While the Left is trying their best to assure the Supreme Court that the 2nd Amendment only speaks to States’ relations with the Federal government, I thought I’d include the Founders’ thoughts on the matter.
“(…) and that the said Constitution be never construed to authorize Congress to infringe the just liberty of the Press, or the rights of Conscience; or to prevent the people of the United States, who are peaceable citizens, from keeping their own arms.”
Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer, August 20, 1789 quoting Propositions submitted to the Convention of this State by the Honorable Samuel Adams, Esquire.
“The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”
Thomas Jefferson letter to Justice John Cartwright, June 5, 1824. 1824. ME 16:45.
“The Congress of the United States possesses no power to regulate, or interfere with the domestic concerns, or police of any state: it belongs not to them to establish any rules respecting the rights of property; nor will the constitution permit any prohibition of arms to the people.”
Saint George Tucker, Blackstone’s Commentaries (1803), Volume 1, Appendix, Note D [Section 13: Restraints on Powers of Congress]
“To disarm the people [is] the best and most effectual way to enslave them.”
George Mason, 3 Elliot, Debates at 380 (June 14, 1788).
“(…) to preserve liberty it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.”
Richard Henry Lee writing in Letters from the Federal Farmer to the Republic, Letter XVIII, January 25, 1788.
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.”
Patrick Henry, 3 Elliot, Debates at 45 (Virginia Convention, June 5, 1788).
“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive.”
Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Abigail Adams, February 22, 1787.
“(…) one loves to possess arms, tho[ugh] they hope never to have occasion for them.”
Thomas Jefferson in a letter to George Washington, June 19, 1796. ME 9:341 Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Memorial Edition (Lipscomb and Bergh, editors) 20 Vols., Washington, D.C., 1903-04.