http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/mcveigh/mcveighletter.html
This is the text of a letter sent from suspected bomber Timothy McVeigh to Congressman John J. LaFalce (D-NY). McVeigh questions the legal limits placed on citizens who wish to defend themselves.
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Tim McVeigh
6289 Cambell Blvd.
Lockport, NY 14094
16FEB92
Mr. John LaFalce
111 W. Huron St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Dear Mr. LaFalce,
Recently, I saw an article in the Buffalo News that detailed a
man's arrest; one of the charges being "possession of a noxious
substance" (CS gas). This struck my curiousity (sic), so I went
to the New York State Penal Law. Sure enough, section 270
prohibits possession of any noxious substance, and included in
section 265 is a ban on the use of "stun guns". Now I am a male,
and fully capable of defending myself, but how about a female?
I strongly believe in a God-given right to self-defense. Should
any other person or a governing body be able to tell a person that
he/she cannot save their own life, because it would be a violation
of the law? In this case, which is more important: faced with a
rapist/murderer, would you pick a.) die, a law abiding citizen or
b.) live, and go to jail?
It is a lie if we tell ourselves that the police can protect us
everywhere, at all times. I am in shock that a law exists which
denies a woman's right to self-defense. Firearms restrictions are
bad enough, but now a woman can't even carry mace in her purse?!?!
/s/Tim McVeigh
(716) 625-9368