Your Second Amendment Rights, In Quotes

Those who would infringe your rights always tell you first; it’s time to listen.

by posted on September 21, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
White House

The United States has a very brave and colorful past. We are unique in the fact that we are guaranteed the rights that are given to us by our Creator. Every man and woman, regardless of race, creed or religion, is protected from the government infringing upon these rights. Our forefathers gave us our founding documents, which are essentially a contract between the citizens of the United States and the government that represents us. It is up to us to make sure that our duly elected representatives abide by this contract.

Our Second Amendment rights have been under attack ever since our government felt as if it needed to have greater control over its citizenry. Gun control really took off during Reconstruction after the Civil War. During this time, a series of laws were passed to control those whom the government deemed needed to be controlled. Later, state and local governments passed laws to control minority races that were viewed as inferior.

You do not have to be a historian to learn what our founders thought of gun control. You also do not need to be a student of war to know what our enemies thought of gun control. They’ve already told us; it’s time to listen.

In the Words of our Forefathers

Thomas Jefferson
“The Constitution of our states assert that all power is inherent in the people, that they may exercise it by themselves, that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.”

“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.”

James Madison 
“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. A well-regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained in arms, is the best and most natural defense of a free country.”

“Americans have the right and advantage of being armed – unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.”

Alexander Hamilton 
“The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed.”

Benjamin Franklin
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner - Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!”

In the Words of our Enemies

Adolph Hitler 
“The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to permit the conquered Eastern peoples to have arms. History teaches that all conquerors who have allowed their subjects races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by doing so.”

Vladimir Lenin 
“One man with a gun can control 100 without one.”

It is your choice which type of leader you get. We need to protect our Constitutional Rights by educating all Americans and becoming active in our political process. We need to hold our elected officials accountable.

If you listen to your leaders or those wanting to become your leaders, they will tell you who they are and what they wish to do. Believe them if they tell you they want to limit your constitutional rights, especially your Second Amendment Rights. It is up to you—protect and defend your rights bestowed upon you by the architects of liberty and freedom, or live under the tyranny of those who wish to destroy them.

 

 

Latest

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Pistol

The Armed Citizen® January 30, 2026

There is only one way to respond if a mother is home alone at night with her baby—and an intruder breaks in.

New Gear 2026: Range Products and Training Tools

One of the most fun aspects of SHOT Show is the section where some of the most useful and innovative products for a day on the range are on display. Check out just a few of the hundreds we came across.

Houston Safari Club Foundation Supports Hunter Education

Since 1949, NRA's Hunter Education model has reached millions worldwide, including in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and several other countries. Here's how it works.

How the Seasons Affect Your Concealed Carry

Your CCW system might change with the seasons in two primary ways.

New Gear 2026: Concealed Carry, Holsters and Self-Defense

Take a peek at a few of the newly discovered, newly released, and possible future products we came across at the 2026 SHOT Show.

New Guns 2026: Benelli 828U SuperSport A.I. Over-Under Shotgun

The new platform has delivered tighter shot strings and patterns with up to 50 percent deeper penetration and increased velocity compared to conventional shotgun barrels.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.