Americans and Tennesseans need to stand up

[johnharris]

This past legislative session has been a historic one for Tennessee's gun owners. We have made progress, history, the news and new friends. TFA members and those who will in time join us have proven that grassroots activism can be effective.

I want to ask this question of you and ask you to ask it of each of your friends who are conservatives, or hunters, or firearms owners, or tea party supporters, or who are simply unhappy with the way things are now relative to federal, state and/or local government. You don't have to answer the question publicly but I want you to seriously reflect on it and answer it at least privately.

If it was a crime to be involved as a citizen in the political process, if it was a crime to be categorized as a "grassroots" activist, if it was a crime to be called a constitutional conservative, if it was a crime to stand up for your rights and those of your family, would there be enough evidence to convict you "beyond a reasonable doubt"?

I have worked with gun owners and legislators for more than 15 years now. I have worked public events, gun shows, seminars, radio shows, etc., regarding these issues. I have written, spoken and authored works in this area. I have encouraged others. I have heard Tennessee's gun owners congratulate me or TFA for the work that "you" do. I appreciate the sincerity in the statement whenever I hear those congratulatory words, but at the same time it makes me pause.

What has been done for gun owners in Tennessee over the last one, five, or even 20 years has not been about what TFA did or even what I did. It has not been about what this or that legislator did. It has been about what mostly publicly unnamed people have done in contacting their elected officials and in electing out of office those who fail the constitutional litmus test. It has been the grassroots involvement of citizens. This success is "our" collective success. It must be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxDwBYjL3Fc

[backwoodsman]

I'm glad you posted that John, there is a clear and valid point, most people I meet just want to blend into the background when it come's to politics ,and while politicians are generally not well respected, the political process should be,as well as paid attention to,especially when it concerns our freedoms, and our children and grandchildren.The other question people should ask themselves,is do you want your children and grandchildren to respect you,and consider you a mentor, and not a COWARD?,, We have not reached the levels of 1930's and 40's Germany or current day Iran.

As John clearly states, no matter what political henchman , be it Pelosi or Holder, there is still a CONSTITUTION ,a BILL OF RIGHTS, a SUPREME COURT, and DUE PROCESS,,, to speak the truth, truth based in ,and backed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, can end you up in a stew with liberals, and people have been even jailed ,illegally. However, even during the American Revolution,not everyone instantly fought against the aggression of king george.The strength and resolve displayed by the few ,lit fires in the souls of the once meek. You can be and have the right to be a Constitutional Patriot because of the blood that still lies within the soil of this nation!

This time period more than any other period in our Nations history , save the revolutionary times is burdened with the need for good men,and women to adhere and hold strong to the rights given us with the blood of our fore fathers who fought the tyranny of their time. Tyrants exist in all time periods,including this time period! You must ask yourself, did brave men and women die horrible deaths to give you the right to speak freely,only to watch you from their places in Heaven,give away without so much of a whimper, that which they gave their life blood for?

Are you to hide in the grass ,a scared mouse, or stand tall against the winds of tyranny and defy it? Are you a man, or a mouse?If you need to squeak up,please do it elsewhere.If you need to speak up,please chime in,and then show action through lobbying your elected officials via phone and email,chastise them,remind them of their duties to the people and the Grand Documents established by our forefathers,and if necessary promise them the loss of your vote come next election. All this is a far cry from what was given for our liberties and freedoms by our forefathers.

A very timely post John. I appreciate you bringing that to light.