January 20 in Richmond, Virginia, will be remembered by many for it’s successful “Lobby Day,” which was an opportunity for citizens to demonstrate opposition to additional, and stricter, gun laws.
A statement was intended for not only the elected state representatives, but also to the entire nation. As I walked around and interacted with many who were present, the convictions that brought me to the event were mirrored by most other attendees.
In the shadows of the state capitol, over 20,000 men, women, and children, of all races, from Virginia and many other states, showed not only their support of the Second Amendment, but also their frustration with elected officials governing against their electorate and the Constitution.
The event was a contradictory “peaceful show of force.” Some media assumed that this gathering was meant to intimidate or threaten. It was not.
An appropriate comparison would be that of a policy that was shared by the United States and the Soviet Union during the nuclear arms race — mutually assured destruction. The belief was that if either side should start any overt action towards the other, it would be the end of both. That is why the pro-Second Amendment community stands firmly opposed to the constant erosion of gun rights by the political left. If the government ignores our will now, while we are an armed populace, how will they treat us if we are disarmed? The truth is that it’s not “gun control” that they want. Understanding the issue makes you realize that it’s really about “citizen control.”
A large percentage of the attendees on Monday were military veterans from all branches. As such, many wore their issued clothing and gear, while carrying their most familiar and comfortable weapon, the reviled AR-15. Unit patches and American flags were also worn with pride. This is part of the reason why the media and anti-gun community accuses our movement of being full of militias and white supremacist paramilitary groups. The actuality is men and women merely carrying the tools they know best.
The feeling of the crowd was very patriotic. Not in the sense of “love of country,” but along the lines of what drove patriots to revolt against their king. The biggest issue of the time was “taxation without representation.” That issue is being felt again today.
Americans feel over-taxed as we pay state income tax, federal income tax, sales tax, gas tax, and many other taxes hidden in purchases made. There are also tolls and fees for many civil services. Government always seems to have its hand in your pockets, and thanks to the unfairly high death tax, it doesn’t even end when your life does. The feeling of frustration is magnified by the waste of those tax dollars even while accumulating more national debt.
Representation is being watered-down or cancelled out by fraudulent voting, enabled by a lack of voter I.D., and a growing number of cases of non-citizens voting. This situation was started with “motor voter” in the 90’s, and then completed with states approving illegal immigrant driver’s licenses. It’s a formula ripe for illegal votes being cast. There’s also the problem of elected officials showing their loyalty to large donors, instead of their constituents. Indebted officials do what they can to repay the contributions.
One other possible reason for the large turnout in Richmond is the effect of Donald J. Trump.
His election in 2016 has proven to be a “reset button” to what America should be. (Make America Great Again, right?) He’s fighting “big government,” the “Deep State,” and foreign influence over many of our elected officials. From Ukraine to China, our politicians have sold out our Republic.
As strong-willed, cunning, and successful as he is, the president cannot accomplish this fight by himself. He needs the power of the American citizens.
“We, The People” showed up in Richmond, using a well-known tactic introduced by another great Republican president to whom Trump is often compared, Ronald Reagan:
“Peace through strength.”
John Cylc is a conservative Christian and eight year U.S. Army veteran who primarily speaks out on the Second Amendment, gun rights issues, and contemporary topics. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he currently resides with his wife and youngest son in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in beautiful East Tennessee. He is the founder of ThirteenFox.com and a former regular contributor to LifeZette. Follow John Cylc on Twitter @The2ndA. To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.
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