A few of my thoughts...
Let's start with the 2nd Amendment:
-Congress' version-
"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."
-State's version-
"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."
There seems to be some discrepancy over capitalization and punctuation, but I don't think it makes a damn bit of difference in regards to the amendment's meaning or intentions. IMO, the State's version trumps Congress' version since that's the one they (the States) ratified.
It seems to me that most politicians have a hard time determining exactly what a 'militia' is. They seem to think that it refers to our military, which is wrong. Traditionally, a militia is made up of common citizens, unpaid, for whatever purpose they might need to serve. The National Guard IS NOT A MILITIA! It can be called upon by the Federal Gov't in time of need and therefore is subject to their influence.
During the time that the Bill of Rights came along, the newly formed United States of America had just finished (or was still) dealing with the overthrow of a tyrannical government. As such, they saw the importance of keeping the common citizen (read: The People) well armed. IMO, this means as well armed as the government.
Sadly, the majority of this country (and politicians) seem to think that the 2A is for home defense, and hunting.... How much sense does that make? It's #2 on the Bill of Rights. #2!
#1 - You can run your mouth. The People can use this to get what they want, or say what they want in an effort to govern their government.
#2 - A backup in case #1 fails. Federal Gov't won't listen to you? Try's to go tyrannical on you? Shoot them. They should have no advantage over you (The People) when it comes to Arms, because this limits the effectiveness of #2.
The 2A is pretty cut-n-dry.
Congress is scared right now. The recent shooting of Gabby Gifford has rattled their cages. The weaker ones (gun grabbers) are going to attempt to limit those who can hurt them the most, The People. I'm here to tell you that they won't succeed.
As much as I don't condone the shooting of innocent people such as Gabrielle Gifford, I think it should be a wake-up call for our current politicians that they aren't untouchable. Yes, I realize that the shooter was bat shit crazy and had no logical reason for going on a rampage, but, I feel that it's a good opportunity for our politicians to really think about why they're in the position they're in. Perhaps they should really put some thought into who their votes are going to affect, or piss off before throwing it down.