Second
Amendment Quotes
"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 and that they are entitled to freedom of
person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and
freedom of press."
Thomas Jefferson
"The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the
people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens
from keeping their own arms"
GEORGE MASON
"Who are the militia? Are
they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn
our arms each man gainst his own bosom. Congress have no
power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other
terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an
American...[T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the
hands of either the federal or state governments, but,
where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of
the people."
Tenche Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a
little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor
safety."
RICHARD HENRY LEE
"We must all hang
together, or, assuredly, we shall all hang
separately." Benjamin Franklin at the signing of the
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere
restrains evil interference they deserve a place of honor
with all that is good."
"A free people ought not only to be
armed..."
PATRICK HENRY
