John Hancock's remarks on events at the capitol

The following are the words of John Hancock regarding events at the capitol.  I have made every effort to keep the original meaning and intent, but long sentences have been shortened and emphasis added as noted.

"Security to the persons and properties of the governed is so obviously the design and end of civil government ... [and it is] .. . vicious and infamous to attempt to support a government which manifestly tends to render the persons and properties of the governed insecure.  Some boast of being friends to government; I am a friend to righteous government, to a government founded upon the principles of reason and justice ... ."

"It was reasonable to expect that troops, who knew the errand they were sent upon, would treat the people whom they were to subjugate with a cruelty and haughtiness which too often buries the honorable character of a soldier in the disgraceful name of an unfeeling ruffian.  The troops, upon their first arrival, took possession of our senate-house ... ."

"Tell me, ye bloody butchers! ye villains high and low! ye wretches who contrived, as well as you who executed the inhuman deed! do you not feel the goads and strings of conscience guilt pierce through your savage bosoms?"

"Patriotism is ever united with humanity and compassion.  This noble affection, which impels us to sacrifice everything dear, even life itself, to our country, involves in it a common sympathy and tenderness for every citizen and must have a particular feeling for one who suffers in a public cause."

"Will not a well-disciplined militia afford you ample security against foreign foes? ... When a country is invaded, the militia are ready to appear in its defence ... ."

"There is a heartfelt satisfaction in reflecting upon our exertions for the public weal, which all sufferings of an enraged tyrant can inflict will never take away ...."

"I have the most animating confidence that the present noble struggle for liberty will terminate gloriously for America."

       -- John Hancock, delivered March 5, 1774 in Boston, MA

Commentary:  As you see, I could not resist adding in the historical context about what was meant by "well-regulated militia" as today quite a few Americans do not know the plain meaning and intent of the Second Amendment.  The several states had no armies.  There was no nation.  Defense against a foreign enemy (England) would have to rely upon citizens who were authorized, regulated, and managed by the several states.  The purpose of a militia was not to shoot legislators with whom they disagree, but was originally intended to be a substitute for what we today call the United States military.

In the present day, the United States does have a standing army, despite concerns of some of the founding fathers.  The several states have a well-regulated militia, and it is called National Guard, and is under the control and direction of the state governors.

Groups participating in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021, acting with military coordination and tactics, wearing body armor, helmets, and ballistic goggles are not a well-regulated militia as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.  They are vigilante mobs dressed as combat soldiers.  Vigilante justice is no justice at all.