Quote:Free people ought to be armed
From iGeek
The full text is: 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.
Some will spuriously claim that the abbreviated version changes the context. But if you understand 18th-century speaking and context, it is saying the same thing. That we should preserve the right of the people to be armed, disciplined, and have a plan to defend themselves... and that they should include the abilities to manufacture arms (military supplies) in order to protect their safety, liberty and interests.
- https://www.mountvernon.org/the-estate-gardens/ask/question/did-george-washington-say-the-following-and-if-so-please-cite-source--a-free-people-ought-not-only-to-be-armed-and-disciplined-but-they-should-have-sufficient-arms-and-ammunition-to-maintain-a-status-of-independence-from-any-who-might-attempt-to-abuse-the
- https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2018/dec/18/blog-posting/meme-misrepresents-george-washington-quote-about-a/
