"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun . . . it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks."
Thomas Jefferson, 1785
Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But, I repeat myself.
Mark Twain: Manuscript note, c.1882.
Rule No. 1: Always take a gun to a gun fight. (They're great in knife fights too.)