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What was the intention behind the 2nd Amendment? What did our founding fathers
really think. This compendium will make that clear.
The Second 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."
Below are quotes from our founding fathers on the right to bear arms so as to better
understand their intent. These should clearly dissuade the dishonest anti-gun folks
as the intent of these people is unmistakably clear.
---------------------------------------------THOMAS JEFFERSON
Thomas Jefferson was a Founding Father and the principal author of the Declaration
of Independence. Note that in the first sentence of the 2nd amendment the militia is
being referred to as the mechanism for ensuring a "free state". Free surely must
include being free of a tyrannical government. A "militia" was a contemporary way
that people defended themselves, hence the use of the word in the 2nd
amendment. Just because we may no longer employ militias does not mean the
right is void.
- QUOTES "Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those
entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into
tyranny." -- Thomas Jefferson
"A Bill of Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and
what no just government should refuse, or rest on inference." -- Thomas Jefferson
"The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the
people; that they may exercise it by themselves, or they may act by
representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all
times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion,
freedom of property, and freedom of the press." -- Thomas Jefferson in a Letter to
Major John Cartwright (5 June 1824).
"None but an armed nation can dispense with a standing army. To keep ours armed
and disciplined is therefore at all times important." -- Thomas Jefferson
"No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms."
Virginia Constitution, 1776.
-- OTHER -When the Shay's Rebellion occurred. Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter to William
Stevens Smith, November 13, 1787
"God forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion. The people
cannot be all, and always, well informed. The part which is wrong will be
discontented, in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they