Abiding Quote by Ronald Reagan
“Because you won't get gun control by disarming law abiding citizens. There's only one way to get real gun control: Disarm the thugs and the criminals, lock them up, and if you don't actually throw away the key, at least lose it for a long time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Gun Control, Ronald Reagan, 1983
Gun control requires targeting criminals, not law‑abiding citizens; disarming law‑ab‑ does not reduce crime
In simple terms: Control guns by focusing on criminals, not ordinary people
Key Takeaway
Focus enforcement on illegal weapons
Themes
public safety
crime prevention
rights
gun policy
law enforcement
criminal justice
Mood
concerned
analytical
Type
political
policy
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- law enforcement training
- community safety initiatives
Key Concepts
targeted disarmament
deterrence
legal frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- What are effective ways to reduce illegal gun possession?
- How can policy balance rights and safety?
A Different Perspective
Disarming law‑abiding citizens may violate constitutional rights
![“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)
