the best reason for them to hold guns is the inevitable oppression of a military state taking aim inside their own borders.

Hey, that gives me an idea for a Chuck Norris film!

Seriously though, all you've done is restate my case: Americans need guns to protect themselves from other Americans with guns.

All kinds of scenarios are imaginable of course, but resistance against martial law? Highly unlikely for the simple reason that it would arrive in response to a breakdown of law and order. Look at the condition of most US cities today. Broke, right? Laying off police and fire, cutting back street lighting, etc. You think the criminals haven't noticed? I see vigilante groups popping up not to oppose the state, but to support it, such as you already see in Arizona. Those guys are almost as scary as the criminals, but that's what you're left with when law and order disappear.

Nope, people will welcome the HumVees full of cheerful young men because they'll have a common enemy and will be exhausted from fighting them alone. Likewise, they'll be tired of blowhards with guns, and will prefer to take orders from someone in uniform, especially if they have a plan.

Another point to consider: The National Guard is organized along state lines and composed of people who live in the state. So, to whom do they owe their loyalty when push comes to shove? The founding fathers thought that one through, I'd say.

ebear

"A Republic, if you can keep it." --Benjamin Franklin