Yes, while it would be unconstitutional for the federal government to pass this law, how could it be unconstitutional as a local or state statute?

I'm not sure it would be unconstitutional for the federal gov't to pass such a law, unless you rely on the widely-ignored 10th Amendment. (The Federal gov't has only those powers specifically granted to it by the Constitution; clearly we, in these enlightened times, need no such constraints on the operations of our benevolent Big Brother.) (And that was sarcasm, for Tim and the other sarcasm-impaired.) The supremes have decided, in their wisdom, that the amendments to the federal constitution apply to the states as well. Thus, the 1st amendment prohibits states as well as the feds from regulating speech.

While I admit it seems like a foolish law (akin to requiring a citizen to vote), I hardly see how it would require 'a killing'.

No, I agree with Tim, they need killing. I'd put them on the list, but below the gun grabbers. No one says the list can't be prioritized. I suppose it's possible that they were simply making a point, with the collusion of the vast majority of their residents.

Also, given their views, killing them may not be as easy as others who are unarmed. ;-)

Heh, not likely to be true. Most or all "public figure" gun grabbers seem to have bodyguards, or special dispensation to carry handguns because of the risks inherent to being a public figure, or whatever. Politicians, of course, are not to be held to the same standards as the little people. In NYC, a fair number of actors and such are able to get the almost-impossible-for-the-common-swine carry permits, for themselves or their associates. I saw a list a couple of years ago, and, no, I don't have a cite. Same for Los Angeles. Need it be pointed out that many of these actors use their fame to rail against the proliferation of guns? In the late 80's, IIRC, a famously anti-gun columnist from Chicago, IIRC, Carl Rowen, IIRC, was found with an unlicensed pistol; he'd heard a late-night disturbance outside his apartment, went outside with gun in hand, and was caught by the cops. He at least had the limited grace to write a column describing the incident and stating that his pubicly-stated position might not be entirely consistent with what he felt was best for himself. -- Steve Furlong, Computer Condottiere Have GNU, will travel 518-374-4720 sfurlong@acmenet.net