It is not a coincidence that some of the worst genocides in history, from the Armenian genocide to the Holocaust, have begun with the disarming of the population. With the trajectory of the government and its actions, having a well-armed population (aka a well-regulated militia) is critical for keeping the balance of power between the people and the government. Arms are also important to help protect your property, not just from the government, but from mobs when nobody else shows up. The right to bear arms is fundamental to individual rights and intertwined with freedom and property rights.
