From: [b--n--t] at [convex.com] (Paul Barnett)
Newsgroups: talk.politics.guns
Subject: Re: Origins of WELL REGULATED..
Date: 3 May 1995 15:09:14 -0500

[c l lake] at [freenet.columbus.oh.us] (Clint Lake)
writes:

>I thought I was able to defend the RKBA with the best of facts until I
>heard a grabber define the term "well regulated" to suite his means.  Upon
>further reflection I realized I came of short of knowledge in this clause.
> Please help me to determine the origin and defense of this portion of the
>2nd Amend.  Feel free to mail me on this one if the explanation is too
>long. Thanks in advance.

It really becomes clear if you consider the meaning of "well-regulated
militia" at the time the Second Amendment was written.  According to
the 1971 Oxford English Dictionary:

* Regulated
	b.  Of troops: properly disciplined. Obs. rare.
   		1690 - London Gazette "We heard likewise that the French
		are in a great Allarm in Dauphine and Bresse, not
		having at present 1500 men of regulated troops on that side."

Note that this usage is now considered obsolete.  Also note the circa
1690 example.

* Discipline

Noun:
        3.b. Training in the practice of arms and military evolutions;
        drill.  Formerly, more widely, training or skill in military
        affairs generally; military skills and experience; the art of war.

Verb:
        1.b. To train in military exercises and prompt action in
        response to command; to drill.
        	1692 - "Orders were come from England to discipline 
		the militia".
        	1792 - "A farmer... may be a good soldier if you take
		care to have him properly disciplined."

The phrase "well-regulated" in the 2nd is indeed about shooting
straight (and other military skills), and NOT about being under
control of the government.

* Militia

Noun:
        4.b. U.S. The whole body of men declared by law amenable to military
        service, without enlistment, whether armed and drilled or not.

Paraphrasing "well-regulated militia" as "body of private citizens
proficient with arms" is perfectly consistent with the usage of the
time.  It's also consistent with U.S. law.

My continuing thanks to Reid Kneeland ([r--d] at [tti.com]) for the material
from the OED.

-- 
Paul Barnett        Convex Computer Corp.
MPP OS Development  Richardson, TX