Whether you love them or just respect them, there’s no denying that guns are part of America’s DNA. Today, we’re looking at what some famous people like Jefferson and Madison said about guns. We’ll examine their thoughts on the right to bear arms and why they thought it so important.
“I have a very strict gun control policy: if there’s a gun around, I want to be in control of it.”
Clint Eastwood is tough on screen and also in his opinion on guns. He once said, “I have a very strict gun control policy: if there’s a gun around, I want to be in control of it.” This is Clint’s way of saying he believes in the power and responsibility of handling your own firearms, not just having a gun for show.
“The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.”
Thomas Jefferson was pretty supportive of gun rights and said, “The beauty of the Second Amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.” He believed that the right to bear arms was more like a kind of insurance than anything. You hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if someone tries to take yours away.
“To disarm the people is the most effectual way to enslave them.”
Founding Father George Mason gave everyone a warning when he said, “To disarm the people is the most effective way to enslave them.” He believed that people couldn’t stand up for themselves or their freedoms without weapons. Like most Americans, he wanted to keep the balance of power where it belongs, which is with the people.
“Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.”
James Madison wanted to show the difference between Americans by saying, “Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” He argued that our government trusts us to handle our own safety. Essentially, we have freedom, but most people worldwide don’t.
“The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.”
Samuel Adams was clear in his thoughts about gun rights. He once said, “The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms.” To him, the Constitution isn’t simply words. Instead, it’s something that allows even the most ordinary Americans to defend themselves and stay safe.
“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”
For this one, it’s back to Jefferson, who said, “I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” Jefferson firmly believed in the choice to live freely, even if it comes with risks, over a safe but controlled life. He argued that freedom was more important than anything else in life.
“The right to bear arms is the people’s last resort to protect their freedom.”
Alexander Hamilton once said, “The right to bear arms is the people’s last resort to protect their freedom.” To him, when all else fails, having arms is what stands between freedom and tyranny. He fully understood the seriousness of this right and saw it as the final check in the balance of power.
“One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.”
Jefferson really loved to talk about guns, didn’t he? Another famous statement was, “One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.” Like with his other statements, this was part of his belief in being prepared, but without necessarily intending to be violent. He wanted everyone to be ready for any situation.
“A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined.”
George Washington said, “A free people ought not only to be armed but disciplined.” In Washington’s view, the important thing is not owning a gun but being responsible for one, as he argued that this is the only way to maintain order and safety, not just firepower. Washington supported freedom, but only if we were careful with it.
“Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion in private self-defense.”
John Adams was another person who believed that all Americans should have the right to bear arms. He said, “Arms in the hands of citizens may be used at individual discretion in private self-defense,” clearly showing his personal freedom and safety ideas. In his view, the right to bear arms allows people to protect themselves or their families.
“The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.”
Although Cesare Beccaria was Italian, Jefferson often referenced him, particularly the quote, “The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.” To him, laws that restrict guns only affect law-abiding citizens rather than criminals, which is a pretty modern view.
“The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun.”
Firebrand Patrick Henry said, “The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able might have a gun,” which shows his views on empowerment and readiness. If you can handle a gun, you should have the right to own one, and Henry believed this would empower all Americans by allowing them to defend themselves.
“The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred, and alike necessary to nations and to individuals.”
Most Americans believe in the freedom to defend themselves, and James Monroe was no exception. He said, “The right of self-defense never ceases. It is among the most sacred and necessary to nations and individuals.” It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about someone or a whole country because Monroe thought defending yourself is a fundamental right.
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
Benjamin Franklin was another supporter of personal freedom, but also the value of it. He said, “Those who would give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” He wanted to remind everyone what was really at stake by warning us not to trade our freedoms for a bit of calm.
“The Constitution of most of our states asserts that all power is inherent in the people; it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”
We’ve got another line from Jefferson here: “The Constitution of most of our states assert that all power is inherent in the people; it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.” He agreed that being armed is a right, but it’s also part of our duty to keep the power with us, the people. To Jefferson, we need a well-armed population to maintain democracy.
“A well-regulated militia, being necessary for the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed upon.”
While it’s not necessarily a person, the Second Amendment clearly details our right to bear arms. It says, “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.” This is the foundation of our gun rights, which is to keep the state secure and the people free.
“The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.”
Hamilton was also pretty practical. He once said, “The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they are properly armed.” Like many other people, he believed an armed population was good because it could keep the peace. Hamilton seems this could help fight threats before they get worse.
“From my cold, dead hands!”
Keeping things short and sweet, Charlton Heston famously once said people could only take his guns “From my cold, dead hands!” during a speech at an NRA convention. It’s become an iconic phrase in the gun rights community, as Heston showed his strong belief in the Second Amendment. Like many gun owners, he saw the right to bear arms as non-negotiable.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
