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“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, during Virginia’s Convention to Ratify the Constitution (1788)
“arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property…Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them.” - Thomas Paine
“Laws that forbid the carrying of arms…disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.” - Thomas Jefferson
“The said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.” - Samuel Adams, U.S. Constitution ratification convention, 1788
“Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American.” - Tench Coxe, of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788
“Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe.” - Noah Webster, Principles of the Federal Constitution, Philadelphia, 1787
“The rights of conscience, of bearing arms, of changing the government, are declared to be inherent in the people.” - Fisher Ames, Letter to F.R. Minoe, 1789
“The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.” - George Washington
“What country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that the people preserve the spirit of resistance?” - Thomas Jefferson, 1787
“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
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