision of 1939 held that the militia was 'A body of citizens enrolled for military discipline.' And further that ordinarily when called for service these men were expected to appear bearing arms supplied by themselves and of the kind in common use at the time."

To begin with, only the national government was represented at the trial. With nobody arguing to the contrary, the court followed standard court procedure and assumed that the law was constitutional until proven otherwise. If both sides were present, the outcome may have been much different.

However, since only one party showed up, the case will stand in the court records as is. As to the militia, Mr. Justice McReynolds related the beliefs of the Founding Fathers when commenting historically about the Second Amendment. He stated that, ". . .The common view was that adequate defense of country and laws could be secured through the militia- civilians primarily, soldiers on occasion.

"The significance attributed to the term Militia appears from the debates in the Convention, the history and legislation of Colonies and States, and the writings of approved commentators. These show plainly enough that the Militia comprised all males physically capable of acting in concert for the common defense.

It is clear that the firearms that are most suited for modern-day militia use are those semi automatic military pattern weapons that the yellow press calls "assault weapons". Since nations such as the Swiss trust their citizenry with true selective fire assault rifles, it seems to me that this country ought to be at least able to trust its law-abiding citizenry with the semi automatic version.

Self-defense is a vital corollary benefit of the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. But its primary constitutional reason for being is for service in the well-regulated militia which is necessary to the security of a free state. Don't let the gun grabbers and their politician allies separate us from the constitutional reason for the right to keep and bear arms.

PostScript: In the vernacular of the founders well-regulated meant well drilled and organized.

Heads up, people!!! Do me and this country a favor, and help me get this word out, ASAP!! Here's an email I got from a Virginia 2nd amendment lobby group: When I said urgent in my previous message on the "assault weapon ban" I meant it. Today, Wednesday, the Senate is planning on taking up the gun manufacturer's protection bill that is the target of Feinstein's/Warner's assault weapon ban amendment! If you have not contacted Senators Warner and Allen yet, you must do so NOW. There is no time to waste! Tell them that any assault weapon ban bill or any assault weapon ban amendment to another bill is to be opposed! Here is their contact information again: Senator John Warner, 202-224-2023, web form: Senator George Allen, 202-224-4024, web form: __ Here in Virginia several gun bills are going to be heard in the Senate Courts of Justice committee starting at 2 PM today (Wednesday). I plan on being there to speak on them. Keep your emails on good bills coming to this committee. I will advise what happens tomorrow night. I should also have news on the gun manufacturer's protection bill and any AWB amendments in Congress. Cross your fingers - lot's of important things going on today!