Founding Fathers on the Second
Quote 1: "I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to
enslave them." George Mason - Co-author of the Second Amendment - during Virginia's Convention to Ratify the
Constitution, 1788
Quote 2: "A militia, when properly formed, are in fact the people themselves..." Richard Henry Lee writing In Letters from
the Federal Farmer to the Republic, Letter XVIII, May, 1788.
Quote 3: "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." The
Founding Fathers on Arms
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Quote 4: "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, occurrences 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 -
First President of the United States
Quote 5: "The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand arms, like laws, discourage
and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property. The same balance would be
preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them
aside... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them." Thomas Paine
Quote 6: "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike,
especially when young, how to use them." Richard Henry Lee American Statesman, 1788
Quote 7: "The great object is that every man be armed." and "Everyone who is able may have a gun." Patrick Henry
American Patriot
What are the main points of each quote??
