July 4, 2017
As we celebrate Independence Day this week, it’s a good time to look back at what the Founding Fathers said about our freedoms – and that includes the right to own a gun.
We should be reminded, 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. Many politicians and high-profile celebrities are chomping at the bit for more gun control — all the while enjoying the protection of armed guards.
They forget that, in essence, their mere existence was built on the use of firearms and the right of self-protection. They need to go back and read their history.
I have utilized firearms my entire life in a responsible and ethical manner. I continue to do so today by teaching others, and I occasionally still put on the uniform.
The Self-Defense Weapon That Doesn’t Require A Firearms License!
Here, then, are seven pro-gun quotes from the Founding Fathers:
“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, Dec. 20, 1787.
“A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined.” – George Washington, First Annual Address to both houses of Congress, Jan. 8, 1790.
“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, Jan. 30, 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.
“To disarm the people…is 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 (delegate to Virginia Ratifying Convention), Elliot’s Debates, vol. 3, “The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution.”
What do you think about gun rights? Share your thoughts in the section below: