"After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military"
- William S. Burroughs
About this Quote
This quote by William S. Burroughs is a commentary on the tendency of governments to limit weapon ownership after a shooting spree. Burroughs is recommending that this is an ineffective solution to the problem of weapon violence, as it just removes the weapons from those who are not responsible for the shooting. He is also revealing his issue about the idea of a society where just the cops and military are permitted to own guns, as this would develop an imbalance of power and might result in a lack of flexibility for people. He believes that the right to bear arms is a fundamental part of a totally free society, and that it must not be removed from individuals who have done nothing wrong.