The people of the various provinces are forbidden to have in their possession any swords, bows, spears, firearms, or other types of arms. The possession of these elements makes difficult the collection of taxes and dues, and tends to permit uprising. Therefore, the heads of provinces, official agents and deputies are ordered to collect all the weapons mentioned above and turn them over to the government.
Toyotomi Hideyoshit
Shogun
August 29, 1558
Japan
[I admire his honest and forthrightness. If only present day politicians would be so when they demand we turn over our personal protection tools.–Joe]
That reminds me of one of the commonly repeated phrases of the left – “Times change.”
Meaning that what may have been valid more than 200 years ago is inapplicable today, i.e. the Constitution.
Maybe “times” change, but human nature certainly does not.
Oh, and leftist will often cast the Shogun in a very positive light. They will tell you how this proves the effectiveness of gun control.