“I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.”

George Mason

“Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people’s liberty teeth and keystone under independence … from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference — they deserve a place of honor with all that’s good.”

George Washington

“The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that … it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; …

“Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not.”

“The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Constitution.”

Thomas Jefferson