Download and read the entire thesis here:

http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1465114##

Also, note that this was written in 1998.

Well, I read the thesis. And while I agree with the author that states were concerned about federal power over state militias, I find his reasoning specious and unfounded that the ONLY reason for the 2nd amendment was to appease the slave states.

The author asserts with interpretation by inference and conjecture, using phrases like "There is no reason to think [otherwise]." He is able to do this because there is virtually no congressional record on the 2nd amendment. Madison wrote no journals or letters regarding it. Providing no evidence to the contrary, the author can assert any theory he wishes without fear of rebuttal.

Except, of course, that there is also no historical record to support his interpretation. And given his rather shoddy construction, I'm disinclined to give credence to his thesis.

In addition, I will take the same liberty that the author took in critiquing Madison, and note that the author is a long standing gun control advocate, and critic of the existence of a right to bear arms. Even prior to this thesis being published, he is on record in this position. Consequently, it follows that anything this author writes will be anti-2nd amendment, whether or not the facts support his position.

And apparently the only newly legal guns are all manual reloads. Like muskets. It seems Cuomo wants to emulate Chicago, because gun control worked so well there. I predict booming gun sales in border states immediately.