Meaning: The quote by P. J. O'Rourke, a well-known American political satirist and writer, touches upon the historical and cultural significance of religious and gun-bearing individuals in the United States. O'Rourke's quote is a reflection on the actions of the Clinton administration and the broader historical context of religious and gun-toting individuals in American society.

O'Rourke's statement is a criticism of the Clinton administration's handling of the 1993 Waco siege, where the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted a raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. The raid resulted in a standoff and eventual siege, leading to a tragic and deadly confrontation. O'Rourke's use of the term "religious nuts with guns" is a pointed and sarcastic characterization of the Branch Davidians, highlighting the perceived view of the government's aggressive response to a religious group exercising their Second Amendment rights.

The quote also contains a broader historical reference to the founding of the United States, invoking the image of the Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock. O'Rourke's rhetorical question, "Who does Bill Clinton think stepped ashore on Plymouth Rock?" is a satirical challenge to the notion that the country was founded by peaceful, non-armed individuals. Instead, O'Rourke suggests that the early settlers were, in fact, religious individuals who were armed and ready to defend their beliefs and way of life.

O'Rourke's quote encapsulates a complex intersection of American history, constitutional rights, and the role of government in regulating and responding to perceived threats. The reference to "religious nuts with guns" raises questions about the balance between religious freedom and the Second Amendment right to bear arms, while the historical allusion to the founding of the nation challenges popular perceptions of the early settlers as peaceful and unarmed.

The quote also reflects O'Rourke's characteristic wit and irreverence, as he often uses humor to critique political and social issues. By framing the government's actions in Waco within the broader historical context of American religious and gun-related traditions, O'Rourke invites his audience to reconsider the motivations and justifications behind the government's use of force.

Overall, O'Rourke's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the relationship between religion, firearms, and government intervention in American society. It challenges the audience to critically examine the intersection of these foundational aspects of American culture and history, while also highlighting the enduring debates and controversies surrounding these issues.