Editorial – 2nd Amendment battle hits Virginia
As most of you are aware, the battle over the 2nd amendment is reaching fever pitch in the state of Virginia. The newly elected left leaning politicians wasted no time in trying to implement draconian gun laws in their state.
These laws include bans on all semi automatic firearms like the AR-15, and would include semi-automatic shotguns, magazines with capacity over 10 rounds, etc. This legislation will go into affect in July.
The law as it was first proposed would NOT allow for a grandfather clause, meaning that possessing previously legal firearms/equipment would suddenly be considered a Class 6 felony. In Virginia, that is punishable by up to 5 years in prison. So for example, if you had a magazine that holds more than 10 rounds, you could be convicted of a felony and put in prison for 5 years!
The proposed law went even further, banning common firearms features, peaceful 2nd amendment demonstrations with firearms, most forms of firearms training, etc. This is no longer an attack on the 2nd amendment, but now on the 1st amendment rights as well. For more on the gun laws in Virginia, click the link here.
As of this writing, over 70 counties in Virginia have declared that they will NOT enforce these unconstitutional laws. In response to this, Virginia U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin (D) mentioned deploying the National guard to enforce these gun laws! If that does not scare you, it damn well should!
I have preached about joining the fight for our 2nd amendment fight. Now is absolutely the time! I’ll admit that for years, I watched the gun ownership rights of folks in California and New York slowly die. I remember having the attitude, “Glad I don’t live there!” But we CANNOT have that attitude any longer. The anti-gunners are slowly moving their agenda across this great nation, one state at a time.
It started in California and New York. Then states like New Jersey and Massachusetts. Now it is hitting Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and of course Virginia. Eventually, it will hit YOUR state if it hasn’t already!
And they won’t stop with “Evil assault rifles!” They WILL go after handguns as well. Remember they have tried it before. Let’s not forget that back in the 1980s, multiple bills were introduced that tried to ban handguns. In fact, handguns were illegal in Washington DC until 2008 when it was struck down in the Supreme Court case District of Columbia v. Heller. And while the Supreme Court did strike down this handgun ban, it did so with only a 5 to 4 vote. It was THAT close!
I have mentioned before what you can do to get involved. But I think it bears repeating. First, contact your elected officials. Federal AND local officials. To find your federal officials, click the link here. And while e-mails are easy, they are many times ignored. Instead, make phone calls and WRITE letters! You have to make your voice heard!
Next, vote! Many elected officials will check voting records when receiving complaints from their constituents. If those folks have not voted, then many officials will simply ignore what they have to say. And why shouldn’t they? If you are not going to vote for or against them, what do they have to worry about? So vote….in ALL elections big and small.
Third, actively help campaign for those candidates who support the 2nd amendment and help campaign AGAINST those who do not. Yes, this means volunteering your time and energy. But if we are going to preserve our rights and liberties, then we have to make a sacrifice. Our forefathers made sacrifices, as have our veterans. Millions of Americans made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. So giving up a Saturday or two to help support liberty loving candidates is nothing in comparison!
Fourth, join groups like Gun Owners of America. They are a growing pro 2A group that does an excellent job of keeping up with current legislation involving the 2nd amendment at both the federal and state levels. So pay attention to what they are saying. And like political candidates, being willing to spend some time and energy helping out these organizations! They welcome volunteers!
Also, find state and local groups as well. You can use social media like Facebook to do so. I have started attending local meetings with other 2nd amendment advocates.
Next, begin boycotting companies that are clearly anti-2nd amendment. I have vowed that I will never enter a Dick’s sporting Goods store again. I won’t use Hertz. (For a list of companies that are anti-2A, click the link here.) Do your research. If you find companies that support anti-gun advocates, avoid them. And openly support those companies who do support 2A.
In addition, I no longer buy firearms from big box stores like Wal-Mart or Dick’s. You can generally find better deals at local gun stores while supporting your local economy. In addition, your local gun store owners are almost always more knowledgeable when it comes to firearms then some clerk behind the counter at a big box store. (I once overheard a clerk at a big box store tell a customer that there really wasn’t a difference between striker fire and hammer fire!)
You can also find some amazing deals on firearms online. I regularly use sites like Palmetto State Armory and Mid-Way USA, and would urge you to check them out.
If you decide that you are ready to own a firearm, I STRONGLY urge you to get it now! In addition, I also urge you to get training with your firearms, and practice regularly. Your life might someone day depend on it.
Fortunately, some firearms companies realize that they need to get involved in this fight also. Currently, PSA has an AR lower, specifically for the folks in Virginia. PSA has done a commemorative lower for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
$10 from the sale of each lower (pic on right) will be going to the Virginia Citizens Defense League. vcdl.org Click this link for more details on this organization!
$10 from each of these lowers sold is donated to Virginia 2A groups
Below are resources and information that will help you with your firearms and self-defense preparations. The first group of resources are information based links and videos. The second group is of firearm vendors all of whom I have used on many occasions. Hence I feel completely confident in recommending them.
Information
What you need to know about Truck Guns
Problems handgun novices experience
Discreet weapons you can carry almost anywhere
Full30 – Youtube for firearms
AR15.com – Great resources and information on ARs
6 things to consider when buying a rifle optic
9 firearm training tips to help survive a deadly encounter
Vendors
Palmetto State Armory – Quality parts without breaking the bank. Great daily deals. I’ve built several PSA rifles, all are GOOD TO GO!
Kentucky Gun Company – Some decent deals. I have ordered from them before
BCM – Bravo Company makes and distributes high quality ARs and parts
Osborne Holsters – Makes great carry conceal holsters. Read my review here
Mid-way USA – Good source for firearms, hunting, and other outdoor products. Some good deals
1800Gunsandammo – Good source of firearms and ammo
EuroOptic – Great site for high end optics, silencers, and other gear. They sell top of the line stuff!
AeroprecisionUSA – Good site with quality firearm parts
Make no mistake, our 2nd amendment rights are under attack! There are those out there who want to do away with our right to defend ourselves, and we HAVE to ACT now to stop them! Future generations are counting on us.
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By: James L
A former outdoor survival instructor, James currently works as a deputy sheriff in a suburb of Oklahoma City. He is the operational commander of a multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency warrant team. They specialize in locating and arresting dangerous and violent criminals. James has over 20 years experience in law enforcement, and is also a certified police trainer.
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We the people no longer consent to be governed.
f we want to win the battle on gun rights we need to start by aggressively voting out every local council member who apposes it. Next we need to go-to Richmond and peaceful protest. We need to get tens of thousands of people. ” My county had over 3000 people at our board meeting alone. Next we need to start a recall election on strategic legislators. We need to let them know that their careers are over for even trying to pass these laws. Folks this is our one and only chance to protect our rights. If this works it will be a template to save our nation in every state. Our lives will be defined by how we respond to this challenge
Remember, as bad as CA and NY are with many laws, it is still the minority that is getting the attention (with the media convincing the Id Diots to vote certain ways). There are many many many who are fighting for the 2nd… NY lawmakers cheat their way to passing such laws as the unSafe Act by breaking the laws themselves bypassing the mandated times for public comments, etc.
Your suggestions are good, except I would add to #1: Your contacting liberal left wing non-representatives will never change their minds on issues – they have already made their decision even though they play the game asking for constituent input through their tax supported campaign mailings and surveys. They will continue to ignore the truth, no matter how you contact them. BUT the reason to still write or call them is to make sure they do not have the excuse that “nobody is opposing this.” If they don’t hear from you, they will always use that excuse. Don’t give it to them.
The best way is to support the proper candidates and VOTE THE BAD GUYS OUT. Problem here is that many talk the talk but don’t vote the vote, AND STILL they are re-elected by the 2nd supporters!!! More Id Diots that support the supposed conservative talkers yet lose more of our God-given, Constitutionally protected freedoms. Don’t give your previously supported candidate a second term if they fail the first time around. It may take a few election cycles, but they will eventually get the message if they never get a second term. VOTE THEM OUT. Don’t take their lies for a second chance. Find another candidate to replace them. If you can’t find someone to run against the incumbent, still VOTE THEM OUT – they are doing the same damage as the opposing party already.
And another thing… if anyone followed Remington (in NY State), they would have seen that a gun manufacturer supported 2nd-non-supporter politicians to their own damage – not just the corporation is to blame, but the employees, too! So, as much as one can feel bad for a gun manufacturer and the workers who have to downsize, move, and lose their long time jobs, they are part at fault because they turned their backs on the right candidates that could have replaced the same anti’s and RINOs.
You make great points in your articles. Keep it up!