I contend that once America created a standing army and state regulated National Guard units then we no longer needed well regulated militias for the security of the United States so the 2nd really is no longer valid anymore than the 18th is. It was rendered moot by the need of greater security than a simple well regulated militia could provide.

The "militias" of today that hide out in the woods and play soldiers are neither well regulated nor for State's security. They're for vigilantism.

But, I don't see repeal of the 2nd happening any time soon. SO....

It comes down to which is a greater priority to Americans, the 2nd Amendment's perceived "right" to carry around a gun, any gun, which affects only a cross section of Americans, OR...

the Declaration of Independence's "... Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" which affects ALL Americans.

Fanatical unregulated militias and Crazies secretly and/or openly running around with weapons, that are designed specifically to kill people en mass or at great range, is a clear threat to mine and my fellow Americans' Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Realistically, if you're living in fear of the unknown and feel a need to "protect" your home then a short clip handgun is all you should need.

If you're going out killing animals then A hunting rifle is it.

There's no need for military styled assault and sniper rifles and the like to protect one's home nor kill a deer.

Additionally, the 2nd states, "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."

"shall not be infringed" doesn't pertain to unlimited, unconditional nor lethality.

It doesn't say anything about unlimited arms without controls nor does it give unconditional approval of the number, type and lethality of the arms. It just says "Arms".

So, don't repeal the 2nd amendment, just add lots of layers of licensing requirements, ownership obligations, extended waiting periods, controlled purchasing options and limitations as to weapon types and numbers.

Get a speeding ticket your gun ownership is reviewed. Be held for observation for mental issues your gun ownership is reviewed. Purchasing large quantities of weaponry by going outside approved methods you're visited by Homeland Security and/or the AFT. Be found out to be a member of a NON-regulated militia and your gun ownership is reviewed.

To safeguard the majority of non-gun toting Americans' Lives, Liberties and Pursuits of Happiness it's not unreasonable to compromise. The unconditional "Right" to bear ANY arms is not guaranteed as written.