Firearms Continued...
However, I decided to add my thoughts on this subject as a sentiment was brought to my attention multiple times in the last two years surrounding the weaponized narrative. I was frequently at rallies or present in groups where the growing tension was palpable. Peoples’ livelihoods have been compromised or taken away. Individuals are labeled somehow “non-essential” compared to others. To say that I find it highly offensive that some feel morally superior to tell others essentially who can feed their families and who can’t is an understatement. Due to this tremendous amount of suffering, I heard talk of a second American “Revolution” repeatedly. I understand.
We have tried the soap box. We are not being heard and in some cases actively ignored.
We have tried the ballot box. Our confidence in a secure voting system is in constant question.
And so, the growing sentiment I hear often is that the cartridge box is left.
I understand it; but I do not welcome it, and I will exhaust all within my persuasive power before even suggesting bloodshed. I believe a greater hope yet remains.
To be clear, I recognize a firearm as a weapon of war. War is the extension of politics by other means should diplomacy fail. As an instrument of war, whoever holds the instrument holds the power. In the second amendment, the Founders didn’t simply codify the natural rights of individuals to defend their own lives but they put the weight of political power in the hands of the people at large against any tyranny –foreign or domestic. The second amendment is not designed to protect hunters or sports shooting, it is a strategic political position. As long as the balance of the power to exercise war rests in the people at large, our individual rights are protected.
But there’s a catch.
Against the military might of the federal government, no one is an island. We must be united in our resistance which requires the active defense of those with whom we may disagree. Liberty must of necessity be our single issue. We won’t even need to fire a single shot if at first we stand individually, then individually together, and finally by our courage we convince others (even those in the ranks opposite) to stand with us. Before we can secure a revolution, we need a revelation: We are truly more than they. We must stop fighting each another. We hold the power TOGETHER.
We have tried the soap box. We are not being heard and in some cases actively ignored.
We have tried the ballot box. Our confidence in a secure voting system is in constant question.
And so, the growing sentiment I hear often is that the cartridge box is left.
I understand it; but I do not welcome it, and I will exhaust all within my persuasive power before even suggesting bloodshed. I believe a greater hope yet remains.
To be clear, I recognize a firearm as a weapon of war. War is the extension of politics by other means should diplomacy fail. As an instrument of war, whoever holds the instrument holds the power. In the second amendment, the Founders didn’t simply codify the natural rights of individuals to defend their own lives but they put the weight of political power in the hands of the people at large against any tyranny –foreign or domestic. The second amendment is not designed to protect hunters or sports shooting, it is a strategic political position. As long as the balance of the power to exercise war rests in the people at large, our individual rights are protected.
But there’s a catch.
Against the military might of the federal government, no one is an island. We must be united in our resistance which requires the active defense of those with whom we may disagree. Liberty must of necessity be our single issue. We won’t even need to fire a single shot if at first we stand individually, then individually together, and finally by our courage we convince others (even those in the ranks opposite) to stand with us. Before we can secure a revolution, we need a revelation: We are truly more than they. We must stop fighting each another. We hold the power TOGETHER.