Nothing will preserve it but downright force
Published Tue, Dec 22 2009 5:02 AM
Yesterday and this morning, The Patriot Post put two rather interesting quotes in my inbox.
“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 inevitably ruined.”
— Patrick Henry, speech in the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1778
What sort of “force” do you think Patrick Henry was talking about? Well to me it's obvious he was talking about the force of arms.
“[W]hereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them; nor does it follow from this, that all promiscuously must go into actual service on every occasion. The mind that aims at a select militia, must be influenced by a truly anti-republican principle; and when we see many men disposed to practice upon it, whenever they can prevail, no wonder true republicans are for carefully guarding against it.”
— Federal Farmer, Antifederalist Letter, No.18
From these two quotes you can easily see that the founders believed that it was essential that the people be armed in order to preserve liberty. Last Wednesday we got another peek at this part of the character of our founders.
“One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.”
— Thomas Jefferson, letter to George Washington, 1796
Somehow I don't think it was solely for the purpose of hunting or sport shooting that Thomas Jefferson wanted his guns. After all, if that were the case surely he would hope to “have occasion for them.” Still, it is also true that he did enjoy using them for sport.
“A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives 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 of your walks.”
— Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785
Maybe it's time to take my guns out and give them a thorough cleaning?
“Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of 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.”
— Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787
If you think about all of these quotes, sent by the Founders Quote Daily in just the last week or so, it should be clear that the founders believed that not only was the possession of firearms every man's right, it was also their duty. They found them to be necessary for the preservation of liberty – not just from foreign powers, but from their own government.
Beware when the government seeks to disarm you. They may cite pretty motives like reduction in violence – but violence is a part of the human condition and guns aren’t its source. They may tell you that the reduction in guns will reduce crime – but what predator likes to hunt armed prey? The principle reason for disarming the people is simply to enforce a tyranny.
Don’t let them take your best means of defense against tyranny away. And let us all hope as with Thomas Jefferson to never have the occasion to need them.
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David responded with:
 | "Maybe it's time to take my guns out and give them a thorough cleaning?"
And blow the rust off neglected skills? Well, in my case, yes. It is NOT just "like riding a bike". Muscle memory helps, but skill at arms deteriorates (as do muscles unused *heh*) just as surely as skill at... thinking does with lack of use. Thanks for some food for thought. |
David responded with:
| "Maybe it's time to take my guns out and give them a thorough cleaning?"
And blow the rust off neglected skills? Well, in my case, yes. It is NOT just "like riding a bike". Muscle memory helps, but skill at arms deteriorates (as do muscles unused *heh*) just as surely as skill at... thinking does with lack of use. Thanks for some food for thought. |
David responded with:
Angel responded with:
 | I'm ready for the revolt! Perri..SWEETEST HOLIDAYS to u my friend..big NY hugss!!! xoxoxox |
Glenn Cassel AMH1(AW) USN Retired responded with:
 | As previously mentioned, the Sharps and the Enfield are at the service of all who are friends of Perri. It matters not that you may or may not be my friend. I served all for the period of 1973 to 1993, regardless of beliefs or values, or in some cases, lack thereof.
But know this, I will defend to the death the right of my own countrymen to speak freely and assemble peaceably. Should that be interfered with, I will not hesitate to use what ever means that are at hand. But if you should use that as a weapon against my family and friends, the gloves will come off and no quarter will be given. |
DragonLady responded with:
 | Merry Christmas Perri! |
ablur responded with:
 | Merry Christmas Perri. I hope all is well with you and yours. |
David responded with:
| Merry Christmas to you and yours, Perri! |
T F Stern responded with:
 | I bought ammunition from a young fellow one time many years ago; it was for my police pistol. He wanted to know what I was intending to use it for, target practice or just plinking. I told him it was for "people" and just smiled back at him. I guess he thought I was an escaped mental patient ready to go "postal"; but he sold me the box anyway, kept his mouth shut the except to count me my change.
Thanks for reminding some that bearing arms is a right and a duty, that we can use them to hunt game or for sport; but that their most important function is as last line of defense against our own government, our ace in the hole so to speak. |
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