Gun control?

Ever wondered why European governments (apart from Switzerland) are so keen on preventing their populations from legally owning guns, might the following quotation be a clue?


"Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States."

-- Noah Webster, 1787 - An Examination of the Leading Principles of the Federal Constitution



Thanks to American Geek for the reminder.