any American could legally buy and was not required in most States to register an automatic weapon. In addition to production and sale (limited) prior to WW I, a large number of souvenir weapons were returned from Europe and went on the market. They can still be legally purchased and employed in most States but must be federally registered and are taxed.

Redneck is not really a slur -- except to some people whose opinions count little.

It's also a lot older than the quote implies, though the quote does say "The United Mine Workers of America (UMW) and rival miners' unions appropriated both the term redneck..."