Defense

"Classical liberalism derives from individualism. Each individual owns his or her own life and energies and is therefore entitled to conduct that life according to his or her own judgment, consistent with the like liberty of others. From this foundation emerges the institutions of individual rights, private property, free trade, and the rule of law. Essential is the right of self-defense: if one owns one’s life, one has the right to defend it against aggression. This is the basic argument for the right to keep and bear arms, and against gun control."