Gun wisdom of our founding fathers
Now would seem a good time to take a look at quotes from our founding fathers as related to guns and our constitutional rights. We need to remind ourselves once in a while that this nation was built and established through turmoil and the right to self govern and the right of self defense. I don’t get it really. Politicians and liberals are chomping at the bit for more gun control as are several high profile celebrities–all the while they enjoy protection of armed guards. What hypocrites. They forget that in essence, their mere existence in this country today was built on the use of firearms and right of self protection. To them I say go back and read your history and get over your pompous selves.
I have utilized firearms my entire life in a responsible and ethical manner. I continue to do so today by teaching others and occasionally still putting on the uniform. To be blunt, I have no intention of complying with arrogant and useless legislation that impedes my constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Enough is enough … read on.
A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined … –George Washington, First Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress, January 8, 1790
I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery. – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, January 30, 1787
What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms. – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, December 20, 1787
The Constitution of most of our states (and of the United States) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed. – Thomas Jefferson, letter to to John Cartwright, June 5, 1824
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. – Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759
To disarm the people … [i]s the most effectual way to enslave them.
– George Mason, referencing advice given to the British Parliament by Pennsylvania governor Sir William Keith, The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, June 14, 1788
The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.
– Samuel Adams, Massachusetts Ratifying Convention, 1788
The people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them. –Zachariah Johnson, Elliot's Debates, vol. 3 “The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution.”
Perhaps General Douglas MacArthur summed it up best.
I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within. Douglas MacArthur
Or perhaps the following statement … although never proven that Yamamoto actually said it, the thought no doubt entered his thinking … it should hold true today, but does it?
You cannot invade mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass. Japan’s Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (unconfirmed)
In any case, I grow weary of those in power by politics; popularity or riches trying to dictate what are already mine and yours … the inherent right of self protection.
The politicians & citizens who are trying to take our right to bear arms see it as an easy, fix-it-quick, solution to mass shootings & all other gun violence. Unfortunately nobody is addressing the societal issues that allow theses atrocities to
occur & repeat. Brain disorders, including drug addiction, have NEVER been appropriately dealt with in our society. I realize this is not the only issue, but it is one that gets little attention. Should P.T.S.D. prevent someone from owning firearms? What about Bipolar or schizophrenia… or even depression? Maybe in the individuals that are delusional or addicted & dangerous to their communities. But how is that to be decided? “Across-the-board” laws will only keep those of who are challenged by any of these (&, of course, other brain disorders) from exercising our right to bear arms. This is a big part of what’s got the liberals in a frightened frenzy to take our guns. It
would require much work over many years to come up
with a truly fair way to
handle this issue. America’s citizens could be unfairly stripped of their gun rights for lack of education in this
area. I’ve been challenged by P.T.S.D., agoraphobia, & chronic depression for many
decades. I’ve never gotten violent or tried to harm anyone or anything during a flashback. If I had been in possession of my firearm in a particular situation, I doubt I would be in the emotional/mental position I am now… I was reared with guns & taught gun safety & hunting before I even started school. I’m from a pretty big CITY but now live in a rural area. We respect & protect each other here & guns are a big part of our lives. Mostly for sport (food!), but definitely for
protection. There is no blanket solution for unwarranted gun violence. It’s way more complicated. If “they” want to take my firearms they’ll have to do it by force. I stand firm on our constitutional right to bear
arms.