General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I'm still trying to wrap my head around so many staunchly pro-gun folks on DU [View all]jody
(26,624 posts)acknowledge US v. Cruikshank (1876) that rights pre-exist our Constitution and do not depend upon it.
Both majority and minority recognize PA(1776) and VT(1777) constitutions and their declaration of "natural, inherent, inalienable/unalienable" rights that include "That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the state".
Today, forty-four states have constitutional guarantees on the right to keep and bear arms.
DUers who call for repeal of the Second Amendment that obligates government created by We the Protect to protect the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms for self-defense as an enumerated right ignore the simple fact that if the Second did not exist, RKBA that pre-existed our Constitution would then be protected as an unenumerated right under the Ninth Amendment.