So, we can MAKE them, but we can't possess them?

In the letter of May 15, to Mr. Ternant, I mentioned, that, in answer to the complaints of the British minister against the exportation of arms from the United States, it had been observed, that the manufacture of arms was the occupation and livelihood of some of our citizens; that it ought not to be expected that a war among other nations should produce such an internal derangement of the occupations of a nation at peace, as the suppression of a manufacture which is the support of some of its citizens....
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- Thomas Jefferson, to Edmond Charles Genet, November 30, 1793
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In one of these memorials, it is stated, that arms and military accoutrements are now buying up by a French agent in this Country with an intent to export them to France. We have answered that our Citizens have been always free to make, vend and export arms, that it is the constant occupation and livelihood of some of them. To suppress their callings, the only means, perhaps, of their subsistence, because a war exists in foreign and distant countries, in which we have no concern, would scarcely be expected. It would be hard in principle and impossible in practice. The law of nations, therefore, respecting the rights of those at peace, has not required from them such an internal derangement in their occupations. It is satisfied with the external penalty pronounced in the President's proclamation, that of confiscation of such portion of these arms as shall fall into the hands of any of the belligerent powers, on their way to the ports of their enemies. To this penalty our citizens are warned that they will be abandoned; and that the purchase of arms here, may work no inequality between the parties at war, the liberty to make them will be enjoyed equally by both.
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- Thomas Jefferson, to Jean Baptiste Ternant, May 15, 1793
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Well, frankly Tom, I must say I'm flabbergasted! Why, you ask? Well, if the citizens are allowed to MAKE ARMS wouldn't that mean they can have them in their possession? Yes, that is what would seem NATURAL to me as well, Tom. However, that is NOT what is transpiring in many of the states, presently! And even the Federal government has excersized control over them! Calm down, and I'll tell you what I mean!

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You see, Tom, many of the states have deliberately either restricted or taken away entirely their citizens RIGHT to Keep and Bear Arms! And the Federal has instituted controls and regulations on buying them as well. And these regulations and restrictions are escalating! Yes, Tom, you and I both know that it's against the law! However, I'm telling you that is what is happening now! The People have TRIED to Redress this grievance! Time and again! But the courts just won't listen! Yes, Tom, ESPECIALLY the Supreme Court!

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Now, Tom, I'm just the messenger! And I refuse to be called names like that!

I know, Tom, and I'm so terribly sorry. I know how hard that you and the others worked so that the People could be Free. But, Tom, it is not as if you, and the others did not warn them!