Gun Rights – What Our Founding Fathers Had to Say
Terry Nelson 10.26.20
As we are in the midst of early voting it would seem a good time to take a look at quotes from our founding fathers and other historical figures as related to guns rights. We must remind ourselves once in a while that this nation was built and established through conflict and spilt blood. Along with that comes the ability to self-govern and the right of self-defense. It’s truly amazing how politicians and liberals are chomping at the bit for more gun control along with several high-profile celebrities — as they enjoy protection of armed guards. Nothing but hypocrites! They forget that in fact, their mere existence in this country today was built on the use of firearms and right of self-protection. To these self-righteous folks I say go back and read your history and get over your pompous selves.
Having personally utilized firearms my entire life in a safe, responsible, and ethical manner, I have become weary of the gun control agenda and the radical left. Firearms ownership by good citizens is what separates us from the rest of the world. Today, I continue to provide training and skills to others in the right of self-defense and efficient, safe gun handling. To be quite blunt, I have no intention of ever complying with arrogant and useless legislation that impedes my constitutional right to keep and bear arms and bogs down our legal system. So, what did our founding fathers have to say on the topic of a free people and gun ownership? Read on.
“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 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
“A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined.“ – George Washington, First Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress, January 8, 1790
“We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” – Abraham Lincoln
“The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.” – Alexander Hamilton, the Federalist Papers at 184-188
“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.“ – Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison, January 30, 1787
“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 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
“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
“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
And our military leaders of the past had some strong ideas on the issue. 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 consider the following statement… although never proven to my knowledge 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)
Our founding fathers knew the stakes all too well. The politicians of today need to go back and review American History, or be held accountable for failing to defend the Constitution of the United States. It is time to take a stance. Will you? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback, and we hope you get out and vote!
