bearingarms--2020-01-18--No, Virginia Hasn't Descended Into Tyranny

As we get closer to Virginia ’ s Lobby Day on Monday , I ’ m seeing more and more hyberbolic posts on social media about how Virginia is now under the thumb of a tyrant , misinformation about non-existent bills being signed into law , and other attempts to gain attention or stoke people ’ s fear and anger .
To say this isn ’ t helpful is an understatement .
We ’ re currently just a few weeks into Virginia ’ s legislative session , and the fact is , not one bad bill has become a bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the governor yet .
In fact , nothing has even gotten to his desk at the moment .
We ’ ve had three gun control bills pass out of the Senate , but the House hasn ’ t even had a single committee hearing on any gun control legislation .
In fact , Virginia gun owners are actually having an impact on the debate in the legislature , thanks to the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement that ’ s swept across the state and has led to tens of thousands of engaged citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gun control agenda .
I don ’ t believe that Northam has the authority to institute his gun ban in Capitol Square , but unfortunately the Virginia State Supreme Court didn ’ t reach the merits of the case brought by VCDL and GOA .
Instead , the court ruled that the groups didn ’ t file the necessary paperwork with the Court , and refused the petition , leaving open the question of whether or not the governor has overstepped his constitutional authority .
As for Northam ’ s gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things actually stand right now .
Ban on so-called “ assault firearms , ” magazines over ten rounds , suppressors , and trigger activators There ’ s actually good news to report here .
Sen. Dick Saslaw ’ s orginal ban on so-called “ assault firearms ” and hardware was killed in a Senate committee last week .
Friday was the filing deadline for new legislation , and no new bill was introduced in the state Senate .
That leaves HB 961 as the sole vehicle for a ban on the most commonly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with bans on commonly owned magazines and suppressors .
HB 961 contains a “ grandfather clause ” permitting current gun owners to maintain possession of their firearms , but only if they register themselves and their guns with the state .
It ’ s an awful bill , and it would be an absolute infringement on the right to keep and bear arms , but it hasn ’ t even had a hearing yet .
What ’ s more , at least four Virginia senate Democrats say they ’ re not on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen so far .
Simply put , right now there aren ’ t enough votes to pass this bill in the Senate , even if it were to pass the House .
Obviously that can change , and we need to continue to lobby our lawmakers , particularly those four Democrat senators opposed to the current language , to encourage them to reject this bill that would turn the vast majority of the state ’ s legal gun owners into felons for simply maintaining possession of their legally owned firearms , magazines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of committee , but only after completely gutting the original language .
The state Senate was scheduled to vote on SB 240 this week , but pulled the bill from consideration on two consecutive days .
There have also been a couple of substitute bills offered up on the floor of the Senate , but rather than vote on those , the Senate chose to pass by the legislation .
That suggests that SB 240 also doesn ’ t have the votes to pass , at least in its current form .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the bill on the Senate floor , however , Democrats want to try to hash out the details in caucus .
Interestingly enough , I ’ m hearing that one of the biggest opponents of the bill at the moment among Democrats is Sen. Joe Morrissey , a longtime supporter of gun control .
Before he was disbarred , Morrissey was a criminal defense attorney , and my sources say he has problems with the lack of due process in the bill .
Morrissey himself has said the bill needs some work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more specific than that .
A bill limiting handgun purchases to one per month was approved by the Virginia State Senate earlier this week , but not before the original legislation was amended to make it slightly less awful .
SB 69 isn ’ t nice at all , but if it becomes law then Virginia will revert back to laws that were in place from the mid 1990s through 2012 .
The bill was amended to exempt concealed carry licensees from the law , which may have the ironic and unintended effect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their right to bear arms .
This bill is now in a House committee .
Another bill that has passed the Senate , but not without major revisions that have made gun control groups unhappy .
Democrat Chap Petersen was successful in passing a substitute measure in the Senate Public Safety committee that dramatically changed the bill .
Before the changes SB 70 would have criminalized most private transfers and sales of firearms unless a background check was conducted beforehand .
Now the bill only applies to sales of firearms , but there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others you might now .
This means that you could give a gun to your brother for Christmas without having to use an FFL to conduct a background check , but if you sold him a rifle before deer season you would have to visit a gun store and have them transfer the firearm .
As you can imagine , this bill is nearly impossible to enforce , whether we ’ re talking about the original language or Petersen ’ s substitute .
I suspect this bill will be challenged in court if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northam , but I also expect we ’ ll see few if any arrests for violating this law even if it goes into effect .
SB 70 is currently in the House awaiting a committee vote .
This is probably the worst of the bills that have passed out of the state Senate to date .
SB 35 would begin to gut Virginia ’ s firearm preemption laws and allow for localities to ban lawfully carried firearms at permitted events , as well as ban gun shows in government owned buildings or on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It would also allow for cities , towns , and counties in Virginia to sue firearms manufacturers .
This bill is also awaiting a vote in a House committee .
I suspect it will eventually pass in some form and be signed by the governor .
It may also face a court challenge , but it ’ s important to remember that the bill empowers localities to set some new gun control laws , but it doesn ’ t require them to do so .
This is where Virginia ’ s 130+ Second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as the local gun owners that turned out by the tens of thousands to urge local lawmakers to stand in support of their rights .
That same grassroots network can and will be mobilized to oppose any proposed changes to local gun control laws .
There are lots of other firearm-related bills that may begin moving in the coming weeks like HB 9 , which would establish a civil penalty for not reporting a firearm that is lost or stolen , HB 567 targeting the NRA range with closure , SB @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and HB 899 , which would ban all non-lead ammunition in Virginia .
None of these bills have been scheduled for a committee hearing at this point , but we ’ re certainly keeping a close eye on all of them .
Where Things Stand Right Now Clearly the civic engagement of gun owners in Virginia is helping to mitigate some of the worst of these bills .
We are having a positive impact on some pieces of legislation , and the Democrats are far from unified in what their gun control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one thing to cut a campaign ad promising “ common sense gun safety measures.
” It ’ s another thing entirely to actually write a piece of legislation that isn ’ t a total mess .
Gun owners in the state of Virginia need to keep contacting their lawmakers to politely but firmly urge them to reject Northam ’ s gun control agenda .
Now is a time for civic engagement , not civil war .
Even if the worst of these bills become horrible laws , they can and will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to play the long game right now .
We are making a difference at the state legislature , but that will likely change if there is any violence during Monday ’ s Lobby Day .
I will be there , alongside tens of thousands of my fellow Virginians , to peacefully lobby lawmakers and to encourage gun owners in the state to continue to stay engaged , informed , and active in the political process .
If that ’ s not why you ’ re coming , stay home .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you see individuals trying to start trouble , let the police know .
Don ’ t try to handle it yourself .
Walk away and talk to the authorities .
Let ’ s all do what we can to ensure that Lobby Day is a peaceful and powerful gathering of Virginians and those who support their lobbying efforts to defeat Ralph Northam ’ s anti-gun agenda .

As we get closer to Virginia’s Lobby Day on Monday, I’m seeing more and more hyberbolic posts on social media about how Virginia is now under the thumb of a tyrant, misinformation about non-existent bills being signed into law, and other attempts to gain attention or stoke people’s fear and anger.
To say this isn’t helpful is an understatement. We’re currently just a few weeks into Virginia’s legislative session, and the fact is, not one bad bill has become a bad law. Nothing’s been signed by the governor yet. In fact, nothing has even gotten to his desk at the moment. We’ve had three gun control bills pass out of the Senate, but the House hasn’t even had a single committee hearing on any gun control legislation. In fact, Virginia gun owners are actually having an impact on the debate in the legislature, thanks to the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement that’s swept across the state and has led to tens of thousands of engaged citizens contacting their lawmakers to oppose Ralph Northam’s gun control agenda.
I don’t believe that Northam has the authority to institute his gun ban in Capitol Square, but unfortunately the Virginia State Supreme Court didn’t reach the merits of the case brought by VCDL and GOA. Instead, the court ruled that the groups didn’t file the necessary paperwork with the Court, and refused the petition, leaving open the question of whether or not the governor has overstepped his constitutional authority.
As for Northam’s gun control legislation, here’s where things actually stand right now.
Ban on so-called “assault firearms,” magazines over ten rounds, suppressors, and trigger activators
There’s actually good news to report here. Sen. Dick Saslaw’s orginal ban on so-called “assault firearms” and hardware was killed in a Senate committee last week. Friday was the filing deadline for new legislation, and no new bill was introduced in the state Senate. That leaves HB 961 as the sole vehicle for a ban on the most commonly sold rifle in the country today, along with bans on commonly owned magazines and suppressors.
HB 961 contains a “grandfather clause” permitting current gun owners to maintain possession of their firearms, but only if they register themselves and their guns with the state. It’s an awful bill, and it would be an absolute infringement on the right to keep and bear arms, but it hasn’t even had a hearing yet. What’s more, at least four Virginia senate Democrats say they’re not on board with the language they’ve seen so far. Simply put, right now there aren’t enough votes to pass this bill in the Senate, even if it were to pass the House.
Obviously that can change, and we need to continue to lobby our lawmakers, particularly those four Democrat senators opposed to the current language, to encourage them to reject this bill that would turn the vast majority of the state’s legal gun owners into felons for simply maintaining possession of their legally owned firearms, magazines, and suppressors.
Red Flag Law
Democrats passed SB 240 out of committee, but only after completely gutting the original language. The state Senate was scheduled to vote on SB 240 this week, but pulled the bill from consideration on two consecutive days. There have also been a couple of substitute bills offered up on the floor of the Senate, but rather than vote on those, the Senate chose to pass by the legislation.
That suggests that SB 240 also doesn’t have the votes to pass, at least in its current form. Rather than engage in an intra-party fight over the bill on the Senate floor, however, Democrats want to try to hash out the details in caucus. Interestingly enough, I’m hearing that one of the biggest opponents of the bill at the moment among Democrats is Sen. Joe Morrissey, a longtime supporter of gun control. Before he was disbarred, Morrissey was a criminal defense attorney, and my sources say he has problems with the lack of due process in the bill. Morrissey himself has said the bill needs some work, though he didn’t get more specific than that.
Gun Rationing
A bill limiting handgun purchases to one per month was approved by the Virginia State Senate earlier this week, but not before the original legislation was amended to make it slightly less awful. SB 69 isn’t nice at all, but if it becomes law then Virginia will revert back to laws that were in place from the mid 1990s through 2012. The bill was amended to exempt concealed carry licensees from the law, which may have the ironic and unintended effect of increasing the number of Virginians exercising their right to bear arms. This bill is now in a House committee.
Universal Background Checks
Another bill that has passed the Senate, but not without major revisions that have made gun control groups unhappy. Democrat Chap Petersen was successful in passing a substitute measure in the Senate Public Safety committee that dramatically changed the bill.
Before the changes SB 70 would have criminalized most private transfers and sales of firearms unless a background check was conducted beforehand. Now the bill only applies to sales of firearms, but there are no exemptions for family members or others you might now. This means that you could give a gun to your brother for Christmas without having to use an FFL to conduct a background check, but if you sold him a rifle before deer season you would have to visit a gun store and have them transfer the firearm.
As you can imagine, this bill is nearly impossible to enforce, whether we’re talking about the original language or Petersen’s substitute. I suspect this bill will be challenged in court if it’s signed by Gov. Northam, but I also expect we’ll see few if any arrests for violating this law even if it goes into effect.
SB 70 is currently in the House awaiting a committee vote.
Firearms Preemption
This is probably the worst of the bills that have passed out of the state Senate to date. SB 35 would begin to gut Virginia’s firearm preemption laws and allow for localities to ban lawfully carried firearms at permitted events, as well as ban gun shows in government owned buildings or on property owned or leased by localities. It would also allow for cities, towns, and counties in Virginia to sue firearms manufacturers.
This bill is also awaiting a vote in a House committee. I suspect it will eventually pass in some form and be signed by the governor. It may also face a court challenge, but it’s important to remember that the bill empowers localities to set some new gun control laws, but it doesn’t require them to do so. This is where Virginia’s 130+ Second Amendment Sanctuary localities come into play, as well as the local gun owners that turned out by the tens of thousands to urge local lawmakers to stand in support of their rights. That same grassroots network can and will be mobilized to oppose any proposed changes to local gun control laws.
Other Gun Related Bills
There are lots of other firearm-related bills that may begin moving in the coming weeks like HB 9, which would establish a civil penalty for not reporting a firearm that is lost or stolen, HB 567 targeting the NRA range with closure, SB 353 restricting where outdoor ranges can operate, and HB 899, which would ban all non-lead ammunition in Virginia. None of these bills have been scheduled for a committee hearing at this point, but we’re certainly keeping a close eye on all of them.
Where Things Stand Right Now
Clearly the civic engagement of gun owners in Virginia is helping to mitigate some of the worst of these bills. We are having a positive impact on some pieces of legislation, and the Democrats are far from unified in what their gun control bills should look like. It’s one thing to cut a campaign ad promising “common sense gun safety measures.” It’s another thing entirely to actually write a piece of legislation that isn’t a total mess.
Gun owners in the state of Virginia need to keep contacting their lawmakers to politely but firmly urge them to reject Northam’s gun control agenda. Now is a time for civic engagement, not civil war. Even if the worst of these bills become horrible laws, they can and will be challenged in court. Virginia gun owners need to play the long game right now. We are making a difference at the state legislature, but that will likely change if there is any violence during Monday’s Lobby Day.
I will be there, alongside tens of thousands of my fellow Virginians, to peacefully lobby lawmakers and to encourage gun owners in the state to continue to stay engaged, informed, and active in the political process. If that’s not why you’re coming, stay home. If you’re attending the Lobby Day activities and you see individuals trying to start trouble, let the police know. Don’t try to handle it yourself. Walk away and talk to the authorities. Let’s all do what we can to ensure that Lobby Day is a peaceful and powerful gathering of Virginians and those who support their lobbying efforts to defeat Ralph Northam’s anti-gun agenda.


bearingarms--2020-01-18--Ralph Northam Is Virginia's Best Gun Salesman

Virginia gun sales soared in December as tens of thousands of Virginians stocked up on firearms , ammunition , magazines , and more in the wake of the Democrats ’ takeover of the state legislature in the November elections .
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports gun sales in the last month of 2019 were the second highest in state history .
While December is always the busiest month for firearms sales , we are truly in the midst of a buying spree of historic proportions .
I was speaking to Scott Ayers at Farmville Sporting Goods not long ago and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he gets in are pretty much sold as soon as he puts them up for sale ( with the exception of those chambered in .223 , for some reason ) .
The same goes for 20 and 30 round magazines , but what really surprised me was that Ayers says he sold more suppressors in December than in the past five years combined .
All of these items would be banned outright under HB 961 , though owners of AR-15 ’ s and other designated “ assault firearms ” could receive permission to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they registered themselves and their guns with the State .
Magazines would be illegal to own unless they were permanently modified to only accept ten rounds , and lawfully owned suppressors would be banned with no grandfather clause as well .
Yet despite the fact that these items may soon be illegal , it sure looks like a lot of Virginians are buying them , and I doubt they ’ re considering their purchases a short-term rental .
No , the fact of the matter is that Governor Ralph Northam has surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rourke as the state ’ s best gun salesman , and these gun owners seem like they ’ re in it for the long haul .
That means they either think Northam will fail to get his gun ban through or that he won ’ t be able to enforce it if the bill does become law .
There is no doubt that Northam ’ s gun ban is struggling in the legislature right now .
In fact , in its current form it doesn ’ t have the votes to pass , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a safe bet to make that it will fail ?
No .
I ’ d say right now it ’ s 50/50 at best , and many other awful gun control bills are almost certain to be signed by Northam even if the gun and accessories ban doesn ’ t make it to his desk .
It ’ s my belief that most of these Virginians buying new guns , mags , and suppressors are doing so because they don ’ t intend on complying with the law and are prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disobedience .
We ’ ve seen this in New York with their SAFE Act and in New Jersey with their magazine ban .
Honestly , why should we expect anything different in Virginia ?
These laws are virtually unenforceable , unless it ’ s an add-on charge against someone arrested for a violent crime .
We shouldn ’ t be surprised if compliance rates are absurdly low .
We also shouldn ’ t be surprised if gun sales continue to skyrocket in the state of Virginia ahead of the July 1st effective date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed by Gov .
Northam .
If December of 2019 was good enough for the number two spot , look for June of 2020 to set a new state record for gun sales .

Virginia gun sales soared in December as tens of thousands of Virginians stocked up on firearms, ammunition, magazines, and more in the wake of the Democrats’ takeover of the state legislature in the November elections. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports gun sales in the last month of 2019 were the second highest in state history.
While December is always the busiest month for firearms sales, we are truly in the midst of a buying spree of historic proportions. I was speaking to Scott Ayers at Farmville Sporting Goods not long ago and he told me that any AR-15’s he gets in are pretty much sold as soon as he puts them up for sale (with the exception of those chambered in .223, for some reason). The same goes for 20 and 30 round magazines, but what really surprised me was that Ayers says he sold more suppressors in December than in the past five years combined.
All of these items would be banned outright under HB 961, though owners of AR-15’s and other designated “assault firearms” could receive permission to continue to own their firearms as long as they registered themselves and their guns with the State. Magazines would be illegal to own unless they were permanently modified to only accept ten rounds, and lawfully owned suppressors would be banned with no grandfather clause as well. Yet despite the fact that these items may soon be illegal, it sure looks like a lot of Virginians are buying them, and I doubt they’re considering their purchases a short-term rental.
No, the fact of the matter is that Governor Ralph Northam has surpassed Robert Francis “Beto” O’Rourke as the state’s best gun salesman, and these gun owners seem like they’re in it for the long haul. That means they either think Northam will fail to get his gun ban through or that he won’t be able to enforce it if the bill does become law.
There is no doubt that Northam’s gun ban is struggling in the legislature right now. In fact, in its current form it doesn’t have the votes to pass, at least at the moment. Is it a safe bet to make that it will fail? No. I’d say right now it’s 50/50 at best, and many other awful gun control bills are almost certain to be signed by Northam even if the gun and accessories ban doesn’t make it to his desk.
It’s my belief that most of these Virginians buying new guns, mags, and suppressors are doing so because they don’t intend on complying with the law and are prepared to engage in a non-violent act of civil disobedience. We’ve seen this in New York with their SAFE Act and in New Jersey with their magazine ban. Honestly, why should we expect anything different in Virginia? These laws are virtually unenforceable, unless it’s an add-on charge against someone arrested for a violent crime. We shouldn’t be surprised if compliance rates are absurdly low.
We also shouldn’t be surprised if gun sales continue to skyrocket in the state of Virginia ahead of the July 1st effective date of any gun control legislation that gets signed by Gov. Northam. If December of 2019 was good enough for the number two spot, look for June of 2020 to set a new state record for gun sales.


bearingarms--2020-01-18--Lawsuit Filed Over University Blocking Pro-Gun Rally

Let ’ s be perfectly honest about college for a moment .
While there ’ s a lot of good things about sending our kids to get a college education , we also have to acknowledge that colleges are uber progressive places that care little about people ’ s rights .
They ’ re just not interested in things like free speech , much less the Second Amendment .
In fact , one college managed to take a dump on both and now it finds itself being sued over it .
A group of students filed a lawsuit against Montclair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school squashed their freedom of speech by shutting down a pro-gun-rights demonstration on campus .
A campus police officer told the students that under university policy , anyone who wants to speak on campus has to obtain permission at least two weeks in advance and that the dean ’ s office would assign a time and place to speak , according to the lawsuit .
The requirement imposes an unconstitutional prior restraint on all students , MSU sophomore Mena Botros and the student group Young Americans for Liberty argued in the lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defending Freedom , a legal advocacy group that says it defends religious freedom .
“ A public university is supposed to be a marketplace of ideas , but that marketplace can ’ t function if officials impose burdensome restraints on speech or if they can selectively enforce those restraints against disfavored groups , ” said Michael Ross , legal counsel with the Alliance .
The dean of the university argues that the school is committed to free speech , but that they need to do things this way so as to prevent disruptions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds nice , but I ’ ve covered a lot of university shenanigans through the years for our now sister site PJ Media .
I ’ ve seen how this works .
You see , when the administration decides on the place and time , favored speech is given prominence while disfavored speech is relegated to the nether regions of the university .
One conservative speaker had her talk scheduled on an evening during midterms when few people would be able to attend without jeopardizing their studies , just to name one example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argues that the university has an interest in keeping distractions to a minimum , but that doesn ’ t mean they ’ re justified in trampling the rights of students either .
We all know how a gun rights demonstration would go under these circumstances and I ’ m glad these students have filed suit .
Montclair State University , even if they ’ re sincere in their efforts and planned to act in a completely unmalicious manner , does not have the authority to trample the rights of students .
My hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the university down , but also sends a clear message to college campuses across the United States that this kind of behavior isn ’ t acceptable .
We already know they don ’ t like guns , but disliking free speech as well just shows you their true stripes .
All our rights matter or none of them do .
Maybe after these students win in court , we ’ ll get the chance to write about the pro-gun demonstration on a college campus .

Let’s be perfectly honest about college for a moment. While there’s a lot of good things about sending our kids to get a college education, we also have to acknowledge that colleges are uber progressive places that care little about people’s rights. They’re just not interested in things like free speech, much less the Second Amendment.
In fact, one college managed to take a dump on both and now it finds itself being sued over it.
A group of students filed a lawsuit against Montclair State University on Wednesday, arguing that the school squashed their freedom of speech by shutting down a pro-gun-rights demonstration on campus. A campus police officer told the students that under university policy, anyone who wants to speak on campus has to obtain permission at least two weeks in advance and that the dean’s office would assign a time and place to speak, according to the lawsuit. The requirement imposes an unconstitutional prior restraint on all students, MSU sophomore Mena Botros and the student group Young Americans for Liberty argued in the lawsuit. They are represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a legal advocacy group that says it defends religious freedom. “A public university is supposed to be a marketplace of ideas, but that marketplace can’t function if officials impose burdensome restraints on speech or if they can selectively enforce those restraints against disfavored groups,” said Michael Ross, legal counsel with the Alliance.
The dean of the university argues that the school is committed to free speech, but that they need to do things this way so as to prevent disruptions to classes.
Of course, that sounds nice, but I’ve covered a lot of university shenanigans through the years for our now sister site PJ Media. I’ve seen how this works.
You see, when the administration decides on the place and time, favored speech is given prominence while disfavored speech is relegated to the nether regions of the university. One conservative speaker had her talk scheduled on an evening during midterms when few people would be able to attend without jeopardizing their studies, just to name one example.
I don’t think anyone argues that the university has an interest in keeping distractions to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean they’re justified in trampling the rights of students either. We all know how a gun rights demonstration would go under these circumstances and I’m glad these students have filed suit.
Montclair State University, even if they’re sincere in their efforts and planned to act in a completely unmalicious manner, does not have the authority to trample the rights of students. My hope is that this lawsuit not only slaps the university down, but also sends a clear message to college campuses across the United States that this kind of behavior isn’t acceptable.
We already know they don’t like guns, but disliking free speech as well just shows you their true stripes.
All our rights matter or none of them do. Maybe after these students win in court, we’ll get the chance to write about the pro-gun demonstration on a college campus.


bearingarms--2020-01-19--New Jersey County Declares Its Support For Second Amendment

The Second Amendment Sanctuary movement is alive and well , even in the state of New Jersey , where Cape May County freeholders unanimously approved a resolution this week declaring the county a “ sanctuary ” for gun owners .
As NJ.com reports , the move comes just a couple of weeks ahead of a campaign rally for President Donald Trump .
Unlike similar resolutions adopted late last year in West Milford and Sussex Borough , Cape May ’ s version does not single out for criticism a new state law allows for removing weapons from someone judged a threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while silent on New Jersey ’ s so-called red flag law , it condemns an Assembly bill that would require gun owners to obtain at least $ 50,00 in liability insurance .
Cape May is believed to be the first county in New Jersey to adopt a pro-gun resolution .
The wording is similar to resolutions that have been approved by county and local jurisdictions in several other states this year .
NJ.com goes on to say that “ nearly half of Virginia ’ s counties ” have declared themselves Second Amendment Sanctuaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense League the current tally is 91 of Virginia ’ s 95 counties , along with 45 cities and towns in the state .
For now Cape May is the only county in the state to adopt such a resolution , but as the website notes , two towns in the northern part of the state adopted similar language in late 2019 .
Other counties and townships may soon follow .
Freeholder boards in two other Republican-dominated counties , Salem and Sussex , are considering resolutions .
Salem County Freeholder Director Benjamin H. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the board ’ s next meeting .
“ We took an oath to uphold the constitution , which includes the Second Amendment , ” he said .
While it ’ s fantastic to see these county freeholders support these resolutions , it would be even better if the county sheriffs and prosecutors get on board as well .
Still , this is absolutely a move in the right direction , and I applaud the work of the grassroots in these counties to get the ball rolling .
Nicholas Joseph , a Gloucester County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2A Sanctuary group Dec. 23 that is seeking support for the pro-gun resolutions throughout the state .
In addition to West Milford and Sussex Borough , Joseph said that resolutions have been adopted by Down Township and Maurice River in Cumberland County , Alloway in Salem County , and Franklin and Hamburg in Sussex County .
I haven ’ t even seen any news items about the townships that have adopted Second Amendment Sanctuary resolutions , and I spend a lot of my time looking for these types of things .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph and volunteers are able to grow the movement in the weeks and months ahead .
Cam Edwards has covered the 2nd Amendment for more than 15 years as a broadcast and online journalist , as well as the co-author of `` Heavy Lifting : Grow Up , Get a Job , Start a Family , and Other Manly Advice '' with Jim Geraghty .
He lives outside of Farmville , Virginia with his family .
https : //bearingarms.com/author/camedwards/

The Second Amendment Sanctuary movement is alive and well, even in the state of New Jersey, where Cape May County freeholders unanimously approved a resolution this week declaring the county a “sanctuary” for gun owners. As NJ.com reports, the move comes just a couple of weeks ahead of a campaign rally for President Donald Trump.
Unlike similar resolutions adopted late last year in West Milford and Sussex Borough, Cape May’s version does not single out for criticism a new state law allows for removing weapons from someone judged a threat to themselves or others. However, while silent on New Jersey’s so-called red flag law, it condemns an Assembly bill that would require gun owners to obtain at least $50,00 in liability insurance. Cape May is believed to be the first county in New Jersey to adopt a pro-gun resolution. The wording is similar to resolutions that have been approved by county and local jurisdictions in several other states this year.
NJ.com goes on to say that “nearly half of Virginia’s counties” have declared themselves Second Amendment Sanctuaries, but according to the Virginia Citizens Defense League the current tally is 91 of Virginia’s 95 counties, along with 45 cities and towns in the state.
For now Cape May is the only county in the state to adopt such a resolution, but as the website notes, two towns in the northern part of the state adopted similar language in late 2019. Other counties and townships may soon follow.
Freeholder boards in two other Republican-dominated counties, Salem and Sussex, are considering resolutions. Salem County Freeholder Director Benjamin H. Laury said a vote is possible at the board’s next meeting. “We took an oath to uphold the constitution, which includes the Second Amendment,” he said.
While it’s fantastic to see these county freeholders support these resolutions, it would be even better if the county sheriffs and prosecutors get on board as well. Still, this is absolutely a move in the right direction, and I applaud the work of the grassroots in these counties to get the ball rolling.
Nicholas Joseph, a Gloucester County resident, said he co-founded the NJ 2A Sanctuary group Dec. 23 that is seeking support for the pro-gun resolutions throughout the state. In addition to West Milford and Sussex Borough, Joseph said that resolutions have been adopted by Down Township and Maurice River in Cumberland County, Alloway in Salem County, and Franklin and Hamburg in Sussex County.
I haven’t even seen any news items about the townships that have adopted Second Amendment Sanctuary resolutions, and I spend a lot of my time looking for these types of things. This is good stuff, and I hope that Joseph and volunteers are able to grow the movement in the weeks and months ahead.


bearingarms--2020-01-19--An Open Letter To All Those Attending Virginia's Lobby Day

While I ’ ll be speaking at the Lobby Day rally scheduled to take place Monday morning at the state capitol alongside individuals like Stephen Willeford of Sutherland Springs , Texas , Dick Heller , Antonia Okafor , and more , I want to say a few things to everyone attending before the event begins .
First , to all of my fellow Virginia gun owners who showed up at your county supervisors and city council meetings to urge them to support the right of the People to keep and bear arms and declare their community a Second Amendment Sanctuary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of you are traveling a long way to make it to the capitol .
For many of you , this may be your first time attending a Lobby Day .
You may be very new to citizen activism , but you ’ re making a difference .
You know how unique this movement has been over the past two months .
It hasn ’ t been led or directed from above .
You ’ re not taking any marching orders from anyone .
You heard about what was going on with Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at the grocery store checkout , or maybe your local gun store owner .
You organized with your friends and family and were thrilled to see a packed house at your next local government meeting .
You may not even have been able to get in the door yourself , and strained to listen to what was happening while standing in the cold December night .
You didn ’ t leave until you heard the roar of the crowd as the Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution was approved , and you cheered along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steps of the county courthouse .
I ’ ve stood with you on those steps .
I ’ ve seen you helping your kids with their homework in the foyer of the Louisa County administrators building .
I ’ ve heard your impassioned pleas for lawmakers to focus their efforts on fighting violent crime and repairing our mental health system instead of targeting you and other legal gun owners .
I know how important this effort is to you , and that you are bringing that same spirit with you to the capitol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thank you for all of your efforts and I urge to you stay politically engaged after you leave the capitol and return home .
We still have a long legislative fight ahead of us , but this is also an election year , and we need to be as involved as possible from now through November to ensure that candidates who will protect our rights win election .
You are the heart and soul of this grassroots movement of civic engagement and peaceful protest .
And unfortunately , your success is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of media attention , but with unwanted attention from those who would co-opt Lobby Day for their own purposes , be it benign or malignant .
Republican and Democratic leadership in the Virginia legislature were given a security briefing on Friday , and while the lawmakers can not disclose the information that they ’ ve learned , Republicans didn ’ t come out afterwards proclaiming that they hadn ’ t heard anything that rises to a credible threat .
Instead , GOP lawmakers released a statement on Saturday morning decrying any attempt by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gilbert is right when he says some individuals are going to try to subvert what your grassroots movement has created , and honestly , I ’ m as angry at them as I am at the lawmakers who are trying to infringe on our rights .
So let me now address those few individuals who may be planning on attending Lobby Day to do something other than peacefully lobby lawmakers to reject Governor Ralph Northam ’ s unconstitutional gun control agenda .
You ’ re not needed , you ’ re not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be welcomed .
The gun owners of Virginia who are lobbying their lawmakers don ’ t believe that the right to keep and bear arms is a right of the Right , or a right of the whites , or of any other specific demographic .
It is the right of the People to keep and bear arms that shall not be infringed .
We are advocating for the human right of self defense and our constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms , and for nothing else .
We stand together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creed in support of those rights .
This is not an insurrection or a violent protest .
This is not an opportunity to clash with anyone , whether it ’ s the alt-right or antifa .
Lobby Day is an act of civic engagement on the part of thousands of Virginia residents .
If you have any other agenda planned , don ’ t come at all .
I know the vast majority of the gun owners I ’ ve seen who are coming from other states are coming with the right frame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Virginians in support , not try to spark off violence that would only enable anti-gun lawmakers to find the support they need for bills that are currently struggling , like Ralph Northam ’ s gun , mag , and suppressor ban .
You know that any violence would only be used by lawmakers to ram through their gun control bills , and you know that means anyone advocating for or engaging in acts of violence are no friend of the Second Amendment or Virginia gun owners .
I thank you for standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help to ensure a peaceful and successful event .
Finally , for any Virginia lawmakers who support any of these gun control bills that have been filed this session and who are able to hear or speak to their constituents , I hope that you ’ ll be able to filter out the noise and the narrative from outside groups and actually listen to what the people you represent have to say .
They ’ re asking you to focus on the real issues that are driving violent crime and the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care deeply about safe communities , but they know that their legally owned guns aren ’ t the problem .
Many of them can tell you stories of their family members , co-workers , or friends lost to opiates that have flooded the state and killed more Virginians than firearms .
They know that a red flag law that takes guns from those determined to be a danger , but leaves them with no mental health treatment , is not a serious solution to the serious problems we face .
They also know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gun owners would be turned into felons overnight if bills like HB 961 became law , and they ’ re trying to help you avoid making a disastrous mistake .
To everyone attending Lobby Day , I hope that it is an experience that leaves you energized and engaged in the legislative fights we face , the litigation and pushback against any new laws that is sure to come , and the November elections that will be here in the blink of an eye .
If you see someone trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know .
If someone tries to start trouble with you , don ’ t engage .
Be safe , be kind , and be a good ambassador for our Second Amendment rights and gun owners across the nation .

While I’ll be speaking at the Lobby Day rally scheduled to take place Monday morning at the state capitol alongside individuals like Stephen Willeford of Sutherland Springs, Texas, Dick Heller, Antonia Okafor, and more, I want to say a few things to everyone attending before the event begins.
First, to all of my fellow Virginia gun owners who showed up at your county supervisors and city council meetings to urge them to support the right of the People to keep and bear arms and declare their community a Second Amendment Sanctuary, thank you. I know that many of you are traveling a long way to make it to the capitol. For many of you, this may be your first time attending a Lobby Day. You may be very new to citizen activism, but you’re making a difference.
You know how unique this movement has been over the past two months. It hasn’t been led or directed from above. You’re not taking any marching orders from anyone. You heard about what was going on with Democrats and their gun bills from your neighbor, at the grocery store checkout, or maybe your local gun store owner. You organized with your friends and family and were thrilled to see a packed house at your next local government meeting. You may not even have been able to get in the door yourself, and strained to listen to what was happening while standing in the cold December night. You didn’t leave until you heard the roar of the crowd as the Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution was approved, and you cheered along with hundreds of your neighbors on the steps of the county courthouse.
I’ve stood with you on those steps. I’ve seen you helping your kids with their homework in the foyer of the Louisa County administrators building. I’ve heard your impassioned pleas for lawmakers to focus their efforts on fighting violent crime and repairing our mental health system instead of targeting you and other legal gun owners. I know how important this effort is to you, and that you are bringing that same spirit with you to the capitol for Lobby Day. I salute you and thank you for all of your efforts and I urge to you stay politically engaged after you leave the capitol and return home. We still have a long legislative fight ahead of us, but this is also an election year, and we need to be as involved as possible from now through November to ensure that candidates who will protect our rights win election.
You are the heart and soul of this grassroots movement of civic engagement and peaceful protest. And unfortunately, your success is being recognized not just with a huge amount of media attention, but with unwanted attention from those who would co-opt Lobby Day for their own purposes, be it benign or malignant.
Republican and Democratic leadership in the Virginia legislature were given a security briefing on Friday, and while the lawmakers cannot disclose the information that they’ve learned, Republicans didn’t come out afterwards proclaiming that they hadn’t heard anything that rises to a credible threat. Instead, GOP lawmakers released a statement on Saturday morning decrying any attempt by violent agitators to cause unrest.
My statement on Monday’s 2nd Amendment rally in Richmond: pic.twitter.com/41imrpW6Ey — Todd Gilbert (@cToddGilbert) January 18, 2020
Del. Gilbert is right when he says some individuals are going to try to subvert what your grassroots movement has created, and honestly, I’m as angry at them as I am at the lawmakers who are trying to infringe on our rights.
So let me now address those few individuals who may be planning on attending Lobby Day to do something other than peacefully lobby lawmakers to reject Governor Ralph Northam’s unconstitutional gun control agenda. You’re not needed, you’re not wanted, and you won’t be welcomed.
The gun owners of Virginia who are lobbying their lawmakers don’t believe that the right to keep and bear arms is a right of the Right, or a right of the whites, or of any other specific demographic. It is the right of the People to keep and bear arms that shall not be infringed. We are advocating for the human right of self defense and our constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms, and for nothing else. We stand together regardless of color, class, or creed in support of those rights. This is not an insurrection or a violent protest. This is not an opportunity to clash with anyone, whether it’s the alt-right or antifa. Lobby Day is an act of civic engagement on the part of thousands of Virginia residents. If you have any other agenda planned, don’t come at all.
I know the vast majority of the gun owners I’ve seen who are coming from other states are coming with the right frame of mind. You want to stand with Virginians in support, not try to spark off violence that would only enable anti-gun lawmakers to find the support they need for bills that are currently struggling, like Ralph Northam’s gun, mag, and suppressor ban. You know that any violence would only be used by lawmakers to ram through their gun control bills, and you know that means anyone advocating for or engaging in acts of violence are no friend of the Second Amendment or Virginia gun owners. I thank you for standing with us, and hope that you will help to ensure a peaceful and successful event.
Finally, for any Virginia lawmakers who support any of these gun control bills that have been filed this session and who are able to hear or speak to their constituents, I hope that you’ll be able to filter out the noise and the narrative from outside groups and actually listen to what the people you represent have to say. They’re asking you to focus on the real issues that are driving violent crime and the state’s mental health crisis. They care deeply about safe communities, but they know that their legally owned guns aren’t the problem. Many of them can tell you stories of their family members, co-workers, or friends lost to opiates that have flooded the state and killed more Virginians than firearms. They know that a red flag law that takes guns from those determined to be a danger, but leaves them with no mental health treatment, is not a serious solution to the serious problems we face. They also know that the vast majority of the state’s gun owners would be turned into felons overnight if bills like HB 961 became law, and they’re trying to help you avoid making a disastrous mistake.
To everyone attending Lobby Day, I hope that it is an experience that leaves you energized and engaged in the legislative fights we face, the litigation and pushback against any new laws that is sure to come, and the November elections that will be here in the blink of an eye. If you see someone trying to start trouble, let the appropriate authorities know. If someone tries to start trouble with you, don’t engage. Be safe, be kind, and be a good ambassador for our Second Amendment rights and gun owners across the nation.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--West Virginia Town Joins Sanctuary Movement

My mother was born in Virginia , yet she always referred to her native state ’ s next-door neighbor as West “ By God ” Virginia .
In fact , she didn ’ t just call it that but would correct people if they simply said “ West Virginia.
” No , I don ’ t really understand why , but she did .
However , it ’ s a state I ’ m developing a strong appreciation for .
Not only have they invited the bulk of the state of Virginia to join them , but they also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re the first community in the state to adopt such a resolution .
Of course , it ’ s not likely they ’ ll have much to worry about on the state level , though things can change ( see also : Virginia ) .
Regardless , though , it ’ s an important move and one that I wish a lot of counties and towns in pro-gun states would adopt as well .
As a Georgian , I ’ m actually disappointed that no one in my state seems to have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean , I know Stacey Abrams came close to winning in 2018 , but I ’ d have thought some of them would have done so as well .
Instead , we got beaten by a town in West “ By God ” Virginia .
Honestly , though , that ’ s fine .
It ’ s not a competition .
It ’ s about doing what is in the best interest of the citizens of a given municipality .
That means there ’ s no rush to be first .
What matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know my town won ’ t because it ’ s got a bit of a liberal bent to it .
But other municipalities throughout the nation need to follow enact these measures if for no other reason than to remind lawmakers that a large portion of the nation has no interest in gun control .
Maybe , just maybe , they ’ ll come to recognize that while some in the large urban centers love that kind of thing , the rest of us want to be left alone so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but should violence find us , we want to be able to respond and protect us and ours .
Don ’ t get me wrong , here .
I ’ m not a fool .
I know damn good and well that they ’ ll ignore anything that ’ s inconvenient to their worldview .
They ’ ll demonize us and belittle gun rights supporters ( things like calling us “ little kids ” and such ) , all to marginalize us to the point that we no longer count for anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t at least hold out hope that develop a little sense .
It doesn ’ t mean we should just roll over and die , letting future generations of Americans to live a life that includes tyranny of the thug as part of their everyday existence .
Oh no , our children and grandchildren deserve better than that .
So , become sanctuary communities and send the message .
If they can ’ t hear it , that ’ s on them .

My mother was born in Virginia, yet she always referred to her native state’s next-door neighbor as West “By God” Virginia. In fact, she didn’t just call it that but would correct people if they simply said “West Virginia.”
No, I don’t really understand why, but she did.
However, it’s a state I’m developing a strong appreciation for. Not only have they invited the bulk of the state of Virginia to join them, but they also have towns like this one:
A West Virginia community has passed a resolution declaring itself a “Second Amendment sanctuary.” The Fort Gay town council passed the resolution Friday night, news outlets reported. Supporters say it is a defense against possible federal or state legislation that could limit access to firearms, ammunition or gun accessories.
They’re the first community in the state to adopt such a resolution.
Of course, it’s not likely they’ll have much to worry about on the state level, though things can change (see also: Virginia). Regardless, though, it’s an important move and one that I wish a lot of counties and towns in pro-gun states would adopt as well.
As a Georgian, I’m actually disappointed that no one in my state seems to have any interest in becoming sanctuary counties. I mean, I know Stacey Abrams came close to winning in 2018, but I’d have thought some of them would have done so as well.
But, we haven’t.
Instead, we got beaten by a town in West “By God” Virginia.
Honestly, though, that’s fine. It’s not a competition. It’s about doing what is in the best interest of the citizens of a given municipality. That means there’s no rush to be first. What matters is that cities and counties follow suit.
I know my town won’t because it’s got a bit of a liberal bent to it. But other municipalities throughout the nation need to follow enact these measures if for no other reason than to remind lawmakers that a large portion of the nation has no interest in gun control.
Maybe, just maybe, they’ll come to recognize that while some in the large urban centers love that kind of thing, the rest of us want to be left alone so we can live our lives in peace, but should violence find us, we want to be able to respond and protect us and ours.
Don’t get me wrong, here. I’m not a fool. I know damn good and well that they’ll ignore anything that’s inconvenient to their worldview. They’ll demonize us and belittle gun rights supporters (things like calling us “little kids” and such), all to marginalize us to the point that we no longer count for anything.
That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t at least hold out hope that develop a little sense. It doesn’t mean we should just roll over and die, letting future generations of Americans to live a life that includes tyranny of the thug as part of their everyday existence. Oh no, our children and grandchildren deserve better than that.
So, become sanctuary communities and send the message. If they can’t hear it, that’s on them.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--Oregon Gun Group Reveals Ballot Initiative

Oregon is on the West Coast .
That fact alone should tell you pretty much how the state feels about guns and gun control .
We don ’ t call it the Left Coast just because of the way we view the map , after all .
However , there are still a lot of ways that Oregon isn ’ t as awful as it could be when it comes to your Second Amendment rights .
An interfaith gun control group , however , certainly wants to change that and have unveiled where they ’ re directing their efforts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has revealed three proposals for the upcoming legislative session , which have been opened to the public for feedback .
Pastor Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church , a member of LEVO , told The Oregonian “ There ’ s not a student in Oregon that has not had to deal with the threat of mass shootings .
We have to be concerned about life.
” The first proposed measure , Initiative Petition 60 , is the most comprehensive .
Under IP 60 , the sale of semiautomatic assault-style firearms would be to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would require proof of training and mandatory criminal background checks , with a five-day waiting period .
Furthermore , the measure would raise the minimum purchasing age for semiautomatic firearms to 21 , and ban the sale and manufacture of magazines that hold more than ten rounds , excluding the military or law enforcement .
The other two proposals are basically IP 60 broken up .
One is just the portion of the measure pertaining to rifles and the other is the magazine restriction .
Knutson said the group will settle on just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this isn ’ t good for gun owners , it ’ s important to remember that a magazine restriction proposed in the legislature last year didn ’ t go anywhere .
That means a magazine restriction isn ’ t the slam dunk one might think .
On the other hand , that proposal limited firearms to just five rounds , a limit that would have impacted even revolvers and made a complicated mess of firearm laws in the state .
That ’ s the most likely reason why that measure failed , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s magazine counterparts wouldn ’ t repeat .
So , what are the chances of this flying ?
Honestly , much of it depends on the language .
Obviously , die-hard pro-gun voices aren ’ t about to back this regardless of the language .
The problem is whether anyone else will back it , and this is Oregon .
They probably will unless there ’ s a particularly egregious bit of language in there .
That doesn ’ t mean it ’ s a done deal , though .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state step up and debunk these baseless fears and expose these measures for what they really are : scare-mongering in the name of restricting human rights .
It focuses on the weapon least likely to be used in a criminal action and feeds into the fear that the AR-15 and similar rifles represent some kind of horrible threat to life and property .
Nothing of the sort is true , of course , but that won ’ t stop anti-gunners like LEVO from pushing that tired old narrative .
What ’ s worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t stop some people from actually believing it .

Oregon is on the West Coast. That fact alone should tell you pretty much how the state feels about guns and gun control. We don’t call it the Left Coast just because of the way we view the map, after all.
However, there are still a lot of ways that Oregon isn’t as awful as it could be when it comes to your Second Amendment rights.
An interfaith gun control group, however, certainly wants to change that and have unveiled where they’re directing their efforts.
Interfaith gun-control group Lift Every Voice Oregon has revealed three proposals for the upcoming legislative session, which have been opened to the public for feedback. Pastor Mark Knutson of Augustana Lutheran Church, a member of LEVO, told The Oregonian “There’s not a student in Oregon that has not had to deal with the threat of mass shootings. We have to be concerned about life.” The first proposed measure, Initiative Petition 60, is the most comprehensive. Under IP 60, the sale of semiautomatic assault-style firearms would be to limited to gun dealers, and purchases would require proof of training and mandatory criminal background checks, with a five-day waiting period. Furthermore, the measure would raise the minimum purchasing age for semiautomatic firearms to 21, and ban the sale and manufacture of magazines that hold more than ten rounds, excluding the military or law enforcement.
The other two proposals are basically IP 60 broken up. One is just the portion of the measure pertaining to rifles and the other is the magazine restriction.
Knutson said the group will settle on just one proposal and move forward.
While this isn’t good for gun owners, it’s important to remember that a magazine restriction proposed in the legislature last year didn’t go anywhere. That means a magazine restriction isn’t the slam dunk one might think.
On the other hand, that proposal limited firearms to just five rounds, a limit that would have impacted even revolvers and made a complicated mess of firearm laws in the state. That’s the most likely reason why that measure failed, a mistake that IP 60 and it’s magazine counterparts wouldn’t repeat.
So, what are the chances of this flying?
Honestly, much of it depends on the language. Obviously, die-hard pro-gun voices aren’t about to back this regardless of the language. The problem is whether anyone else will back it, and this is Oregon. They probably will unless there’s a particularly egregious bit of language in there.
That doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, though. It’s vital that gun rights activists in the state step up and debunk these baseless fears and expose these measures for what they really are: scare-mongering in the name of restricting human rights. It focuses on the weapon least likely to be used in a criminal action and feeds into the fear that the AR-15 and similar rifles represent some kind of horrible threat to life and property.
Nothing of the sort is true, of course, but that won’t stop anti-gunners like LEVO from pushing that tired old narrative.
What’s worse, though, is that it won’t stop some people from actually believing it.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--Virginia Lobby Day Rally Finishes Up Without Issue

Anti-gunners painted a very bleak picture of what was set to happen today in Richmond .
They spun warnings of white supremacists and domestic terrorism .
It was enough that anyone would have concerns , even if they knew the Second Amendment community wasn ’ t interested in such things .
All it would take is just one deranged individual to make everything we ’ ve worked toward go away .
Yet things are wrapping up in Richmond and , thankfully , it was as uneventful as such a thing can be .
As noted earlier , our own Cam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the speakers for the rally , he gave me a call when he finished up to give me his impressions of the event .
“ I think that the important takeaway here is that we really did see an incredible turnout on the part of Virginians , ” he said via a phone call earlier today .
“ I have no idea how many people are here but the entire downtown area is just full of second amen supporters .
and , you know , people have smiles on their faces and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the focus of much of the media has been the defiance , and that ’ s not without a slight bit of legitimacy .
As Cam noted , “ I have seen a few we shall not comply signs , these are folks who are trying to send a message to the lawmakers in Richmond that Northam ’ s gun control agenda is the wrong move .
I just hope that lawmakers listen to the voices of this incredible movement.
” I want to echo that last sentiment .
Virginians deserve better than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thousands of Virginians spoke with one voice .
Already , though , there are people trying to dismiss today ’ s turnout .
To be sure , some actually are from out of state .
We know some folks from out of state attended because they ’ ve been pretty upfront about it .
That doesn ’ t mean they make up the majority or even a significant minority .
What the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is trying to do is dismiss the voices of thousands of Virginians who want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dismiss them by claiming they ’ re voices from outside .
Yet the group has failed to actually address any of the concerns expressed by protestors in Richmond .
That ’ s not overly surprising .
That hasn ’ t been the modus operandi of any of the anti-gun voices in Virginia since the election .
However , these were all law-abiding citizens who showed up to address their legislators .
They want their voices heard .
While many may have elected Democrats , it ’ s clear that most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gun control rabbit hole .
They want their rights protected , not mangled beyond recognition , but they ’ re not looking to start trouble .
That should be a big part of the take-away from today .
Now , though , the question remains as to whether anyone in Richmond is remotely willing to listen to these good people .
Or , are they so knee-deep in partisan politics that they simply won ’ t care ?
Only time will tell .

Anti-gunners painted a very bleak picture of what was set to happen today in Richmond. They spun warnings of white supremacists and domestic terrorism. It was enough that anyone would have concerns, even if they knew the Second Amendment community wasn’t interested in such things. All it would take is just one deranged individual to make everything we’ve worked toward go away.
Yet things are wrapping up in Richmond and, thankfully, it was as uneventful as such a thing can be.
As noted earlier, our own Cam Edwards was there. Serving as one of the speakers for the rally, he gave me a call when he finished up to give me his impressions of the event.
“I think that the important takeaway here is that we really did see an incredible turnout on the part of Virginians,” he said via a phone call earlier today. “I have no idea how many people are here but the entire downtown area is just full of second amen supporters. and, you know, people have smiles on their faces and determination and resolve.”
Of course, the focus of much of the media has been the defiance, and that’s not without a slight bit of legitimacy. As Cam noted, “I have seen a few we shall not comply signs, these are folks who are trying to send a message to the lawmakers in Richmond that Northam’s gun control agenda is the wrong move. I just hope that lawmakers listen to the voices of this incredible movement.”
I want to echo that last sentiment.
Virginians deserve better than what Northam has given them. Today, thousands of Virginians spoke with one voice.
Already, though, there are people trying to dismiss today’s turnout.
Important to remember that many of those attending today’s #Richmond2ARally are out of state. Those who are from Virginia showed up and voted last November— THEY LOST OVERWHELMINGLY. The majority of Virginians want stronger gun laws. #IStandWithVirginia #GunLawsSaveLives — Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (@CSGV) January 20, 2020
To be sure, some actually are from out of state. We know some folks from out of state attended because they’ve been pretty upfront about it. That doesn’t mean they make up the majority or even a significant minority.
What the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence is trying to do is dismiss the voices of thousands of Virginians who want to be heard. They’re trying to dismiss them by claiming they’re voices from outside.
Yet the group has failed to actually address any of the concerns expressed by protestors in Richmond.
That’s not overly surprising. That hasn’t been the modus operandi of any of the anti-gun voices in Virginia since the election.
However, these were all law-abiding citizens who showed up to address their legislators. They want their voices heard. While many may have elected Democrats, it’s clear that most of the state has no interest in going down the gun control rabbit hole. They want their rights protected, not mangled beyond recognition, but they’re not looking to start trouble.
That should be a big part of the take-away from today. Now, though, the question remains as to whether anyone in Richmond is remotely willing to listen to these good people.
Or, are they so knee-deep in partisan politics that they simply won’t care?
Only time will tell.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--Media Reminds Gun Owners What They Really Think Of Us

The media is not our friend .
We all know that , of course , but it ’ s important to be reminded from time to time just how much they absolutely despise us .
Lobby Day in Richmond is an annual occurrence .
It ’ s a thing that happens regularly anyway .
Yet with the push for gun control by Governor Ralph Northam and the clown troop that passes for a legislature calling the shots , gun owners felt obliged to make it a point to be present .
Unfortunately , as science fiction author Larry Niven once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noble that it won ’ t attract fuggheads.
” Ours is certainly not exempt .
Some fuggheads have decided to try and attach themselves to our community .
We can say we don ’ t want them , and we have , but that doesn ’ t mean they won ’ t still try and latch on .
It ’ s a problem any movement is going to have , unfortunately .
The bigger problem , though , is the media latching onto that and making damn sure everyone paints us with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start with NBC News ’ Ben Collins , for example .
Ahead of Monday ’ s gun-rights rally in Virginia , NBC News reporter Ben Collins labeled the event a “ white nationalist ” gathering Sunday , even as he warned against spreading “ made-up stuff ” on Twitter — prompting scores of critics to point out the apparent irony , and to condemn his network for sanctioning Collins ’ checkered reporting on the so-called “ dystopia beat.
” “ Reporters covering tomorrow ’ s white nationalist rally in Virginia , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before you send it out tomorrow , even if it ’ s a very sensational rumor you heard from a cop , ” Collins wrote in his since-deleted tweet .
“ Don ’ t become a hero in neo-Nazi propaganda circles with made-up stuff.
” Defending his post from a torrent of criticism , Collins initially argued that federal law enforcement had arrested six suspected Neo-Nazis in advance of the rally in states including Georgia , Maryland and Delaware , with some of the suspects apparently intending to travel to the Richmond rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been an “ enormous amount of 4chan and Qanon chatter , ” appropriating intelligence-community lingo to describe online communications from conspiracy groups and troll websites .
After several hours , Collins deleted his original tweet , writing in a seemingly peppy message : “ Hi everybody !
I ’ m deleting a tweet so I can be super clear about tomorrow ’ s rally in Virginia .
The Lobby Day protest is and has traditionally been a gun rights rally , but white nationalists , including militant group The Base , have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now , we ’ ve covered The Base members ’ arrests .
I ’ m not going to lie , these people scare the hell out of me and I want nothing to do with them or their warped perception of both race and the world in general .
The same is true of most gun rights advocates , truth be told .
Of course , if it was just Collins , it wouldn ’ t be that big of a deal .
Oh , I ’ d probably write up a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit because of it , and then go about my day .
But it ’ s not .
It ’ s not just one person , but a push by the media in general to paint all of us as having some close ties with white supremacists .
For example , the Daily Mail uses this headline : “ Richmond on high alert as white supremacists , a ‘ no-compromise ’ gun lobby and anti-government groups head to Virginia pro firearms rally – but militia leader insists ‘ we aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ white supremacists , ” the Mail is able to imply that the lion ’ s share of attendees are racists .
They know a lot of people read and share stories with only a cursory inspection of the post , if that , so why put that in the lead unless you wanted to give that impression ?
At least USA Today waited until the first paragraph to paint us all as racist .
Of course , it ’ s possible that I ’ m overly sensitive on this topic .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist because I happen to think every American regardless of race has a right to protect themselves .
On the other hand , though , the truth is that we continue to see our numbers listed along with these people as if we ’ re somehow fellow travelers .
We ’ re not .
I absolutely despise everything these people stand for when it comes to race , to say nothing on a whole litany of other issues .
I honestly don ’ t care if they support gun rights , their other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing to do with them .
However , I should note that not all of the media is trying to spin things with their headlines or opening .
The Richmond Times-Dispatch did things a little differently .
Their headline reads : “ As gun-rights supporters plan peaceful rally in Richmond , state warns extremists could pose threat.
” That ’ s far more reflective of the reality than what we ’ ve seen from others in the media .
At the heart of this , though , is the fact that these people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will do whatever they can to make us look bad .
They ’ re the propaganda arm of Brady and Giffords in all but name .
It ’ s also why it ’ s imperative that we remember this and take steps not to give them anything they can use against us .
Watch your step so that you don ’ t feed the beast trying to help take our rights away .

The media is not our friend. We all know that, of course, but it’s important to be reminded from time to time just how much they absolutely despise us.
Lobby Day in Richmond is an annual occurrence. It’s a thing that happens regularly anyway. Yet with the push for gun control by Governor Ralph Northam and the clown troop that passes for a legislature calling the shots, gun owners felt obliged to make it a point to be present.
Unfortunately, as science fiction author Larry Niven once wrote, “No cause is so noble that it won’t attract fuggheads.” Ours is certainly not exempt. Some fuggheads have decided to try and attach themselves to our community.
We can say we don’t want them, and we have, but that doesn’t mean they won’t still try and latch on.
It’s a problem any movement is going to have, unfortunately.
The bigger problem, though, is the media latching onto that and making damn sure everyone paints us with the exact same brush.
Let’s start with NBC News’ Ben Collins, for example.
Ahead of Monday’s gun-rights rally in Virginia, NBC News reporter Ben Collins labeled the event a “white nationalist” gathering Sunday, even as he warned against spreading “made-up stuff” on Twitter — prompting scores of critics to point out the apparent irony, and to condemn his network for sanctioning Collins’ checkered reporting on the so-called “dystopia beat.” “Reporters covering tomorrow’s white nationalist rally in Virginia, I’m absolutely begging you: Verify information before you send it out tomorrow, even if it’s a very sensational rumor you heard from a cop,” Collins wrote in his since-deleted tweet. “Don’t become a hero in neo-Nazi propaganda circles with made-up stuff.” Defending his post from a torrent of criticism, Collins initially argued that federal law enforcement had arrested six suspected Neo-Nazis in advance of the rally in states including Georgia, Maryland and Delaware, with some of the suspects apparently intending to travel to the Richmond rally. Collins also remarked that there has been an “enormous amount of 4chan and Qanon chatter,” appropriating intelligence-community lingo to describe online communications from conspiracy groups and troll websites. After several hours, Collins deleted his original tweet, writing in a seemingly peppy message: “Hi everybody! I’m deleting a tweet so I can be super clear about tomorrow’s rally in Virginia. The Lobby Day protest is and has traditionally been a gun rights rally, but white nationalists, including militant group The Base, have been planning violent action at the event.”
Now, we’ve covered The Base members’ arrests. I’m not going to lie, these people scare the hell out of me and I want nothing to do with them or their warped perception of both race and the world in general.
The same is true of most gun rights advocates, truth be told.
Of course, if it was just Collins, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Oh, I’d probably write up a story about it, slap him around for a bit because of it, and then go about my day.
But it’s not. It’s not just one person, but a push by the media in general to paint all of us as having some close ties with white supremacists.
For example, the Daily Mail uses this headline: “Richmond on high alert as white supremacists, a ‘no-compromise’ gun lobby and anti-government groups head to Virginia pro firearms rally – but militia leader insists ‘we aren’t a threat’”
By leading with “white supremacists,” the Mail is able to imply that the lion’s share of attendees are racists. They know a lot of people read and share stories with only a cursory inspection of the post, if that, so why put that in the lead unless you wanted to give that impression?
At least USA Today waited until the first paragraph to paint us all as racist.
Thousands of gun owners, many of them armed and some members of out-of-state militias and hate groups, plan to descend on Richmond on Monday amid a fierce battle over Virginia’s gun laws.
Of course, it’s possible that I’m overly sensitive on this topic. I’m tired of being labeled a racist because I happen to think every American regardless of race has a right to protect themselves.
On the other hand, though, the truth is that we continue to see our numbers listed along with these people as if we’re somehow fellow travelers. We’re not. I absolutely despise everything these people stand for when it comes to race, to say nothing on a whole litany of other issues. I honestly don’t care if they support gun rights, their other views are so abhorrent that I want nothing to do with them.
However, I should note that not all of the media is trying to spin things with their headlines or opening.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch did things a little differently. Their headline reads: “As gun-rights supporters plan peaceful rally in Richmond, state warns extremists could pose threat.”
That’s far more reflective of the reality than what we’ve seen from others in the media.
At the heart of this, though, is the fact that these people hate us. They despise us and they will do whatever they can to make us look bad. They’re the propaganda arm of Brady and Giffords in all but name.
It’s also why it’s imperative that we remember this and take steps not to give them anything they can use against us. Watch your step so that you don’t feed the beast trying to help take our rights away.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--Scene Calm At Virginia Capitol For Lobby Day

While the media has done their level best to heighten tensions over Lobby Day in Virginia , Bearing Arms has boots on the ground to take a look for ourselves .
Well , not just for that reason .
You see , our own Cam Edwards lives in Virginia .
He ’ s directly impacted by all of these proposed bills , bills that would negatively impact his ability to protect himself , his family , and his home .
He ’ s there at Lobby Day not just taking a look as a journalist , but also as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
In a phone call a short time ago , here ’ s what Cam had to say : So there are tens of thousands of people here at the Virginia capital and sea of second amendment supporters in downtown richmond .
I would say the scene is calm , it ’ s friendly , you ’ ve got a lot of folks saying if you see troublemakers , let the authorities know .
So far , I ’ m not seeing any signs of trouble .
I ’ m seeing Virginians from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Ralph Northam ’ s gun control agenda .
Which is kind of what we all hoped we ’ d see .
It ’ s still early , of course , but Cam ’ s report jives with the photos he ’ s been posting over on Twitter .
As we can see , it ’ s a pretty large crowd .
I ’ m seeing heads as far as the eye can see , which is good .
It should send a clear message that Virginians aren ’ t interested in gun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislators listen ?
This is one from almost the same spot twenty minutes earlier .
As you can see , the crowd has grown considerably .
It should also be noted that entrance is being controlled to some degree .
This tells us that police at these entry points are keeping the crowd moving and aren ’ t hassling people unnecessarily .
I ’ m not going to lie , I kind of want that shirt and I ’ m not even a Virginian .
While my governor isn ’ t , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all need to remember should the time come .
All 50 states need variations of these designed an on standby .
Then there was this pic I haven ’ t seen Cam post on Twitter , but taken by him : This is something to remember when the governor pushing gun control is also known to have worn blackface and gone by the nickname “ Coonman ” back in the day .
Obviously , this meshes with what Cam told me over the phone a short time ago .
So far , this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since folks are keeping an eye out for troublemakers and plan on alerting the police should they find them .
It doesn ’ t take much to turn something like this into an absolute tragedy , but it won ’ t happen if the crowd is alert and ready to stop trouble before it can start .
I can ’ t over-emphasize how important it is to let this be peaceful and end peacefully .
So far , that ’ s how they ’ re shaping up and I look forward to seeing @ @ @ @ @ @

While the media has done their level best to heighten tensions over Lobby Day in Virginia, Bearing Arms has boots on the ground to take a look for ourselves.
Well, not just for that reason. You see, our own Cam Edwards lives in Virginia. He’s directly impacted by all of these proposed bills, bills that would negatively impact his ability to protect himself, his family, and his home. He’s there at Lobby Day not just taking a look as a journalist, but also as an activist.
So what is he seeing?
In a phone call a short time ago, here’s what Cam had to say:
So there are tens of thousands of people here at the Virginia capital and sea of second amendment supporters in downtown richmond. I would say the scene is calm, it’s friendly, you’ve got a lot of folks saying if you see troublemakers, let the authorities know. So far, I’m not seeing any signs of trouble. I’m seeing Virginians from across the state turn out to oppose Governor Ralph Northam’s gun control agenda.
Which is kind of what we all hoped we’d see.
It’s still early, of course, but Cam’s report jives with the photos he’s been posting over on Twitter.
The crowd is filling the capitol square now. Chants of “USA, USA” from various sections of the crowd. #LobbyDay2020 pic.twitter.com/RwU59FkxJE — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 20, 2020
As we can see, it’s a pretty large crowd. I’m seeing heads as far as the eye can see, which is good. It should send a clear message that Virginians aren’t interested in gun control.
The question is, will legislators listen?
A view from near the capitol steps. #LobbyDay2020 pic.twitter.com/6i0tAUO5Ld — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 20, 2020
This is one from almost the same spot twenty minutes earlier. As you can see, the crowd has grown considerably.
It should also be noted that entrance is being controlled to some degree. This tells us that police at these entry points are keeping the crowd moving and aren’t hassling people unnecessarily.
That’s a good thing.
Made it inside the capitol grounds. Several thousand people inside. I’d say at least ten thousand outside the perimeter. #LobbyDay2020 pic.twitter.com/dCYzurtZ4z — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 20, 2020
Capitalism on display outside the capitol grounds. #LobbyDay2020 pic.twitter.com/5mJrEXU6KH — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 20, 2020
I’m not going to lie, I kind of want that shirt and I’m not even a Virginian. While my governor isn’t, this is still one of those things we all need to remember should the time come. All 50 states need variations of these designed an on standby.
Then there was this pic I haven’t seen Cam post on Twitter, but taken by him:
The sign’s not wrong.
This is something to remember when the governor pushing gun control is also known to have worn blackface and gone by the nickname “Coonman” back in the day.
Several thousand gun owners and #2A supporters in downtown Richmond. Everyone I’ve talked to says there here to peacefully protest Ralph Northam’s anti-gun agenda. pic.twitter.com/oV0H1t0d2O — Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) January 20, 2020
Obviously, this meshes with what Cam told me over the phone a short time ago.
So far, this is all very good news. Especially since folks are keeping an eye out for troublemakers and plan on alerting the police should they find them. It doesn’t take much to turn something like this into an absolute tragedy, but it won’t happen if the crowd is alert and ready to stop trouble before it can start.
I can’t over-emphasize how important it is to let this be peaceful and end peacefully. So far, that’s how they’re shaping up and I look forward to seeing them end the same way.


bearingarms--2020-01-20--Two Dead, Five Injured In San Antonio Shooting

As thousands of gun rights activists descend upon Richmond , Virginia to discuss our gun rights with their legislators , it seems a bad time for there to be some kind of a high-profile shooting .
Seriously , the timing couldn ’ t be worse .
It ’ s enough for some to probably decide it ’ s not a coincidence and assume this is part of some effort to justify disarming us .
However , it ’ s also important to note that two people lost their lives in such a shooting just last night .
Two people were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one person opened fire inside a Texas club Sunday night , police said .
Police received calls of shots fired around 8 p.m. , San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said in a news conference .
There seemed to be some kind of altercation inside the club between individuals or a group , McManus said , and that ’ s when the shots were fired .
One 21-year-old male was found dead inside the club .
Another victim died after being found in critical condition .
Police are looking for a suspect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a targeted shooting or indiscriminate .
However , we do have plenty of reason to suspect this wasn ’ t some random shooting .
After all , it apparently started with an altercation at the club .
Mass shootings generally don ’ t start out that way .
Some will likely point to Texas and their lack of gun control as the reason this happened , but that would be premature .
Especially since the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting took place in California , a state rife with gun control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sell alcohol , which means it ’ s a felony for an unlicensed individual to carry a gun in such a place .
Since we don ’ t know who the suspect is , we don ’ t know anything about whether he carried a gun legally or not , much less ignored felony law in doing so .
Not that gun control would matter to the kind of gun that starts shooting people over a damn argument .
The truth of the matter is that people like this are broken .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you and me that makes it so we value human life , even if we don ’ t particularly like the humans in question–doesn ’ t work like it ’ s supposed to .
They ’ re convinced that pulling a gun and shooting people who disagree with them is the right course of action .
I don ’ t know if it was broken in this person during their childhood or if it ’ s hereditary , or whether cultural factors broke it .
I just know that unbroken people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or anywhere else .
Luckily , the death toll wasn ’ t nearly as high as it could have been .
While I would have preferred it to be zero , that ’ s beyond my or anyone else ’ s control .
That rests on those broken souls who don ’ t value the lives of those around them .
So long as those folks walk among us , unmolested and unchecked , we ’ ll have things like this happening .
That should be our focus , not the guns .

As thousands of gun rights activists descend upon Richmond, Virginia to discuss our gun rights with their legislators, it seems a bad time for there to be some kind of a high-profile shooting. Seriously, the timing couldn’t be worse. It’s enough for some to probably decide it’s not a coincidence and assume this is part of some effort to justify disarming us.
However, it’s also important to note that two people lost their lives in such a shooting just last night.
Two people were killed and five injured after at least one person opened fire inside a Texas club Sunday night, police said. Police received calls of shots fired around 8 p.m., San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said in a news conference. There seemed to be some kind of altercation inside the club between individuals or a group, McManus said, and that’s when the shots were fired. … One 21-year-old male was found dead inside the club. Another victim died after being found in critical condition.
Police are looking for a suspect. They say they’re unsure if it was a targeted shooting or indiscriminate. However, we do have plenty of reason to suspect this wasn’t some random shooting. After all, it apparently started with an altercation at the club. Mass shootings generally don’t start out that way.
Some will likely point to Texas and their lack of gun control as the reason this happened, but that would be premature.
Especially since the Borderline Bar & Grill shooting took place in California, a state rife with gun control policies.
Additionally, Texas clubs tend to sell alcohol, which means it’s a felony for an unlicensed individual to carry a gun in such a place. Since we don’t know who the suspect is, we don’t know anything about whether he carried a gun legally or not, much less ignored felony law in doing so.
Not that gun control would matter to the kind of gun that starts shooting people over a damn argument.
The truth of the matter is that people like this are broken. Something inside of them–the thing inside of you and me that makes it so we value human life, even if we don’t particularly like the humans in question–doesn’t work like it’s supposed to. They’re convinced that pulling a gun and shooting people who disagree with them is the right course of action.
I don’t know if it was broken in this person during their childhood or if it’s hereditary, or whether cultural factors broke it. I just know that unbroken people don’t start shooting up nightclubs in Texas or anywhere else.
Luckily, the death toll wasn’t nearly as high as it could have been. While I would have preferred it to be zero, that’s beyond my or anyone else’s control. That rests on those broken souls who don’t value the lives of those around them. So long as those folks walk among us, unmolested and unchecked, we’ll have things like this happening.
That should be our focus, not the guns.


bearingarms--2020-01-21--Moms Demand Action Spokesperson Calls Richmond "Temper Tantrum"

While I vehemently disagree with most gun control proponents , I rarely doubt what they really want .
No , it ’ s not really about control , not for most folks on that side of the fence , anyway .
They really do think that gun control will save lives .
They buy into the idea that guns are somehow responsible for gun violence and that if you take away the guns , violence will be reduced .
I even understand how they think violence will be reduced , mostly because they believe that while the same people may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have an efficient tool with which to hurt others , thus reducing their ability to be as violent .
Now , I think they ’ re wrong on every aspect of it .
I said I understand it , not that I agree with it .
Understanding your opponents is very important .
It ’ s good to know where they ’ re coming from so you can debate them effectively .
Meanwhile , in an article about the gun control fight , I came across a quote from a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond on Monday .
“ All over the country – Red States , Blue States , Purple States – are more aware of gun violence , ” said Laura Hudson with Moms Demand Action , in a phone interview .
Hudson says the demonstration in Virginia and pushback in Arizona won ’ t deter their efforts .
“ It ’ s a temper tantrum because we ’ re trying to pass laws that will save lives , ” said Hudson .
Well , its good to know the opposition is taking our arguments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Couple this with anti-gun lawmakers referring to gun rights supporters “ little kids ” and the media doing their level best to paint us as white supremacists and what you see is that reasonable debate is becoming less and less possible .
Richmond was an effort to remind Virginia lawmakers that gun rights supporters exist and aren ’ t in favor of anti-gun policies .
While Democrats have decided already to ignore what the protesters had to say , it was still important .
It ’ s something those in swing seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain in power .
But at all points , we respect that the vast majority of them are well-meaning if , ultimately , wrong .
Oh , we slip up from time to time .
I know I have , and I ’ ve done it in print , which is awkward , but I also don ’ t dismiss the entire gun control movement as petulant children upset at not getting their way on a regular basis .
That courtesy isn ’ t returned to us .
At the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re not trying to change their minds .
Their minds aren ’ t likely to change .
Nor are ours .
The debate is about swaying the middle , those who may have a position but are open to new information .
Calling a massive protest a “ temper tantrum ” isn ’ t likely to play as well with those folks who may not agree with the protestors but at least understand they have concerns .
So please , Ms. Hudson , do continue .
Continue to alienate those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who aren ’ t there yet .
Make it clear that you have no respect for anyone who doesn ’ t completely agree with you .
We on the gun rights side thank you for your support .

While I vehemently disagree with most gun control proponents, I rarely doubt what they really want. No, it’s not really about control, not for most folks on that side of the fence, anyway. They really do think that gun control will save lives. They buy into the idea that guns are somehow responsible for gun violence and that if you take away the guns, violence will be reduced.
I even understand how they think violence will be reduced, mostly because they believe that while the same people may well be violent, they won’t have an efficient tool with which to hurt others, thus reducing their ability to be as violent.
Now, I think they’re wrong on every aspect of it. I said I understand it, not that I agree with it.
Understanding your opponents is very important. It’s good to know where they’re coming from so you can debate them effectively.
Meanwhile, in an article about the gun control fight, I came across a quote from a member of Moms Demand Action regarding the protests in Richmond on Monday.
“All over the country – Red States, Blue States, Purple States – are more aware of gun violence,” said Laura Hudson with Moms Demand Action, in a phone interview. Hudson says the demonstration in Virginia and pushback in Arizona won’t deter their efforts. “It’s a temper tantrum because we’re trying to pass laws that will save lives,” said Hudson.
A temper tantrum, huh?
Well, it’s good to know the opposition is taking our arguments seriously, now isn’t it?
Couple this with anti-gun lawmakers referring to gun rights supporters “little kids” and the media doing their level best to paint us as white supremacists and what you see is that reasonable debate is becoming less and less possible.
Richmond was an effort to remind Virginia lawmakers that gun rights supporters exist and aren’t in favor of anti-gun policies. While Democrats have decided already to ignore what the protesters had to say, it was still important. It’s something those in swing seats will have to consider if they want to remain in power.
But at all points, we respect that the vast majority of them are well-meaning if, ultimately, wrong. Oh, we slip up from time to time. I know I have, and I’ve done it in print, which is awkward, but I also don’t dismiss the entire gun control movement as petulant children upset at not getting their way on a regular basis.
That courtesy isn’t returned to us.
At the end of the day, we have to remember that we’re not trying to change their minds. Their minds aren’t likely to change. Nor are ours.
The debate is about swaying the middle, those who may have a position but are open to new information. Calling a massive protest a “temper tantrum” isn’t likely to play as well with those folks who may not agree with the protestors but at least understand they have concerns.
So please, Ms. Hudson, do continue. Continue to alienate those you want most on your side but who aren’t there yet. Make it clear that you have no respect for anyone who doesn’t completely agree with you.
We on the gun rights side thank you for your support.