A Gun for Every Law-Abiding Citizen

"To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them." -- George Mason, speech of June 14, 1788

"If circumstances should at any time oblige the government to form an army of any magnitude, that army can never be formidable to the liberties of the people while there is a large body of citizens, little if at all inferior to them in discipline and the use of arms, who stand ready to defend their rights and those of their fellow citizens." -- The Federalist, No. 29 - Alexander Hamilton

The Constitution preserves "the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation. . . (where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." -- The Federalist, No. 46 - James Madison

"Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth keystone... the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable... more than 99% of them by their silence indicate that they are in safe and sane hands. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour." - George Washington Address to 1st session of Congress

"A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government." - George Washington:
It is VERY clear How they perceived the Second Amendment, so when gun control advocates try to suggest that the founders did not mean this, or that, or that the founders could not predict the way our society is today... I could refer you to the Declaration of Independence... the royal government sent forth many bureaucracies to "harass our people and eat out their substance"
I have noticed many bureaucracies eating out my substance.. How bout you?

Comments:

Well, I have one. I will not give it up!

comment by sunlight on June 29, 2008 3:44 PM ()

Good thinking!! I'm with you and Charleton Heston on this one.

reply by bumpedoff on June 29, 2008 8:14 PM ()

Jondude hit the nail on the head.

comment by elderjane on June 29, 2008 9:20 AM ()

Bullies and muggers should seek other occupations.

reply by bumpedoff on June 29, 2008 9:26 AM ()

comment by ancient1 on June 29, 2008 6:44 AM ()

I may be wrong, but I think this was the first real discussion on the Second Amendment. In my experience ordinary citizens are more careful than Police are in the use of firearms.

reply by bumpedoff on June 29, 2008 9:16 AM ()

Every April 15 they eat out my substance.
As for weaponry, I no longer own a gun due to my depression, but I wield a very accurate nine iron.

comment by jondude on June 29, 2008 6:22 AM ()

A whippy shaft will discourage the most rabid mugger.

reply by bumpedoff on June 29, 2008 9:20 AM ()