The NRA is very vocal about one part of the Second Amendment--the right to bear arms. But it is silent on another part--being part of a well-regulated militia.

When the Second Amendment was written, the government would call out the militia when it needed help. Every man (now we would include women) would pick up his gun and report for duty.

Just think what could be accomplished if every gun owner was part of a well-regulated militia. The size of the standing military could be reduced; the military could focus on training special forces, weapons development, and rapid-deployment techniques--and the well-regulated militia could supply the cannon fodder.

Charles O. McCullough

Spotsylvania