I typically focus only on problems under my direct influence. There are an eff ton of issues going on right now that would stress me beyond the ability of my BP meds to keep me among the living. So, I place my attention on things I can control, makes my life easier. However, I have had a good amount of email coming in asking about what we average citizens can do with the incoming assault on our 2nd Amendment rights. I will be giving my thoughts on this subject, but I believe first I must address the issue of politics.

It Isn’t About Politics

For the record, I am not a republican or a democrat. I find that neither faction suits me correctly. I point this out because I need you to know in advance that I am not trying to argue from a particular political side.

To the anti-gun folks I have a simple question; do you trust the government?

I am not asking about love of Country. This isn’t about Patriotism. I am an unashamed Patriot. I fly Old Glory in front of my house, I study and read and continue to learn in my old age about the American founding. I defend the history and heritage of my Country to those who distort and lie about it. I do this without shame or embarrassment or hesitation or guilt. This in no way means that I like or trust the government. Which is why I do not budge in the 1st and 2nd Amendment.

When I ask people if they trust the government, the typical answer is an emphatic “No!”

To which I typically respond, “Then do you really want them to be the only ones with access to guns?”

And this is, more often than not, a moment of enlightenment.

See, we have been conditioned, intentionally or otherwise, to view the Bill of Rights as the government telling us what we are allowed to do. It isn’t that way at all. The Bill of Rights should be seen as we the people telling the government what they can’t do. If you didn’t learn that in Civics, learn it now, because that is how it was intended. Don’t believe me? Go read The Federalist Papers and get back to me. I’ll wait!

This isn’t about political parties. There are a lot of gun owners and 2A supporters in both of the major parties. The differences tend to be in the details. There is no consensus in the gun community, and there needn’t be. The lock-step-only-one-way-of-thinking-dissenting-opinions-must-be-silenced mentality is for weak people with weak minds. If your stance on any topic at all is sound, there is nothing to fear from dissent. On the other hand, if your position is weak, then one can see where the desire to silence opposition may look like a necessity.

We don’t have to agree on everything. It is enough for me that we see the 2A as necessary.

What You Can Do

As a responsible gun owner, you need to do your homework. I am not here to tell you how to vote in any election. Ever. But, whomever you are thinking of voting for, do not be afraid to pick up the phone and call their office and ask about their stance on the 2nd Amendment. In my experience, phone calls work better than emails, but any and all contact is effective. These people want to be reelected, and they have to listen to their constituents. Phone calls first, emails second, but let your voice be heard. Vote.

Next, become a part of one or more of the many groups who defend the 2nd. I am not going to tell you which one to join. The NRA is the biggest. But there are others who do not compromise on the 2A. The FPC, the SAF, and the GOA all do great work. I am personally a member of several, but you need to do your own legwork and see which group best suits your views.

Don’t Hide

The news media in this country make it seem as if those of us who like guns and want the 2nd Amendment are a small group of ragtag fringe weirdoes. We aren’t. We are, in fact, the majority. Which is why we are cast differently by the media.

Here is a free tip – anytime the media is trying very hard to convince you of something, ask yourself why. Quite often, they have an agenda that is not in your best interest. Most of the time lately, the truth is the exact opposite of what they are telling us.

And the terms used by the media are designed to provoke a certain response. Common-sense gun laws is used to paint you as a rube if you don’t support what they propose. Look at what they propose and ask yourself if it would have prevented any of the previous attacks. None of them would. All that these common-sense laws do is infringe on the rights of law abiding citizens. I could go on, but I think the point is clear.

If you believe in 1A and 2A, view yourself as an Ambassador. Let people know, there is nothing to fear. There have been record gun sales every month since the election. And the interesting fact is that the majority of these sales have been to first time gun buyers. Help educate people that pro 2A feelings are normal, share your story, welcome people. If they tell you they bought an AR-15, congratulate them and use Tyrion’s line from Game of Thrones, “You’re in the great game now.”

Don’t Panic

Yes, the current administration doesn’t like 2A. They are going to make Executive Orders and call for legislation to infringe on the 2nd Amendment. These actions will be challenged, legally. Support and watch. Don’t be stupid, everything in life is a process and this is no exception.

Those are my thoughts on how we can protect the our 2nd Amendment rights. All signs point to some issues in the not too distant future. Stand strong and steady. I believe that we will win because we are right. Take care of each other.