Joel Barlow Quotes

The Constitution preserves the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation where the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.

To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always posses arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.

so many militia-men ... are not skilled in the use of the Rifle or Musket

Everybody with a gun has a checkpoint in Lebanon. And in Lebanon, you'd be crazy not to have a gun. Though, I assure you, all the crazy people have guns, too.

I do know how to fire a machine gun, so be warned! I'm trained!

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.

Americans need never fear their government because of the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation.

I'm an NRA-certified Expert Rifleman.

The advantage of being armed ... the Americans possess over the people of all other nations.... Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several Kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.

All persons ... shall have in continual readiness, a good musket or other gun, fit for service.

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe.

No kingdom can be secured otherwise than by arming the people. The possession of arms is the distinction between a freeman and a slave.”

Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birth-right of an American... The 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.

I'm a Texan - my idea of gun control is hitting what you aim at and nothing else.

I have the right to protect myself. I feel like I have very good aim. My wife is better.

As combat infantrymen and special operators, we received thousands of hours of firearms training.

Weapons training, how to clear a room - all that stuff is imprinted into me.

Little more can reasonably be aimed at with respect to the people at large than to have them properly armed.

The one weapon every man, soldier, sailor, or airman should be able to use effectively is the rifle. It is always his weapon of personal safety in an emergency, and for many it is the primary weapon of offence and defense. Expertness in its use cannot be over emphasized.

The danger (where there is any) from armed citizens, is only to the *government*, not to *society*; and as long as they have nothing to revenge in the government (which they cannot have while it is in their own hands) there are many advantages in their being accustomed to the use of arms, and no possible disadvantage.

The Swiss are well armed and enjoy great freedom.

I wouldn’t like to meet you when you’ve got a revolver,” said Margarita with a coquettish look at Azazello. She had a passion for people who did things well.

Be sure, either that thou art stronger than thine enemy, or that thou hast a swifter pair of heels.

The police can't stop an intruder, mugger, or stalker from hurting you. They can pursue him only after he has hurt or killed you. Protecting yourself from harm is your responsibility, and you are far less likely to be hurt in a neighborhood of gun-owners than in one of disarmed citizens - even if you don't own a gun yourself.