Amendment Quote by Charley Reese
“Crime is a human behavior problem, not a mechanical problem. Furthermore, if firearms were not very useful for self-defense, then police wouldn't carry them. In a free country, if the government can go armed, so should the citizens, if they so choose.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Commentary on gun rights, 2010s
The quote argues that crime stems from human choices, not technology, and that firearms are essential for self‑defense and liberty.
In simple terms: Crime is about choices, not guns; citizens should arm themselves if they wish.
Key Takeaway
Defend personal liberty with arms.
Themes
rights
self‑defense
government
crime
Mood
defensive
assertive
Type
political
controversial
When to use this quote
- personal protection
- political debate
- law enforcement
- public policy
Key Concepts
individualism
freedom
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think armed citizens reduce crime?
- What safeguards are needed for widespread gun ownership?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all citizens will use guns responsibly, which may not hold true.
![“As long as there are guns, the individual that wants a gun for a crime is going to have one and going to get it. The only person who's going to be penalized and have difficulty is the law-abiding citizen, who then cannot have [it] if he wants protection -- the protection of a weapon in his home.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de0/ronald-reagan-119_abiding_as-long-as-there-are-guns-the-individual_427436.jpg)
![“[N]o American should retreat an inch on the right of jurors to acquit if they perceive the law or its administration to be unjust.” quote by Charley Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/83e/charley-reese-14592_administration_n-o-american-should-retreat-an-inch-on-t_515058.jpg)
![“[Y]ou cannot determine either the truth or the right or wrong of anything with a poll. You can only tabulate people's opinions.” quote by Charley Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/674/charley-reese-14592_determine_y-ou-cannot-determine-either-the-truth-o_734170.jpg)
