One of the things that a dictator does, is ban those it intends to rule from having or using weapons. That’s been true for centuries. For example, Great Britain had the 18th century disarming acts. Scottish citizens had laws passed against weapons in 1715, 1716, 1725, and 1746.
- Disarming Act of 1715 (Highlands Services Act): Enacted after the 1715 Jacobite Rising, this act of Parliament aimed to disarm Jacobite clans in the Scottish Highlands.
- Disarming Act of 1716: Officially titled “An act for the more effectual securing the peace of the highlands in Scotland,” it outlawed specific weapons like broadswords, pistols, and guns in designated parts of Scotland.
- Disarming Act of 1725: This act was passed to more effectively enforce the previous disarming efforts, with Major-General George Wade leading efforts to confiscate weapons.
- Act of Proscription 1746: Passed after the 1745 Jacobite Rising, this act further strengthened the disarming efforts and also included the famous ban on Highland dress, such as kilts and tartans, as a way to suppress Highland culture.
In 1776, the Great Britain outlawed weapons in Massachusetts. That is why the Second Amendment exists. Technology changes, but people and despots do not. The founders were well aware of that.
1 Comment
@HomeInSC · November 3, 2025 at 8:18 am
Once you figure out that Constitution and Bill of Rights were written to be read and understood by all citizens, not just lawyers, and that the primary, underlying principle was to curb the worst aspects of human nature and the concentration and abuse of power, you are well on your way to being an American.
Where does the Constitution specify any anchor to a level of technology? The principles upon which our Constitution are based transcend technology and are timeless. It is only the constant assault on our Constitution by power seeking and lawyerly types that opens that vile door.