Well the first quotation is of course the actual 2nd Amendment, but either interpretation has the element of securing a free state. What does that mean? Does it just mean protecting our country from invaders or enemies? Sure, but I think in my reading the implication is also that the founders were very concerned with the erosion of inalienable rights of citizens through the tyranny of the majority or overbearance of the government itself. (Remember Franklin's words - "A Constitutional Republic, if you can keep it.") They saw the human fraility and power corruption that was likely. In that way, the government is the assault on the people's free state. That is also what the citizens have a responsibility to protect against. They also studied history, closely watched the French Revolution against monarchical authoritarianism, and possessed strong views on Liberty above all - especially Jefferson. Which of course is ironic considering he was also a slave holder, but that's a whole other discussion.

In any event, I think the security of the free state may transcend the Oxford comma, but I definitely see your point and the reason for the debate.