WIST Quotations

Adams, John -- A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, Vol. 3, ch. 3 “Marchamond Nedham: Errors of Government and Rules of Policy” (1787)

Dave — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:56:37 +0000

It must be made a sacred maxim, that the militia obey the executive power, which represents the whole people in the execution of laws. To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at the individual discretion, except in private self-defence, or by partial orders of towns, counties, or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)
A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, Vol. 3, ch. 3 “Marchamond Nedham: Errors of Government and Rules of Policy” (1787)
(Source)

Maher, Bill -- Be More Cynical (2000)

Dave — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:47:39 +0000

There are many attempts to pass a law in states just requesting a limit of buying one gun a month, and it doesn’t pass. People are like, “What about Christmas?” I mean, one gun a month. If you started when you were 18, by the time you were 60 that’s over a thousand guns. I don’t care how small your penis is, that should be enough guns.

William "Bill" Maher (b. 1956) American comedian, political commentator, critic, television host.
Be More Cynical (2000)

Ivins, Molly -- Essay (1993-03-09), “Get a Knife, Get a Dog, but Get Rid of Guns,” Creators Syndicate column, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Dave — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:15:07 +0000

I am not anti-gun. I’m pro-knife. Consider the merits of the knife.
In the first place, you have to catch up with someone in order to stab him. A general substitution of knives for guns would promote physical fitness. We’d turn into a whole nation of great runners. Plus, knives don’t ricochet. And people are seldom killed while cleaning their knives.

Molly Ivins (1944–2007) American writer, political columnist [Mary Tyler Ivins]
Essay (1993-03-09), “Get a Knife, Get a Dog, but Get Rid of Guns,” Creators Syndicate column, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
(Source)

Collected in Nothin' but Good Times Ahead (1993).