The use of American History by the NRA is abuse of the memories of the Founders of our democracy who valued above all else an unencumbered life.

“Never trust a government that doesn't trust its own citizens with guns.” This statement is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. You know the guy that flew the kite during a lightning storm.

To the left are the Barbar Pistols the handgun of the day. 1778 to be exact.

To the right is the military style weapon of the day.

A VERY FINE (click here) & RARE REGIMENTALLY MARKED AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR USED SECOND MODEL/SHORTLAND PATTERN 1777 BROWN BESS MUSKET, ca. 1778: In overall very fine original flintlock condition....

The value of the musket below is $12,500.00. 

The NRA needs to get for real. Comparing history to present day violence is not appropriate.  

If Benjamin Franklin ever thought for one minute his words would be used to justify lawless/anarchic gun use laws while 30,000 Americans die domestically every year including entire classrooms of children, he would retract the statement and demand repeal of the Second Amendment insisting on it's specific understanding in regard to defense of the country. Ben's words are completely taken out of context and to that end, the NRA is Anti-American.

Benjamin Franklin first saw "The Declaration of Independence" precede any other document which it's first words included, " ...unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is impossible to insure citizens are guaranteed those goals of our democracy with abusive gun laws that victimize innocent people.

When I think of Benjamin Franklin one of my thoughts is the fact he was among one of the first scientists in the USA. He was able to capture time of ship arrivals by studying the tides. He was an amazingly brilliant and engaged patriot. While I admire his dedication to inquiry and progress into the future I would never take it out of context of his time. If I did, he really would not appear to be very bright at all, now would he?