April 5, 2016

It is astounding how much distortion the pro-gun forces are willing to impose on history. Here is a plaque in Texas which purports to have George Washington giving a pro-insurrection spin to the Second Amendment, when in fact the words he actually spoke (in the first State of the union Address in 1790) were in favor of establishing and maintaining a standing federal army, the purpose of which is to defend government, not overthrow it. Does the NRA and its allies think we can't read our history?

This was the photo Edmund shared with his post, which he shared from a post originating with Coy Barefoot's FB page, which cited Washington's First Annual Address to Congress on the State of the Union, January 8, 1790:

"Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy."

There's no question he's talking here about the government embracing his proposal to fully fund a national army.

"...a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite."

Bearing arms in the context of military service is requisite: REQUIRED.

It's not about just anyone going out buying whatever guns they want.

That's a late 20th century NRA-created myth that only makes gun makers

and the NRA leadership wealthy.

JUSJUST THIS MORNING I came across the image of this plaque on Facebook. I'd never seen it before. It's been shared nearly 27,000 times. wow. I wonder if all the tens of thousands of people who see it will take the time, as I've done, to find out that George Washington NEVER said what's on this plaque— or more importantly, I wonder if they even care.T THIS MORNING I came across the image of this plaque on Facebook. I'd never seen it before. It's been shared nearly 27,000 times. wow. I wonder if all the tens of thousands of people who see it will take the time, as I've done, to find out that George Washington NEVER said what's on this plaque— or more importantly, I wonder if they even care.