Founding Father's Quotes

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Founding Father's Quotes

When some people insist that the Second Amendment allows only the police and the military to keep and bear arms, they should be reminded of these quotes from famous founding fathers of the United States of America.

To preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always posses arms... -Richard Henry Lee, Additional Letters From The Federal Farmer, 1788

The Constitution [shall] be never construed to ... prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms. -Samuel Adams, Massachusetts' U.S. Constitution ratification convention, 1788

Let us remember that if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it. -Samuel Adams

The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword, because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force far superior to any band of regular troops... -Noah Webster, An Examination of The Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, Philadelphia, 1787

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. -Thomas Jefferson, Proposed Virginia Constitution, 1776

Arms in the hands of individual citizens [may] be used at individual discretion ... in private self-defense... -John Adams, A Defense of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America, 1788

...[A]rms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them. -Thomas Paine, Thoughts On Defensive War, 1775

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. -Thomas Paine

The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion. -Edmund Burke, Speech at country meeting of Buckinghamshire, 1784

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

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. When you give up that force you are ruined. -Patrick Henry, Virginia's U.S. Constitution ratification convention

If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I would never lay down my arms - never - never - never! You cannot conquer America. -William Pitt, Speech, November 18, 1777

Necessity is the plea for infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves. -William Pitt

(The Constitution preserves) the advantage of being armed which Americans posses over the people of almost every other nation ... (where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. -James Madison, The Federalist, No.46

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion on your walks. -Thomas Jefferson, August 19, 1785

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Ben Franklin

"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

"Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." - George Washington