"The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand, arms like laws discourage and keep the invader and the plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property. The balance of power is the scale of peace. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside."
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Original Language: English
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Sources
Thomas Paine, “Thoughts On Defensive War,” Pennsylvania Magazine, July, 1775.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Right_to_keep_and_bear_arms
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Right to keep and bear arms
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