Preserving Our Firearms Rights is Critical

The pressure to restrict and remove our firearms rights continues to gain steam at all levels of government.

With the liberals’ shouts of unrelenting “gun violence” and politically charged rhetoric blaming “assault weapons” for America’s crime problem, how can Gun Talk readers defend our Second-Amendment rights?

Simply put, readers must understand the worldwide and national goal is to disarm everyone except select groups, such as the military and some agencies. Even law enforcement is under attack not to use deadly force (can we say firearms), and add the recurrent plea that self defense cannot be a defense.

Vermont, with the state motto of “Freedom and Unity,” recently banned militia or paramilitary activity. Violators face a fine of $50,000 and up to five years in prison. Vermont is a liberal state but is high on Second Amendment and gun rights issues. Apparently, Vermont, among other states, now sees no need to fear government tyranny, instead trusting the government “to protect us.”

In reading the U.S. Constitution, I do not believe those wise freedom lovers who drafted our guiding document truly trusted any government to offer such protection. As an article in Ammoland noted:

“The Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights for the clear purpose of providing a check on congressional power under Article I Section 8 to organize, arm, and discipline the federal militia.”

As Gun Talk readers know, the U.S. Supreme Court of the United States handed down its decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, overturning a New York gun-safety law. The Court ruled that New York’s law requiring a license to carry concealed weapons in public places is unconstitutional.

Immediately after the decision, several liberal states and cities pushed to counter that ruling with multiple levels of new bureaucracy designed to restrict firearms rights. Looks like Vermont has joined the ranks.

Recent shootings across the USA have ramped up additional pushback. As noted in my May 26 article “An Antique 2^nd Amendment?” the assault on our rights goes beyond firearms.

Consider that “The highest percentage of Americans in a decade say they think it's more important to curb gun violence than protect gun rights,” according to a new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll. It seems as though controlling undefined gun violence now supersedes the Constitution.

Another poll agreed, saying:

“A majority of Americans in a new poll said they would support stricter gun control laws. Sixty-four percent said they were in favor of stricter laws, while 36 percent said they were opposed, the CNN-SSRS poll found.”

“A slightly smaller portion — 54 percent — said that such gun control laws would reduce gun-related deaths in the country, and 58 percent said they believe the government is able to take effective action to prevent mass shootings.”

“Some 59 percent in the survey said they were in favor of banning semi-automatic rifles, while 94 percent said they would support taking measures to prevent convicted felons and those with mental health issues from owning guns.”

Somehow, the pollsters always fail to ask my northwestern Arkansas views. We’ve often heard “Figures lie and liars figure.” And if lamestream-media CNN requested the poll, could any antigun bias be involved? And the poll again proved political leanings drive “gun control” efforts.

When we consider more gun laws, sources I checked show in the USA there are at least 300,000 laws to regulate weapons already on the books. Perhaps diligent enforcement of those laws, instead of additional legislation, is the answer to the problem of gun violence.

As I often have written, what defines “gun violence” and how does that term relate to “criminal violence?” Will criminals adhere to the calls to ban many firearms? What defines an “assault weapon?” These are questions that so far have no answers.

Ten states in the U.S. now have assault-style weapons bans after Washington joined the list. Usually, such weapons are semiautos “in common use.” And each state or jurisdiction can define what an assault weapon is or may be, creating even more concern for firearms owners.

Returning to the question how Gun Talk readers can defend our Second-Amendment rights, my advice is to understand our rights and stay informed about the increasing pressure to diminish those rights. Gun Talk Media is a valid source for that information.

Tell your elected and appointed officials what you think and ask questions about their efforts to safeguard those rights.

Look at officials’ voting records to see if they truly represent you. I regularly tell my three Arkansas Republican Congressional delegates how I view their anti-Second Amendment and increased-spending votes.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, expect more political demand to restrict our firearms and Constitutional rights. Abortion and other controversial issues likely will be hallmark campaign items. Anticipate lack of legislative accountability as well.

Your vote to preserve those rights you champion should be marked critical on your radar to Stay safe, be prepared. ~ Mike

‍

Mike Sampson
Mike now calls Northwestern Arkansas home but has lived and worked in several states and internationally. He has been an independent contractor and consultant since 2006 specializing in risk management, emergency management and training. In addition to work as a law-enforcement planner and technical writer with the Boise, Idaho, Police Department, he has experience in journalism, crop and animal agriculture, dryland farming for 20 years in western Kansas, plant and animal diseases, pandemic influenza, agroterrorism, bioterrorism, food safety and healthcare marketing.

He has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and has newspaper and agency writing and editing experience. At Washington State University in Pullman, he earned a master’s degree emphasizing adult education and communications.

While living in Lander, WY, Mike provided photographic coverage of the One-Shot Antelope Hunt for three years and got to meet and accompany folks such as Chuck Yeager, Carroll Shelby, Buzz Aldrin, Dale Robertson and Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf on their hunts. He also worked as an outfitter’s guide.

‍