The Founding Fathers on Gun Rights

a) "The Constitution shall never be construed to prevent the people of the U.S. who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms." Samuel Adams, 1788............. b) "The Constitutions of most of our states (and of the U.S.) assert that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it BY THEMSELVES (emphasis, mine); that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed." Thomas Jefferson, 1824............. c) "If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no recourse left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense." Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Papers, 28............. d) "I ask you sir, what is the militia? IT IS THE WHOLE PEOPLE (emphasis, again mine). To disarm people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." George Mason, 1788............. e) "The Laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes.......Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an unarmed man." Thomas Jefferson, quoting Cesare Beccaria.............There it is, folks, proof-positive that the "well regulated militia" clause is not a necessary prerequisite (but rather a sufficient one - as any fucking linguist could have informed you if only you had asked) for individual gun rights and that the only way that you can severely restrict gun ownership is to do away with the Second Amendment, and rotsa ruck with that.