I mean if they were honest and said what they really think...

Just substitute "state's" for "King's"...

The Militia Laws should be repealed and none suffered to be re-enacted, the Arms of all the People should be taken away, & every piece of Ordnance removed into the King’s Stores, nor should any Foundry or manufactory of Arms, Gunpowder, or Warlike Stores, be ever suffered in America, nor should any Gunpowder, Lead, Arms or Ordnance be imported into it without License: they will have but little need of such things for the future, as the King’s Troops, Ships & Forts will be sufficient to protect them from any danger.

William Knox
Under Secretary of State in the British Colonial Office
1777
What is Fit to be Done with America?
From "The Arms Of All The People Should Be Taken Away" https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/12/15/the-arms-of-all-the-people-should-be-taken-away/

Good article from the rifleman👍