Look at a broader definition of militia

Mr. Len Brauer correctly writes that the framers of the Second Amendment intended the right to bear arms to apply to those who could be called-up, as a militia, in times of emergency (Fence Post, Feb. 7). I think he’s probably also correct in his speculation that what they had in mind was the minutemen of Revolutionary War fame.

However, he is mistaken in limiting the idea of the militia to the organizations he lists. According the Illinois Constitution, Article 12, Section 1, the militia consists of all able-bodied adults — perhaps including Mr. Brauer himself. Of course, no one is (or ought to be) required to obtain a gun and become proficient in its use, but those who accept this responsibility are more likely to be useful in an emergency than those who are unfamiliar with firearms, and should enjoy the support, at least, of those whom they could defend and protect in time of trouble.

Mark Agnini

Barrington