Well, sorry to post on an older thread, as also sorry to see it derailed by a discussion on gun ownership. But, I guess I'll rejoice in the fact that this hasn't happened to threads in a LONG while.
On Nuclear War:
If it comes to it, I for one will be at least a bit happy that N.Korea, India, Pakistan, Iran, China, and no one in the middle east (except Israel) has missiles that can deliver such weapons to US soil. That simple, really. Yes, nukes would be horrible. But, with folks like N.K. pushing the issue and puffing all the time, it's not an impossibility. Course how the hell can they threaten the US - their missles barely reach Japan.
Needless to say, I'll feel much safer on this issue once the US finally gets some missile defense system in place - it's one military area (out of VERY few) where I'd love to see more spending.
On Gun Ownership:
Sorry, MagiK, you are not born with the right to own guns as a natural right. The Constitution ensures you have this right and that it is protected from the government to an extent. I think we mean the same thing, but I just want to set the record straight. BTW, this is a *very* limited right: in almost every state you need permits, licenses, or registrations to own guns. In some states, you can buy some guns without background checks, but usually only shotguns almost never handguns.
In fact, in Chicago, you must register your gun with the state first and get an firearm license - before you buy. Even then, you must register your gun in Cook County, where the ownership of any handgun is illegal for everyone except police officers (and some other state officials) and licensed security guards. It is certainly a right that can be nearly removed if done correctly.
On the ability of armed citizens to oust or defend against the government:
A very wise professor of mine once said any system of government is only as good as its ability to get rid of the louts who come to power. At times, it seems this notion that we can take up our arms against the government is antiquated in times of stealth bombers, nuclear weapons, and unmanned military technology.
Just look at Waco, TX, where a society of some few hundred armed deviants was trounced upon. On the other hand, you have the 10,000+ Michigan militia. Why do you never hear of them on the news? Because a hundred armed deviants is one thing, but 10,000 is quite another. There are other such standing citizen army throughout the country. Plus, as others have posted, many military folks defect to the rebellion.
God, now I'm talking civil war. Think it's time to shut up.