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Charles Dickens on "Stand Your Ground" Laws—David Frum

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The great English novelist showed a disturbing lack of regard for the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. From Martin Chuzzlewit, 1843-44:

'What an extraordinary people you are!' cried Martin. 'Are Mr Chollop and the class he represents, an Institution here? Are pistols with revolving barrels, sword-sticks, bowie-knives, and such things, Institutions on which you pride yourselves? Are bloody duels, brutal combats, savage assaults, shooting down and stabbing in the streets, your Institutions! Why, I shall hear next that Dishonour and Fraud are among the Institutions of the great republic!'

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