What is meant by the liberty of the press is that there should be no [Federal] antecedent restraint upon it; but that every author is responsible when he attacks the security or welfare of the government, or the safety, character, and property of the individual. "In truth, then, the proposed system possesses no influence whatever upon the press, and it would have been merely nugatory to have introduced a formal declaration upon the subject -- nay, that very declaration might have been construed to imply that some degree of power was given, since we undertook to define its extent. "[I]t is the great natural law of self preservation, which, as we have seen, cannot be repealed, or superseded, or suspended by any human institution. This law, however, is expressly recognised in the constitution of Pennsylvania. "The right of the citizens to bear arms in the defence of themselves shall not be questioned." This is one of our many renewals of the Saxon regulations. "They were bound," says Mr. Selden, "to keep arms for the preservation of the kingdom, and of their own persons." [bold face mine]-- James Wilson, PA Ratifying Conv. 2nd choice for Original Chief Justice. "Pennsylvania Legislature", October 6, 1787. "Law lectures"
The issue with guns is identical, as Patrick Henry said:
The great object is, that every man be armed...Every one who is able may have a gun.--VA Ratifying Convention, June 14, 1788.
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