Texas Democratic state representative James Talarico’s recent comments on gun control have sparked controversy. In a video clip, Talarico explains why sweeping gun control laws do not violate the Second Amendment, citing the phrase ‘well regulated’ as evidence that the Founding Fathers intended for gun control.
Missing Context
However, Talarico omits the word ‘militia’ that follows ‘well regulated’ in the Second Amendment. The term ‘well regulated’ was used to mean orderly or well maintained, referring to state militias that were combat-ready. The individual right to possess guns was viewed as central to maintaining such militias.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that a ‘well regulated militia’ was not a limitation but a justification for the individual right. Talarico’s rationale differs from the classic interpretation, which views the word ‘militia’ as conditioning the rest of the amendment, stating the purpose of the right to possess firearms.
Talarico made the comments in support of a ban on certain commonly used semi-automatic rifles, such as the AR-15. The issue will soon be before the Supreme Court, which has accepted review in related cases.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
