I think this is true to an extent, but in reality, what is your assult rifle going to to do, if they show up with a tank, helicopter or jet to your neighborhood?
The point is not to overpower the state. The point is to defend oneself from the state. What possible defense might an AR have against the state's endless supply of weapons. Not much. But consider this:
A government that slaughters its people immediately loses legitimacy. Even the staunchest supporters of government pause when people they know and like - including children - are killed while they are defending themselves.
Consider the Waco incident. (It is a fascinating episode if you haven't researched it.) By most accounts, the folks at Mount Carmel were well-liked by the surrounding community. Community members said they were friendly, helpful, and caused no problems. When they died under siege, the FBI and ATF, along with their bosses in DC, lost legitimacy - in the community and across the nation. So much so that they assumed a very low profile afterwards.
We have seen this numerous times in the last year in other countries. Syria is one example. From
The Atlantic's In Focus on Syria in June 2012:
Fifteen months after the start of the uprising in Syria, several experts and at least one top U.N. official are now characterizing the escalating conflict as a Civil War. A wide range of anti-government insurgencies continue to battle official and unofficial Syrian government troops across the country. President Bashar al-Assad's forces have reportedly carried out a series of horrific civilian massacres, involving attack helicopters, shelling, and brutal incursions into rebel neighborhoods.
A few images with captions:
"This citizen journalism image released by Sham News Network taken on June 9, 2012, purports to show anti-Syrian regime mourners raising their hands as they carry the coffins of Syrian citizens killed by Syrian troops"
"This citizen journalism image provided by Shaam News Network, taken on June 8, 2012 purports to show a Syrians chanting slogans during a demonstration in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, Syria."
"Demonstrators protest against Syria's President Bashar al-Assad at Kfr Suseh in Damascus, on June 12, 2012."
"Aida cries as she recovers from severe injuries after the Syrian Army shelled her house in Idlib, Syria, on March 10, 2012. Aida's husband and two of her children were killed in the attack."
To repeat, no sane person believes that keeping a few ARs in his basement will save him from an onslaught of tanks, drones, and other weapons unleashed upon him by the government. To think it is folly. To believe it is insane.
But that's missing the point.
* We know very little for certain about what is happening in Syria since journalists have been prevented from entering. It is also worth noting the rebels have reportedly caused considerable mayhem themselves. But the point I am expressing above - a state that slaughters its people loses legitimacy - remains sound.
