“I ask, sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people, except for a few public officials.”
— George Mason, in Debates in Virginia Convention on Ratification of the Constitution, Elliot, Vol. 3, June 16, 1788
“Whereas civil-rulers, not having their duty to the people duly before them, may attempt to tyrannize, and as 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
“The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.”
— Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 184-188
Translation: the militia is ALL of us and it is to protect the country from Tyranny (especially our elected & appointed officials). This militia is to be considered as a legitimate military force and thus need arms proper to such a force. Thus, the people are to have military weapons as Government shall surely not be supplying them.
I’d like an A-10, please… (H/T: Sean O’Ceallaigh III via PackingNH)
