The importance of the 2nd Amendment

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Keep in mind that the definition of 'militia' is "An army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers."   By it's very definition, militia cannot be interpreted as a branch of the U.S. military, even the National Guard.  National Guardsmen are paid for their services.   If you are paid for your services, regardless of what they are, you are a professional.



Let's take a look at some of the views of significant persons in our history and their views related to the 2nd amendment and our right to bear arms.


GEORGE WASHINGTON

• "Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the people's liberty teeth keystone... the rifle and the pistol are equally indispensable... more than 99% of them by their silence indicate that they are in safe and sane hands. The very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference. When firearms go, all goes, we need them every hour." (Address to 1st session of Congress)

THOMAS JEFFERSON

• "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
• "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." 

JOHN ADAMS

• "Arms in the hands of citizens (may) be used at individual discretion...in private self-defense..."

JAMES MADISON

• "Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation.. (where) ..the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms."

BEN FRANKLIN

• "Those who would give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

NOAH WEBSTER

• "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...."

This is only a very small number of the relevant quotations from our historical leaders with regard to the 2nd Amendment and the right to bear arms.   Search them out and have fun.

Have a wonderful Independence Day.   Be sure you thank those who have preserved it for you.

Datadiver08