""WHENEVER GOVERNMENTS MEAN TO INVADE THE RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES OF THE PEOPLE, THEY ALWAYS ATTEMPT TO DESTROY THE MILITIA, IN ORDER TO RAISE AN ARMY UPON THEIR RUINS.""
— Elbridge Gerry
Rep. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, I Annals of Congress at 750, August 17, 1789
Historical Significance
Congressional floor debate warning about government disarmament tactics
Context
House debate during consideration of Second Amendment
Context
House debate during consideration of Second Amendment
Historical Significance
Congressional floor debate warning about government disarmament tactics