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In reply to the discussion: Why "a free state" as opposed to "the state"? [View all]discntnt_irny_srcsm
(18,650 posts)38. I've read several of the opinions offered in your thread
I thank everyone who has participated because the sharing of ideas is means for learning and effecting progress. Most of all I want to thank you for posing the question in the OP.
IMHO, the Founders chose the language "free state" because they perceived the needs of the people to dictate that the government change and their recent history with mostly all they knew of government imbued upon them the right and absolute need of the people to retain the ability to fight back against tyranny.
The term "free state" comports most closely with a central idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence:
"That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
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I don't think the army of the crown wore jackboots in those days but if you're referring to
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#3
Certainly they killed British officers and troops as members of a militia or army...
Human101948
Oct 2015
#12
The colonies had no legal authority to appoint them. The colonies belonged to the Crown.
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#22
No, they were not unorganized. They were self-organized. Even anarchists do that.
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#31
The idea of citizen-militias with rifles defending a 21st century First-World country.
DetlefK
Oct 2015
#6
"...the right of the people to keep and bear explosives shall not be infringed."
DetlefK
Oct 2015
#9
And the purpose of the militia is to secure "a free state" -- not "the state." Hence the OP.
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#15
Well, it certainly wouldn't be worth it for their own government to wage war on them.
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#29
Do you think you could pacify 80+ million people with over 300 million weapons?
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#8
So because the Germans abrogated their basic human decency that gives you the moral authority
Nuclear Unicorn
Oct 2015
#20
"Well, tell me how many militia-men and how many rifles it would take to take down the FBI..."
beevul
Oct 2015
#40
a Free State...a republican gov't. And how it is to remain so, via the Militias.
jmg257
Oct 2015
#44