For They Will Posess The Power

Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power.
Noah Webster
An Examination of The Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution
1787

1 Comment

  1. William Lafferty on January 14, 2011 at 10:38 am

    For a fictional treatment of gun confiscation as it might be carried out today, see my book They Came For Our Guns, They Came For Our Freedom. http://www.williamlafferty.com.

    Bill Lafferty