Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defense, the militia, is put in the hands of Congress? Of what service would militia be to you when, most probably, you will not have a single musket in the state? For, as arms are to be provided by Congress, they may or may not provide them.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the need for self-reliance and preparation in the face of tyranny.
Patrick Henry's quote reflects a deep concern for the security and autonomy of individuals in the context of government control over arms and military power. He argues that relying solely on a militia, which depends on Congress for weaponry, leaves citizens vulnerable to oppression. The essence of his message is a call to arms for individual preparedness and resistance against potential tyranny, highlighting the importance of self-defense and the serious implications of disarming the populace.
In practice
In a discussion on the Second Amendment during a debate about gun control.
They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?
I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil. Everything we do is to improve it, if it happens in our day; if not, let us transmit to our descendants, together with our slaves, a pity for their unhappy lot and an abhorrence of slavery.
The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery
I know some say, let us have good laws, and no matter for the men that execute them: but let them consider, that though good laws do well, good men do better: for good laws may want good men, and be abolished or evaded [invaded in Franklin's print] by ill men; but good men will never want good laws, nor suffer ill ones.
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! β but there is no peace.
Every Fourth of July, our Declaration of Independence is produced, with a sublime indignation, to set forth the tyranny of the mother country and to challenge the admiration of the world. But what a pitiful detail of grievances does this document present in comparison with the wrongs which our slaves endure!
I saw them with my bodily eyes as clearly as I see you. And when they departed, I used to weep and wish they would take me with them.
All is not lost, the unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and the courage never to submit or yield.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain but for the heart to conquer it.
Women, we might as well be dogs baying the moon as petitioners without the right to vote!
Let Fortune empty her whole quiver on me, I have a soul that, like an ample shield, Can take in all, and verge enough for more; Fate was not mine, nor am I Fate's: Souls know no conquerors.
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