Wow! On target. I’m saving that one too. In fact, I may send it to Senator Landrieu, hopefully the last of the dynasty of Landrieu democrats in Louisiana. Only she and brother Mitch, mayor of NOLA are left.
My apology! I meant the 14th Amendment, not the 13th. Apparently my brain and fingers do not always cooperate.
It was part of the debate prior to the passage of the 14th Amendment. The Fed. Gov. made a class of citizenship so the freed slaves could fall under its protection, in part because they were being denied the ability of firearms possession, etc. to protect themselves. I do not recall which senator or congressman made the argument, but you will find it in the Congressional record.