Williams, a syndicated columnist and the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics at George Mason University, suggested that common misconceptions about the Second Amendment undermine the gun control debate.
“[The Founding Fathers'] stated reason was to allow the American people to protect themselves from the United States Congress — that is, government. That’s why we have the Second Amendment,” he said.
“A lot of people are saying we should somehow control or restrict arms,” he continued. “And I would ask the question: Are we under any less a threat of tyranny from Washington than we were in 1787? And I would say no.”
Rifles and guns may not be able to stand up against the government’s tanks and fighter planes, Williams acknowledged, but he said history shows that small, outmatched resistance movements can still be successful.
“If push comes to shove, Americans would at least have a means to offer some kind of resistance, as people have done around the world.”
Guns also help deter crime, Williams said, citing a study that rapists are less likely to strike when women in the community take shooting lessons.
“[Rapists] are cowards, and if they think women can defend themselves, they’ll restrain their behavior or think twice,” he said. “The gun industry makes all kinds of interesting holsters where women can carry their guns, such as the bra holster. Guy acts like rape? ‘Well, yeah, let me get undressed, and then politely blow the guy away.’”
