"The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good"

George Washington’s assertion intertwines the cultural presence of firearms with the broader struggle between good and evil within society. The phrase “the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference” underscores the concept that the mere knowledge or possibility of armed resistance can serve as a deterrent to those who would commit harmful acts. Here, “atmosphere” conveys not the literal presence of weapons, but the prevailing awareness in society that the means for defense exist, potentially dissuading malicious intentions before they unfold.

Washington’s words reflect the Enlightenment-era philosophy recognizing the inherent flaws within humanity, suggesting that perfect goodness cannot be relied upon universally. Thus, thoughtful mechanisms must be established to counteract the possibility of evil. The presence of firearms, in this view, acts as one such mechanism, a symbol and tool for individual empowerment in the face of tyranny, violence, or crime. It is not solely the weapons themselves, but what they represent: a check against unrestrained aggression, be it from individuals or oppressive governments.

Assigning firearms “a place of honor with all that's good” elevates them beyond their physical existence as tools. Washington attributes moral value to the potential they provide for the preservation of liberty, peace, and social order. Rather than being symbols of violence, they are framed as necessary for upholding justice and protecting the innocent from harm. This idea aligns with earlier traditions connecting the right of self-defense to natural law, elevating it to a fundamental societal good.

Overall, Washington’s message is one of pragmatic idealism, acknowledging both the dangers present in a free society and the responsibility of its citizens to guard against interference with what is righteous. The notion is that a well-armed populace does not invite chaos, but rather maintains equilibrium, reinforcing a space where goodness can flourish unopposed by the threat of evil.