“As civil rulers, not having their duty to the people before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as the military forces which must be occasionally raised to defend our country, might pervert their power to the injury of their fellow citizens, the people are confirmed by the article in their right to keep and bear their private arms.” (Tench Coxe in ‘Remarks on the First Part of the Amendments to the Federal Constitution’ under the Pseudonym ‘A Pennsylvanian’ in the Philadelphia Federal Gazette, June 18, 1789 at 2 col. 1)
“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.” (Tench Coxe, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.)
Now that is a mighty fine quote!!!
Unchallenged!
But…but…the Founders could have never predicted the kinds of semi-auto assault weapons available today. (/sarcasm)
There is NO ambiguity on this subject. The Founders wanted it to be impossible for the government to outgun the general population. “Every terrible implement of the soldier” means exactly that.
Have always enjoyed reading this about the 2nd article…
of course, in my mind, other Human beings have no power to assemble themselves in ANY manner and make ANY determinations for me, about me or concerning me whatsoever…
it is the very essence of freedom and the concept of birthright.. and along with the concept of not harming another or their property, using fraud in any agreement/contracts, there can be no reproach against me….
How far our people have fallen that we have not risen up in arms against the encroachments against us at so many levels.. Are we there yet?
https://youtu.be/a8k1eTEw4rQ