The Second Amendment did not erupt in a philosophical vacuum. The Amendment, like the remainder of the Bill of Rights, arose from widely shared judgments regarding citizenry, government, and the distribution of power. Three of these judgments are particularly relevant here.

Private possession of arms is not merely acceptable, but virtuous.

[...]

There is a natural right to arms, linked to that of self-defense.

[...]

A militia composed of all freeholders and voters is the only safe and effective defense of a republic.

David T. Hardy
Brief of amicus curiae, Academics for the Second Amendment
[Remember that. It is not merely acceptable, but virtuous! Don't let the bigots try to shame you.

Only 12 more days until the oral arguments.--Joe]