I've been a registered Republican since I started voting, but that is only because until recently NM didn't allow third party members to vote in the primaries. I align much more closely with Libertarians. I want to do my thing and let you do your thing and neither of us should mess with the other unless doing your thing screws up my ability to do my thing.Question for you guys.
I vote R across the line but I don't consider myself a R. Just what I feel is the better of 2 evils
Independent 100%.
To be honest, if the 2A wasn't involved, I doubt I'd vote at all.
I'm actually ashamed at what both parties have evolved into.
The Republican party has turned into a complete ShitShow.
Far left/ Far right ain't getting us nowhere.
Bout the only one I actually 【 somewhat】 admire in politics today is Fetterman and he's a Democrat?
Edited to add, how many here are actually PROUD to call yourself a Republican?
Or are most of you more online with me?
I'm a registered R. I see myself as extreme right. Most viewed as conservatives are not Right enough for me.Question for you guys.
I vote R across the line but I don't consider myself a R. Just what I feel is the better of 2 evils
Independent 100%.
To be honest, if the 2A wasn't involved, I doubt I'd vote at all.
I'm actually ashamed at what both parties have evolved into.
The Republican party has turned into a complete ShitShow.
Far left/ Far right ain't getting us nowhere.
Bout the only one I actually 【 somewhat】 admire in politics today is Fetterman and he's a Democrat?
Edited to add, how many here are actually PROUD to call yourself a Republican?
Or are most of you more online with me?
I vote Republican by default, not by loyalty. I'm more libertarian leaning than anything, and I don't trust a word coming out of either party. About the only guy in the mainstream media I listen to recently is Chris Cuomo. Ever since he split from the Democrats, he seems a lot more willing to call out both sides instead of carrying water for one. I used to hate him..Question for you guys.
I vote R across the line but I don't consider myself a R. Just what I feel is the better of 2 evils
Independent 100%.
To be honest, if the 2A wasn't involved, I doubt I'd vote at all.
I'm actually ashamed at what both parties have evolved into.
The Republican party has turned into a complete ShitShow.
Far left/ Far right ain't getting us nowhere.
Bout the only one I actually 【 somewhat】 admire in politics today is Fetterman and he's a Democrat?
Edited to add, how many here are actually PROUD to call yourself a Republican?
Or are most of you more online with me?
www.westernjournal.com
www.westernjournal.com
Meaning of “Regulated Militia” in the Second Amendment
In the Second Amendment — “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” — the phrase “well regulated militia” refers to a citizen-based defense force that is organized, disciplined, and ready to servegovfacts.org+1.
Historical Context
When the Constitution was written in the late 18th century, the U.S. had just fought the Revolutionary War and was expanding westward. Militias were groups of able-bodied men — often farmers, tradesmen, and freeholders — who could be called upon to defend their communities or statesThe U.S. Constitution Online+1. They were distinct from standing armies of professional soldiers, which the Founders distrusted because they could be used to oppress the people
The National Constitution Center+1.
What “Well Regulated” Meant Then
In the 18th century, “well regulated” did not mean government control or strict regulation in the modern sense. Instead, it meant:
The goal was to ensure the militia could respond quickly to threats, whether from foreign invasion or domestic unrest, without relying solely on a large, permanent army
- Well-organized — structured and ready for duty.
- Well-disciplined — trained and following military order.
- Well-armed — equipped with weapons.
- Effective — capable of fulfilling its defense role
govfacts.org+1.
The National Constitution Center.
Purpose in the Second Amendment
The prefatory clause — “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State” — was meant to explain why the right to keep and bear arms was important. The Founders saw militias as a collective security measure that would deter tyranny and protect libertygovfacts.org+1. They believed an armed populace, especially one trained in militia service, would make it difficult for a government to oppress them
The National Constitution Center.
Modern Interpretation
Over time, legal interpretations have shifted. While the militia clause originally framed the right in a collective context, Supreme Court decisions like District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010) have recognized an individual right to keep and bear arms, even outside militia serviceThe U.S. Constitution Online. Today, “well regulated militia” is often understood as a historical concept, with the National Guard and other organized forces seen as the modern equivalent of the militia
The U.S. Constitution Online.
In short: In the Founders’ time, a “well regulated militia” was a disciplined, organized citizen force ready to defend the state — a safeguard against both foreign threats and government overreach.