Posted by
Maudie in Mandeville on Friday, March 13, 2009 1:41:04 PM
"Give up the cannon, and we may surrender our small arms also, and at once to be the vassals of the most imbecile and unstable government on earth.....We have passed the Rubicon, and we have born the insults and indignities of Mexico until forbearance has ceased to be a virtue." Rev. Wiliam P. Smith, October 1, 1835, to the Texans preparing to attack in defense of their town and of their cannon.
'Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American. The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state government, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.' – Tench Coxe, Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788
'The word 'arms' in the connection we find it in the Constitution of the United States, refers to the arms of a militiaman or soldier, and the word is used in its military sense. The arms of the infantry soldier are the musket and bayonet; of cavalry and dragoons, the saber, holster pistols and carbine; of the artillery, the field piece, siege gun, and mortar, with side arms.' -English v State, Texas 473, 476 (1871-2).
"Among other evils which being unarmed brings you, it causes you to be despised." - Niccolo Machiavelli (The Prince)