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Entry: Gun Rights, the Militia, and Community Link: http://www.takimag.com/blogs/article/gun_rights_the_militia_and_community#31216 Post contents: "The right remains 'one of the people,' but that right is in the service of a broader objective: 'the security of a free State.'" That's a distinction without a [worthwhile] difference. The security of a free state is precisely the security of the people therein. "But the emphasis on individualism was always a bit out of tune with the conservative ethos." Correct--the right, like the left, talks individual liberty when convenient but eagerly wields coercive power when available. "The militia is simply ordinary male citizens assembled to perform some necessary government task..." That depends on what you mean by "government." If it's "THE" government, the political apparatus, then no, the task of the militia is not limited to government functions. If your concept of government extends beyond the political apparatus to something like self-government, then ok. When individuals defend themselves, their families, their homes, or come to the aid of their neighbors against assault and robbery, they are serving the purpose of the militia in helping maintain the security of a free state. The word "militia," like many other words, has been used in different, though related, ways. The militia could be a military unit under direct government control. The militia is also the general armed citizenry that can be called on for defense--against foreign invaders, insurrections, robbers, mass murderers. The distinction between private and civic defensive firearm use, if it's a distinction you are trying to make, has little or no foundation. Sent at: 2008 12 02