Quote Originally Posted by urleebird
The argument that counters that misconception is rather lengthy. I can post it, but it would mostly be boring. For the most part, the amendment specifically states "the people". It doesn't say the right of the militia to keep and bear arms.
I'm afraid it's not a misconception, but the predominant point od view of the law.

The Constitution does not give rights to the people. The people own all the rights and give certain rights to the federal government. Whatever they don't is retained by them. The amendments were added to make sure that the government could not use its granted powers to curtail certain rights. Each amendment has to be looked at as a whole. Most of the amendments, for example the 1st, have no limitations on their proscriptions, but the second does. And it's important enough to come before the proscription itself. You are allowed to own and bear arms forthe prupose of supporting a strong militia.

If there's anyting we need to be conservative about it's the Constitution (lately, we seem to have forgotten that). Until the Constitution is amended, the 2nd amendment has the militia provision, and you can't ignore it. It says what it says and nothing LESS.