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Old February 24, 2013, 08:28 PM   #41
Tom Servo
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Join Date: September 27, 2008
Location: Foothills of the Appalachians
Posts: 13,057
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I've often wondered if anyone had any idea on the number of civilians who showed up that day and started firing on the tower.
Whitman had elevation, concealment, cover, and weapons with more range and power. I doubt someone on the ground with a pistol would have been much of a deterrent.

Quote:
Our constitution doesn't strictly apply to visitors.
Some parts of it do. Consider Section 1 of the 14th Amendment:

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nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
The Supreme Court has held that the protections of the 1st, 5th, and 6th Amendments apply to all persons within our borders, not just citizens.

Certain political rights, such as voting and jury duty, don't apply, but the implication is that natural rights are protected. That would include the right to defend one's life.

As it stands now, resident and nonimmigrant aliens can buy and own firearms, and in many states, they can get carry permits.
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