Archive for the ‘Second Amendment’ Category

Could the Land of Enchantment Elect a Second Amendment Supporter to the Senate? – AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

New Mexico Take Action

New Mexico -(AmmoLand.com)-New Mexico has to be very vexing for Second Amendment supporters. In a region of the country where the Second Amendment is largely respected, it constantly elects anti-Second Amendment extremists to the United States Senate. Its frustrating in the extreme. But could this be turned around?

There is a better chance than you might think. After all, Governors Gary Johnston and Susanna Martinez were supporters of our Second Amendment rights, and Martinez was in office until January of last year. Even Bill Richardson, a Democrat, signed concealed-carry legislation. So, it is possible that a Second Amendment supporter could win a statewide race.

But New Mexico hasnt had a pro-Second Amendment U.S. Senator since Pete Domenici declined to run for another six-year term in the Senate in 2008. Jeff Bingaman, Tom Udall, and Martin Heinrich were not exactly strong supporters of our rights. On secondary issues, like judges, they were in line with Charles Schumer.

Udall is retiring this year after serving two terms. Running to replace him is Ben Ray Lujan, who has served since 2009, when he took Tom Udalls seat in the House of Representatives. Like Udall, his record on Second Amendment issues is not good. According to Project Vote Smart, hes backed universal background checks, opposed pro-sportsman legislation, and even was willing to back bureaucratic gun bans.

However, Lujans campaign site doesnt discuss Second Amendment issues. But as a Representative, hes made numerous statements that indicate that he will be another vote for the extreme anti-Second Amendment agenda of Michael Bloomberg, Schumer, and Everytown.

Heres where a term-limited Susanna Martinez could have made this a very easy call for Second Amendment supporters. However, she declined to run. Instead, the hopes to stop Lujan now center on former TV meteorologist Mark Ronchetti.

Now, Ronchetti is a political newcomer, and as such, all Second Amendment supporters have to go on are his statements on the campaign trail and on his campaign web site. This has led to disappointment in the past, such as what has happened with Larry Hogans tenure as governor of Maryland.

That said given the stakes involved, including the refusal of Joe Biden to provide a straight answer about whether hed pack the Supreme Court, Ronchetti is a risk worth taking, especially since his first vote in the 117th Congress would help keep Chuck Schumer from being Senate Majority Leader. Second Amendment supporters need to check out his campaign site, then also donate to the NRAs Political Victory Fund to help elect pro-Second Amendment candidates at all levels of government.

About Harold Hutchison

Writer Harold Hutchison has more than a dozen years of experience covering military affairs, international events, U.S. politics and Second Amendment issues. Harold was consulting senior editor at Soldier of Fortune magazine and is the author of the novel Strike Group Reagan. He has also written for the Daily Caller, National Review, Patriot Post, Strategypage.com, and other national websites.

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Could the Land of Enchantment Elect a Second Amendment Supporter to the Senate? - AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

Galvin, Young accuse each of other of lying during debate – Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) The debate between the candidates for Alaskas sole seat in Congress became contentious Thursday, with challenger Alyse Galvin saying shes tired of U.S. Rep. Don Young misrepresenting her position on issues.

Im so tired of the lies that have been said throughout this entire campaign, Galvin said, saying she doesnt support the so-called Green New Deal, Medicare for all or for culling Second Amendment rights.

Im really upset that this campaign has come to this, she said. Youre better than that, Don Young. Alaskas better than that. We expect more.

Young countered that Galvin, whom he called Alice instead of Alyse at one point, was the one lying. He said if he had lost his clout, as she has claimed, then why did President Donald Trump sign two of his bills?

Young was one of several co-sponsors on two bills signed Wednesday.

Young, 87, the longest ever serving Republican in the U.S. House after being elected in 1973, is seeking his 25th term. He sat in a chair during the hour-long debate hosted by Alaska Public Media and KTUU-TV, while Galvin stood.

This is the second straight election hes faced Galvin, 55, an independent who plans to caucus with Democrats if elected. Young won by seven percentage points in 2018.

Several times Galvin faulted Young for missing 14% of votes in Washington, which she said is much higher than average. He countered hes made over 30,000 votes during his tenure.

Young admitted hes missed some votes, but usually because hes making a 5000-mile (8,047-kilometer) trip back to Alaska.

Both candidates were asked their position on open pit mines, including the proposed Donlin Gold Mine and Pebble Mine, which would be sited near the headwaters of the worlds largest sockeye salmon fishery in southwest Alaska.

Galvin said she was not in favor of Pebble Mine, but would like to hear more about Donlin and ways it could be configured to not impact salmon runs on the Kuskokwim River.

Young simply said Donlin can be developed, and as for permitting Pebble Mine, he said that should be a state function and the federal government shouldnt be involved.

Young said states and cities should be in control of getting the coronavirus pandemic under control and can do a better job than the federal government.

You cant stay hunkered down and have a great nation. You have to get back to production, he said. Thats what Im hoping to do.

Galvin said its very important to have help for small businesses.

I think its critical that we have that lifeline there so that when we do get past this, we will have an opportunity to come back, she said.

Young noted that Galvin has received campaign funds from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and has repeatedly throughout the campaign tried to pin Galvin to the California Democrat.

Galvin pointed to the $300,000 in campaign funds she said Young has received from the health care industry as to why health care prices are so high in Alaska.

In his closing, Young noted what his experience has done for Alaskans, introducing 52 bills, including six in a committee, this year.

All the freshmen have none, he said. Freshmen cant do anything.

Galvin conceded Young has done a lot of work in his 47 years in office, but its time for change especially when the country is at a crossroads.

Do you want to have somebody in the room as an independent voice standing strongly up for Alaskans, or do you want to have somebody whos in the hallway shouting that youre all socialists? she said.

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Galvin, Young accuse each of other of lying during debate - Associated Press

Iraqveteran8888 and Censorship of the Second Amendment | RECOIL – RECOILweb

Eric from Iraqveteran8888 is one the of longest lasting dogs in the social media fight. And with that, comes years of seeing how the playing field has changed for not only those who create content, but the firearms industry as a whole. Watching the landscape shift as Gun culture grapples with the internet, Eric has seen more than his fair share of censorship, and took time to talk not only about what it looks like, but how it's part of a larger battle, and one with victories for those who believe in and live by the Second Amendment.

We took the opportunity to hear what he had to say about fighting Censorship and winning with the Second Amendment.

How did you get started with your Brand?

Its funny, when we first started, influencers werent a thing. We were just some guys with a camera, and wed go out into the backyard to try out a new hand load or a new gun. We started filming ourselves so we could have it as sort of a documentation of things we were already doing. We started posting them on YouTube, and are going on almost 14 years now. Back then, YouTube wasnt the big animal it was today. When we started, we were just documenting what we were already doing, and we found that people started subscribing and reacting, and it kinda ended up being a thing. It wasnt ever the intention. Even to this day, were still flying by the seats of our pants. At the end of the day were still rednecks with cameras and guns.

Your channel comes across as very organic, what is your mission statement or goal?

Look at large businesses: they start with a mission statement, with a goal that usually looks like getting from point A to point B. Weve never really had that, as in an uber-defined mission statement, but to me, our overall goal is to spread the idea that gun owners are normal people, and gun ownership is safe and normal. We have always felt it important to be politically engaged. The mind is our most important weapon, as well as the firearms we use to protect and its important to keep that alive in culture and our country. On our channel, it rings true that concept of wanting people to be self-sufficient, to think for themselves, and to arm themselves figuratively with knowledge, and with the guns to protect themselves, and that overall idea is something for everyone. I dont side with one political side of the aisle.

That message is the backbone that brings good to your followers, and we find it strange that it would be so hard to get out.

Quite frankly, were outnumbered, dare I say algorithmically as well. Our voices collectively are censored, in some cases algorithmically, in others, outright pulled down. Videos are pulled down because they dont support the narrative, and it goes to show hypocrisy. In some cases, if the information could have gotten out, maybe people who have died, would have lived. We dont want to be in an echo chamber, but with all this censorship, we end up in one.

Adapt and overcome is always a motto, and weve done that as best as we can. Certainly its been an uphill battle, in terms of the message we spread, the type of people we are, the content that we share. I mean just being in the firearms realm. In terms of society, it can be somewhat of a taboo thing, but were trying to change that. We are fighting collectively, not only a cultural battle, but one of censorship.

When you look at these algorithms, humanity still hasnt come to terms with what the internet is, so when you talk about censorship, it comes with baggage. We often dont see the action itself, but feel the effects. Do you have any examples with Iraqveteran8888?

I can certainly show instances where a couple of years ago, if I posted a melt-down video or a top 5 guns video, it might reach 2 or 3 million views in the first 90 days. There used to be a much larger potential for videos to go viral. And that change might be a shadow ban, or in the algorithm, and although we cannot see it, we can tell its there by what a video can do now versus what it did a few years ago. Now, a meltdown video might only get 250,000 views, where it used to get 3 million. I believe that is because they have an algorithm that prevents these videos from showing up in the recommended section. Theyre not going to outright ban you, but theyll let you have a place at the table.

Echo chambers typically refer to a situation lacking a diversity of voices, and as something to get out of, but you referred to them as something someone might get put into. How do you see these echo chambers in society?

The best way to think of echo chambers, is to imagine being in a prison cell, and all your friends are there, talking about how to get out. The problem is, you are all innocent. Another way I think about it is, were being shoved into the dark underbelly of society, of the internet. They want to keep us out of the eyes of the culture, out of the public. Because if they deny you a voice in their town hall, people will believe anything they say about you and theres no conversation.

The book on censorship has been written, but you cannot defeat it with a debate. How have you adapted to beat Censorship? Do you have any success stories?

The way that you beat them, is by being normal. So one way you can get them is by living your life. Another way: look outside, the industry is booming right now. We win by continuing what we are doing, without falter, and continuing to support one another. That is a hill I will die on. The way you beat them is by living, by not letting the negativity get you down. It is a cultural war in which we are winning many battles. Americans are a culture of gun owners. The more people we bring in, the better. Owning guns has become a custodianship, something we pass on, and that has stuck in the culture. People take what youre saying a little more seriously when they can see how far youve gone into thinking about it. The battlefield of the Second Amendment is everything that we already do.

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Iraqveteran8888 and Censorship of the Second Amendment | RECOIL - RECOILweb

Pocono Record letters to the editor, Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 – Pocono Record

Pocono RecordReader wonders if republicans are being two-faced

Republicans support the coal industry. Republicans support the fracking industry. Fracking gas has slashed demand for coal,and shut down many coal companies. ( yet, still, they blame the Democrats for the shutdowns). So, I ask: where do Republicans really stand? Aren't they being two-faced?

Sabrina Zak, Saylorsburg

With the Presidential election just weeks away and the coronavirus still lingering in the U.S., many Americans are asking themselves: is it safe to vote in-person? As a doctor, I can confidently say, yes. For months, Americans have been slowly moving back to their pre-pandemic lives by going to the grocery store, restaurants, and shopping malls all while abiding by social distancing and facial covering guidelines. Why would we treat in-person voting differently? Zeke Emanuel, a former member of the Obama administration, University of Pennsylvania oncologist and bioethicist commented, [y]ou dont want people to be disenfranchised by the pandemic, and you should encourage people that its safe. Its like shopping. Weve battled the coronavirus for the majority of the year, and by now, we know how to manage the risks. Our vulnerable populations, including elderly citizens and those with pre-existing health conditions should consider resources such as absentee or mail-in ballots. But the majority of Americans should feel as safe voting in-person as they would going to the grocery store.

Robert Campbell, president of Central PA Anesthesia in Lebanon.

As a refugee from a socialist country many years ago, I value the freedoms this wonderful country has given my family. He is pro-life, pro-law and order, pro-law enforcement, pro-veterans, pro-First Amendment of free speech, pro-Second Amendment right to own a gun, pro-school choice for our children, pro-freedom of religion, pro-legal immigration (how I came here), pro-respect for our flag. He is for energy independence. He is against sanctuary cities that protect criminals and against removing statues of our history. Trump is against stacking the Supreme Court members and he is pro-fracking, which is important for Pa. Our children must learn our history with the 1776 project and not be indoctrinated with liberal falsehoods. We need to teach pride and love for our country. America is a great country, and I want it to stay that way. Voting for Biden and his party will fundamentally change our country.

Rita von Schwedler, Tannersville

All election-related letters must be submitted by noon Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. The final election letters will run on Friday, Oct. 31. Political endorsement letters must be no longer than 150 words. Political letters will appear as space allows in the print publication. All submissions are subject to a final edit. All approved letters will appear in the Pocono Records online version. Letters must include address and telephone number for verification. Email letters to letters@poconorecord.com.

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Pocono Record letters to the editor, Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 - Pocono Record

Eric Trump pledges industry revival, blasts Biden and Wolf at Ambridge rally – The Times

Chrissy Suttles|Beaver County Times

AMBRIDGE President Donald Trumps second son, Eric, denounced Pennsylvanias COVID-19 restrictions and praised his fathers economic policies at Thursdays MAGA rally in Beaver County.

Trump spoke to approximately 100 supporters inside MunroeInc's warehouse in the Port Ambridge Industrial Park, home to a number of steel-related companies. While half the crowd chose to wear a facial covering, others said mask-wearing infringes on individual liberties" and declined.

The enthusiastic crowd roared as Trump touted his fathers efforts to protect First and Second Amendment rights, including religious freedom and family principles."He told the crowd Democrats want to defund the police and take your guns.

Presidential candidate Joe Biden in the past has supported some police reform, but would like to see increased funding for educational, drug abuse and mental health programs so officers can focus on crime alone.

Trump said the presidents policies have led to dramatic manufacturing growth, energy independence, a strong economy and the lowest unemployment, repeating claims that his opponentwould get rid of fracking, natural gas and coal. Biden publicly opposes an outrightfracking ban, instead planning toabolishnew gas and oil permits on federal land only.

The president four years ago promised blue-collar Pennsylvanians he would revive the coal and steel industries, and cut red tape for natural gas companies. Previous Times reporting reveals that the president has kept promises to cut environmental regulations to benefit coal and natural gas, but with mixed results.

Donald Trumps steel tariffs have helped countless plants stay open, his son said, noting the owner of MunroeInc.s plant said the company would be struggling without the tax on foreign steel. At least one local plant, Allegheny Technologies Inc.s Midland site, has recently closed due to business made unsustainable by the tariffs.

Pittsburgh has some of the toughest guys in the world, Trump said before criticizing Biden and his son, Hunter, for their work ethic.

This guy has the worst work ethic of any person Ive ever met in my entire life, he said of Joe Biden. He literally doesn't leave his house.

Trump on Thursday called his father the hardest working person he knows, tirelessly trying to drain the swamp that is Washington, D.C.

We thought that the swamp was deep, but that swamp is a lot deeper than we ever thought it was, he said. There is no family that loves this country more.

Trump then lambasted Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolfs COVID-19 restrictions and crowd limitations, prompted by someoneshouting the governor's name. Trump called on the Wolf administration to reduce limitations on youthsports, suggesting the virus will end after Election Day a claim not supported by epidemiologists, who warn of another COVID surge this fall.

What a gem, he said ofWolf, sarcastically. Can we have him open up this state, please? You know he's only doing it for political purposes.

Sean Parnell, the Republican challenging U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb in the 17th Congressional District, briefly introduced Trump on Thursday, calling this election the most important of our lifetimes and urging voters to re-elect Donald Trump in November.

I firmly believe the United States of America is on the ballot, Parnellsaid. America stands on a very thin line between hope and darkness and, for the last four years, weve watched our president and his family be relentlessly attacked from the radical left and some of their allies in the media.

Beaver County elected Donald Trump by 19 percentage points four years, but Ambridge still recovering from thesteelcollapse decades ago was one of a handful of Beaver County municipalities that voted in favor of Hillary Clinton.

Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesman Andres Anzola on Thursday said Eric Trumps visit wont erase months of nationwide job loss due to the pandemic.

The broken promises coming from Eric Trump during his visit wont erase this weeks dismaljobs numbers or provide the real leadership Pennsylvanians need to create good-paying jobs, he said. "There is only one candidate in this race who we can trust to spur manufacturing job growth for workers across Pennsylvania, and thats Joe Biden.

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Eric Trump pledges industry revival, blasts Biden and Wolf at Ambridge rally - The Times