https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Tench_Coxe
Tench Coxe (May 22, 1755 – July 17, 1824) was an American political economist and a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788-1789, and a key anti-Federalist, writing under the pseudonym “A Pennsylvanian”.
Quotes
- The power of the sword, say the minority…, is in the hands of Congress. My friends and countrymen, it is not so, for the powers of the sword are in the hands of the yeomanry of America from sixteen to sixty. The militia of these free commonwealths, entitled and accustomed to their arms, when compared with any possible army, must be tremendous and irresistible. Who are the militia? Are they not ourselves? Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom. Congress has no power to disarm the militia. Their swords and every terrible implement of the soldier are the birthright of Americans.[1]
- Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.
Recently I’ve seen a lot of pundits and politicians yammering on about “the Europeans figured out how to ban guns, why can’t we?” Because… we’re not Europeans. Yes, we are descended from Europe; our history and much of our culture of course comes from Europe, as did, at least at one time, most of our people. But our reason for existence? That’s all us, baby. The foundational principle of the United States is “liberty.” Not “safety,” not “peaceableness,” not “conformity” or “quiet.” LIBERTY. How many other nations have foundational principles in the first place, rather than being based on “this here plot of land” or “this here ethnic group?” We’re built and based on a philosophy, the cornerstone of which is “leave me alone to live my life as I see fit.”
