Noah Webster understood the importance of the 2nd Amendment

"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States." --Noah Webster, An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution, 1787

"An armed populace are citizens. An unarmed populace are subjects." -- Unknown

Old saying paraphrased (and one of Loki's favorites):

"A Democracy is two wolves and a sheep deciding what to have for dinner. A Republic is two wolves and a well-armed sheep deciding what to have for dinner."

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary