[fatherofmany]

The fact that there are seemingly otherwise intelligent people who espouse arguments in favor of "gun control" is by itself testament to how ignorant and shortsighted the American people have allowed themselves to become. The fact that these same people often claim to hold dear the principles of liberty and freedom is both baffling and disheartening.

Our forefathers were wise enough to recognize that the key ingredient of a "free" group of people hinged on their ultimate and essential right and *duty* to uphold that freedom, by force if necessary.


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[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. JAMES MADISON

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No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms. THOMAS JEFFERSON

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They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

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To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character. ALEXANDER HAMILTON

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Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. 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 superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive. NOAH WEBSTER

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Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined. PATRICK HENRY

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Times have changed, but the corruptable human nature and the pervasive effect of absolute power that made these sentiments true two hundred years ago have most definately not.