In the wake of last weekend’s gun rights rally, there are many different opinions on the outcome. Some call it a huge success, a show of force to the governor of Virginia that would make him take gun-owners and pro-gun activists more seriously. Others call it a missed opportunity to affect meaningful change, especially in light of the Virginia General Assembly passing Red Flag legislation only days later in spite of the protest. And of course, trolls on both sides are putting in overtime in the meme smithies to provoke the other side. But in all factions of the pro-2A debate, the question is mainly the same: What now?
One might look to the Founding Fathers themselves for inspiration, and the potential answers are as varied as the Founders themselves. Some of the most recognized Founders, among them George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, saw war against the Crown as a last resort, something that should be resorted to only after all other options had been exhausted. Some of the more fiery Founders, like Patrick Henry, saw war with the Crown as an inevitability, one that should be initiated sooner rather than later. And some, such as Samuel Adams and Paul Revere, sought to foment both overt and clandestine activism against agents of the Crown and loyal colonials.
Many unknown actors played roles in this as well, people whose names we will never know. There were spies and informants, yes, but there were also couriers, suppliers, fundraisers, recruiters, and those willing to simply sit in a smoky tavern and preach the message of Liberty to their community, to start and propel conversations, and to educate others. These men and women came from all walks of life, but had one thing in common: a love for Liberty, and the will to see it fought for. Who is to say that the same can’t be found today among the fired up pro-2A and Liberty communities? Who is to say that the same can’t be done now, despite our differences in ideas and hopes for the way forward?
But enough of lofty goals and history lessons; what can be done in the here and now? In short, civil disobedience on a massive scale. That is to say, a clear and unabashedly proud and understood escalation of the ongoing fight for Liberty, but one that is measured and controlled. But it doesn’t have to be within a nation-wide organization or group, in fact, it is better and more effective if it isn’t. No, instead it must be within small groups and communities, forming together for their own specific interests, in their own localities.
It means to exercise your Constitutional rights, even if your locality or State has made unjust laws in an attempt to regulate or infringe upon them. It means to continue to gather and make your voices heard, despite growing political and legal pressure to just “play by the rules.” To give in solves nothing, especially when the members of the opposition are the ones changing the rules. It means holding our government accountable at every level, keeping an eye on their every move, and responding accordingly. It means to show the government that we don’t need them. It means looking out for one another, supporting one another at the community level, and shutting out and refusing to obey those that seek to rule over you, or spread injustice. It means gathering together and discussing together, debating and educating one another, and preparing one another for any eventuality. It means becoming neighbors and families and friends again. It means coming together despite our differences, to fight for Liberty.
William Gadsden
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