Thanks for the links to Sam's articles. I have to say I am fairly well alligned with the basic idea of what he is presenting. My interpretation of this is that we are each responsible for our own personal security, and those in our immediate surroundings.

Washington's constitution is rather clear, and since I live here, this the standard that I am most concerned with. Section 24 of the constitution reads as follows:

SECTION 24 RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men.

This specifically gives rights to the individuals within our state, but backs away somewhat from the idea of a "militia" that is contained in the second amendment. Thats fine. I'm am not formal member of any formal militia except that I am of miltary age, and a male.