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”The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” –Thomas Jefferson
"The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. They deserve a place of honor with all that is good.” –George Washington
”The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.” –Alexander Hamilton
”The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. A well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country.” –James Madison
”Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples’ liberty’s teeth.” –George Washington
”To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.” –George Mason
”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 the use of them.” –Thomas Paine
”A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.” –George Washington
”The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.” –James Monroe
”To be prepared for war, is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” –George Washington
”Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes… Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.” –Thomas Jefferson (quoting Cesare Beccaria)
