From Machiavelli’s The Prince, circa 1530's.
Commentary: Machiavelli in this passage insightfully put
his finger on the precise dynamics of what is going on between Gun Prohibitionists
and armed Patriots.
(Additional commentary by Jim March: Machiavelli today
is thought of as an advocate of "complicated, scheming politics" but in
reality, he was a strong proponent of personal freedom. He wasn't
all talk, either - he was elected an officer of a citizen militia company
in Italy and led them into battle with excellent results.
Compare how Machiavelli predicts an "armed elite group" will strongly support the "Prince" with what we're seeing in terms of CCW issuance in a variety of counties. When wealthy, politically connected individuals are treated to easy access to CCW, it's Machiavelli's prediction that they'll support the Sheriff or PD Chief to the hilt and in fact, that's exactly what we're seeing.
Upshot: this is NOT "outdated material" of any kind.)