| Sixth Rule by John Adams (06/01/1788) John Adams, in this chapter, is reviewing a 1656 work by Marchamont Nedham (1620-1678), titled "The Excellency of a free State, or the right Constitution of a Commonwealth," from which Adams quotes extensively. Notice should be made especially of the last paragraph, in which Adams outlines his views on the two legitimate functions of the right to keep and bear arms, which are for private self-defense, and for enforcing the law as a member of the general militia, under the direction of a democratically elected government (as local as possible). Note also his earlier analysis of the dangers inherent in a democratic tyranny of the majority, and, in passing, an explanation of the ancient origin of the phrase "crossing the Rubicon." | |