For my third ever blog post, I’m going to wade into the Second Amendment discussion that is currently taking over the webs. Now I’m not an orator or a wordsmith, but I thought I’d weigh in. So, here it goes:
Yesterday, an interesting post caught my eye on Facebook. It was from a well-known company in the town where I spent the majority of my Army career, Fayetteville. Grey Group was served with a notice that they must stop selling “magazines with a capacity of over 10 rounds”. Now, States already regulate the sale of weapons, magazines and accessories. An opinion of mine that is shared by a friend of ours - The Constitution.
Money has always been one of the largest elements deciding politics; consumers boycotting establishments usually demonstrate it. What we are starting to see now is the reverse. We have establishments that are so ingrained in our society that it would inconvenience consumers to boycott them. (Notice the choice of the word; inconvenience - I’ll circle back to that.) There are establishments like Bank of America, PayPal, Facebook, and many others that are taking action to influence rights. These actions are ranging from pulling lines of credit to outright censorship.
Why are their campaigns effective? APATHY (I said we’d circle back to this). Apathy is one of America’s greatest weaknesses, which is derived from our greatest strength. We are a Nation where we are truly free and safe. Yes, there have been attacks and difficulties in the county. But, Americans keep on going. When gas prices went up (remember -$1/gal gas?) we were angry, we complained…..while we filled up our tanks. When the housing market bubble broke and banks were bailed out, people were outraged…….from their couch. Our country is so successful that the majority of Americans are insulated from events like this. Before too long, the encroachment of “social legislation” will reduce this insulation. At that point, the average American will look around and express bewilderment in how things “suddenly” changed.
What is the solution? Twofold:
- Speak up!
But talk is going to be less effective than action. Now, I’m, not talking about riots and violence. Speak with your money, speak with your patronage, speak with your inconvenience. That’s right, inconvenience yourself. If you are banking, shopping, or doing business with an establishment that doesn’t represent your views - STOP! And tell them why. Will it be a pain, absolutely. Do you want your bank telling you what you can spend your money on, absolutely not! (far fetched? HSBC, CITI and others practice Sharia compliant banking in the Middle East - try buying a beer there with their accounts).
- VOTE!
Our government IS a representation of our people. Do I need to say that again? It also represents the Apathy in our country. You don’t like where we are going? Vote. And not just once every 4 years for the president. The important elections are your local, district, and state election. Get involved in your city and county council meetings. Get involved in your school board meetings. Pay attention to your State legislature. Vote out incumbents to prevent career politicians. And most importantly, get involved with your children’s education. You may be surprised what they are being taught.
Well, that’s my 2 cents. Don’t agree? Great! Our ability to disagree and discuss points of view is what sets us apart from other societies. Discuss, debate, and be free.
