Based on the writings of the founding fathers, the 2nd Amendment was clearly intended to protect individual rights. By DENNIS HANNICK

Date published: 3/12/2006

RON MILLER is obviously a good fiction writer. His op-ed on the Second Amendment ["Hold your fire: Second Amendment was aimed at building militias," March 1], certainly qualifies as such.

Miller, like others who wish to restrict select freedoms, writes that the Second Amendment is obsolete--only there to form a militia--and that it does not guarantee an individual right to arms.

After reading the voluminous writings of the people who conceived the Constitution and Bill Of Rights, I can only find history that is at odds with Miller's theories.

I would certainly like to know the historical sources to back up his assertions that:

"A civilian militia simply doesn't work."

As a former Armored Cavalry Scout of the Virginia Army National Guard, 29th Infantry Division, I can assure him that I am insulted by the implication that the most decorated militia unit in Virginia history did not and does not work--especially after the landing on the beaches of Normandy in WWII, and the current deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

By Virginia law (Code Of Virginia: § 44-1, Composition of militia), each of us, including Mr. Miller, is currently a member in the Virginia unorganized militia (one of the four official militia classes of Virginia). He may be called upon until the age of 65. Members of the Virginia State Defense Force may be retained until age 75.

I will personally ensure that Mr. Miller reports for duty, with his weapons.

"The Second Amendment is a kind of fossil."

Remember New Orleans and the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles? Civilian-citizens banded together in the time-honored militia and defended their lives, neighbors, and communities. They defended themselves successfully with rifles, shotguns, and pistols.

The police tried and in some cases disarmed the people in New Orleans, then abandoned them to the gangs and looters.

Those police and their officials, including Mayor Nagin, are currently under a federal restraining order and are being sued for Second and Fourth Amendment violations. They have also had contempt charges filed, for ignoring that order.

"[The Second Amendment] can be made clearer by simply inverting the two clauses, thus: 'The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed because a well regulated Militia is necessary.'"

Date published: 3/12/2006