"A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well digested plan is requisite: And their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories, as tend to render them independent on others, for essential, particularly for military supplies."Originally Posted by Gelston
-George Washington
“The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”
― Thomas Jefferson
“Disarm the people- that is the best and most effective
way to enslave them.”
― James Madison
“The constitution shall never be construed...to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.”
― Alexander Hamilton
“Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence … from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference — they deserve a place of honor with all that's good.”
― George Washington
“A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves... and include all men capable of bearing arms.”
― Richard Henry Lee
See, when I read these things, it makes me believe that the intention was for every citizen to be armed without regulation, and have access to the same arms that the government does.
I reject the notion that the framers couldn't possibly conceive modern military technology...these were not stupid men. Although they certainly couldn't foresee the exact advancements, they certainly could look at history and see the evolution of the catapult to the cannon and be very safe in the assumption that technology would continue to move forward.
Reply With Quote
