I have deliberately tried to stay away from politics on this site. I have said many times that I believe preparedness should transcend political, religious, and ideological beliefs. Disaster can strike at any time, and does not discriminate.
That being said, I firmly believe that part of being prepared is being ready and able to defend yourself and your loved ones from imminent threats. Trust me, there is plenty of danger that exist in our society today. Yes, avoiding conflict should be your primary goal. And you should use armed self-defense/deadly force only as a last resort. But I truly believe that you HAVE to have this ability. It is YOUR RIGHT to be able to defend yourself from those who wish to do you harm. And firearms are the great equalizer!
I FULLY support the 2nd amendment both as an American citizen, and as a law enforcement officer. I also fully support an individual’s right to own a rifle like the AR-15. The 2nd amendment is NOT about hunting. It is about security….security of yourself and the security our great nation!
In recent weeks, we have watched the battle over the 2nd amendment ramp up to levels never seen before. We have seen the media and politicians who have an anti-gun agenda go on the offensive. They attack firearms, the NRA, and even innocent gun owners as part of the problem. They lie. The distort facts and the truth. They spread falsehoods about guns and those who own them. Even a few of the pro 2nd amendment politicians have begun to cave. It is truly starting to concern me.
Currently, the “scapegoat” in all of this is the AR-15 rifle. It is being vilified over and over. And many of the anti-gunners would have you believe that they are only after the “Evil assault rifles”. This is a LIE! Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I has already introduced a bill that would
The bill prohibits the “sale, transfer, production, and importation” of semi-automatic rifles and pistols that can hold a detachable magazine, as well as semi-automatic rifles with a magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds. Additionally, the legislation bans the sale, transfer, production, and importation of semi-automatic shotguns with features such as a pistol grip or detachable stock, and ammunition feeding devices that can hold more than 10 rounds.
This is NOT just ARs and AKs. This includes pistols such as the Glock, and Sig Sauer, pistols that millions of Americans use for self-defense. This would also ban many types of shotguns that millions of Americans use for hunting and self-defense.
Let’s not forget that back in the 1980s, multiple bills were introduced that tried to ban handguns. In fact, handguns were illegal in Washington DC until 2008 when it was struck down in the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. And while the Supreme Court did strike down this handgun ban, it did so with only a 5 to 4 vote. It was THAT close!
So when the media and politicians say they don’t want to take your guns away, realize that THEY ARE LYING!!! And now it is starting to get even scarier.
Just the other day, President Trump talked about seizing firearms from those who have mental illness….WITHOUT due process of law!!! So he wants to violate the 2nd AND the 4th amendment? Are you freaking kidding me?!!?
Look, we all agree that psychos like Nikolas Cruz and Adam Lanza should NOT have firearms. And I fully support background checks…including expanding background checks to include things like involuntary commitment to mental institutions and allowing medical personnel to report psychiatric issues that could potentially lead to mass shootings or other acts of extreme violence. But there is a process for restricting someone’s constitutional rights….it’s called THE FOURTH AMENDMENT!!
It’s not just the mainstream media and politicians attacking our rights. Now private businesses are getting in on the act as well. Companies like Hertz car rental and Delta Airlines dropped their NRA sponsorship. Big box stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods stopped selling AR 15s and accessories. Wal-Mart announced that they would no longer sell firearms OR ammo to people under 21. Add Citibank to that list as well…though to be honest I was not using them anyway.
And I.T. companies like YouTube have begun removing pro 2nd amendment channels from their site. Below is a video from Hank Strange. He runs a firearms related YouTube channel that was taken down last weekend. His channel was not the only one hit.
Fortunately, after days of arguing, these channels were returned. But the message was clear. Firearm and 2nd amendment channels are not safe! Please listen to Hank’s message below.
I could give you all kinds of facts and statistics that show that taking gun rights away from law abiding citizens not only does NOT reduce gun violence or crime, but instead increases it. But I think if you are reading this article, then chances are you are already a gun owner or at least believe in your right to own and carry firearms. In that case, this message IS FOR YOU!!
We can no longer stand on the sidelines in this war. We HAVE TO TAKE action if the 2nd amendment (and the 4th amendment for that matter) is going to be preserved. Your help is needed!
First, contact your elected officials. Federal AND local officials. To find your federal officials, click the link here. And while e-mails are easy, they are many times ignored. Instead, make phone calls and write letters! You have to make your voice heard!
Next, vote! Many elected officials will check voting records when receiving complaints from their constituents. If those folks have not voted, then many officials will simply ignore what they have to say. And why shouldn’t they? If you are not going to vote for or against them, what do they have to worry about? So vote….in all elections big and small.
Third, actively help campaign for those candidates who support the 2nd amendment and help campaign AGAINST those who do not. Yes, this means volunteering your time and energy. But if we are going to preserve our rights and liberties, then we have to make a sacrifice. Our forefathers made sacrifices, as have our veterans. Millions made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. So giving up a Saturday or two to help support liberty loving candidates is nothing in comparison!
Fourth, join groups like the NRA. I am a member. I am also a member of Gun Owners of America. Both do an excellent job of keeping up with current legislation involving the 2nd amendment at both the federal and state levels. So pay attention to what they are saying. And like political candidates, being willing to spend some time and energy helping out these organizations! They welcome volunteers!
Also, find state and local groups as well. You can use social media like Facebook to do so. I have started attending local meetings with other 2nd amendment advocates.
Next, begin boycotting companies that are clearly anti-2nd amendment. I have vowed that I will never enter a Dick’s sporting Goods store again. I won’t use Hertz. Do your research. If you find companies that support anti-gun advocates, avoid them. And openly support those companies who do support 2A.
In addition, I no longer buy firearms from big box stores like Wal-Mart or Dick’s. You can generally find better deals at local gun stores while supporting your local economy. In addition, your local gun store owners are almost always more knowledgeable when it comes to firearms then some clerk behind the counter at a big box store. (I once overheard a clerk at a big box store tell a customer that there really wasn’t a difference between striker fire and hammer fire!)
You can also find some amazing deals on firearms online. I regularly use sites like Palmetto State Armory and Mid-Way USA, and would urge you to check them out.
And finally, if you decide that you are ready to own a firearm, I STRONGLY urge you to get it now! In addition, I also urge you to get training with your firearms, and practice regularly. Your life might someone day depend on it.
