The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up the force, you are inevitable ruined. I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious.
Fear is the foundation of most governments.
When governments fear the people there is liberty. When the people fear the government there is tyranny. The strongest reason for the people to retain their right to keep and bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against tyranny in government. The said constitution shall never be construed to authorize congress to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms. The great object is that every man be armed.