Patrick Henry made this statement in his speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention. Quotation taken from a 1788 speech by Patrick Henry at the Virginia Ratifying Convention. It says, Have we the means of resisting disciplined armies, when our only defense, the militia, is put into the hands of Congress? © 2013 FLVS Why does Patrick Henry think "the right to bear arms" is important? Citizens should have the right to resist any military order. Citizens should prevent Congress from declaring war. Citizens should be able to form their own militias. Citizens should defend themselves from tyranny.