The Right to Bear Arms

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:
'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.' What does this amendment mean in today's terms?  This is a question that plagues all sides in American politics. What does the amendment mean?

Well, consider. I think it is clear that the people making and approving this amendment did not see a standing army of any significant size, drafted or otherwise, as something the country would have or need. They also realized that a well armed populace, as they were before the revolution, was the only real defense against a tyrant. Clearly then the security of a free state from both enemies within or without requires a reasonably well armed populace. Does this mean that we should let every Tom, Dick and Crazy have a gun? That every felon or certified crazy should be allowed their personal fire arms? Of course not! But it does mean, unless they were idiots, that we should not only allow but perhaps even encourage all mentally healthy,  socially responsible, individuals to have, and learn to use properly, the best weapons they can  reasonably afford.

Personally I don't think they were idiots.