Wayne LaPierre On Trump’s Win

The NRA released this video yesterday. Wayne LaPierre congratulates the 5 million men and women members of the NRA and outlines some of the things they intend to push President-elect Trump to sign once he is in office.

Here is the transcript of the video:

Transcript

On November 8, you—the 5 million men and women of the National Rifle Association of America, along with the tens of millions of gun owners all over this country who followed your lead—achieved a truly extraordinary, historic, even heroic, accomplishment. In northern Florida and Pennsylvania, throughout Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan, in small towns and communities all across America, you were the special forces that swung this election and sent Donald Trump and Mike Pence to the White House.


You did this. Don’t let anybody else tell you otherwise.


In the wake of this historic event, the same disgraced group of so-called experts, talking heads, pundits and pollsters that got everything wrong before the election are trying to deceive you once again. So let me remove all doubt: gun owners made this election happen. Hillary Clinton made her hatred for the Second Amendment a central issue of this campaign and as a result of that fatal mistake, she’s on permanent political vacation.


Your determination to defend individual freedom, joined with the other issues at the very heart of this race, ensured that only one candidate could receive the approval of the American people: Donald Trump.


The disgraceful media attempted to manipulate your emotions. They tried to suppress your enthusiasm, your speech, your vote. But you would not be distracted from the core freedom that was truly at stake—and for that, you deserve the gratitude of the entire nation. You proved the founders right: that the ultimate check and balance in this country is the American people.


I joined this quest to restore Second Amendment freedom almost 40 years ago. Many of you were there with me. Together, we have restored, expanded and protected the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution—and are prepared to pass it forward to the generations of Americans who will take up this cause.


Our victory in this election is a monumental step toward securing the future of this freedom. Soon, President Trump will nominate a constitutionally sound justice to replace Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. Make no mistake: that will be a generational victory for Second Amendment freedom—and you made it happen.


But we must also face the reality that still confronts us. For eight straight years, Barack Obama flooded the appellate courts and the federal judiciary with judges who truly despise Second Amendment freedom. More than 300 Obama-appointed anti-gun judges represent an infection for which there is no cure, other than time and vigilance. They will pose a threat to our gun rights for decades to come.


We also face a growing group of anti-Second Amendment elitist billionaires, led by George Soros and Michael Bloomberg. By pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into state and local elections, they have succeeded in confusing many voters into believing clever labeling like “universal background checks” and so-called “common sense” schemes will make a difference in the safety and security of our communities.


The truth is, the anti-gun billionaires have only one goal: the absolute eradication of the Second Amendment freedom for the average American citizen. Not for their security forces, their families and themselves. But for you: the everyday American who stormed the polls in an act of ultimate defiance of the elites. They will continue to enjoy the support of an openly dishonest media that truly hates your right to speak, your right to worship and your right to vote. And most of all, your right to keep and bear arms.


In the face of the bitter hatred and elitist condemnation, this is our historic moment to go on offense and defeat the forces that have aligned against our freedom once and for all. The individual right to carry a firearm in defense of our lives and our families does not, and should not, end at any state line. I call on Congress and the president-elect to pass National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity as quickly as it can be written and signed.


And it is time, once and for all, to end the absolute fallacy of gun-free zones. Not one more American serviceman or woman should be murdered on a military base because the government denied their right to defend themselves with a firearm. We revere the men and women in uniform who defend our freedom, and their rights must be restored immediately.


I also call for protections that stop the tyrannical erosion of gun rights in states and cities where corrupt leaders use their political power to abuse the rights of American citizens. I’m talking about a deceitful web of gun bans, ammo bans, magazine bans, exorbitant fees and taxes, and registration schemes—all designed to undermine the meaning of the Second Amendment and the Supreme Court decisions that uphold it.


The Court’s Heller decision recognized the right of Washington, D.C. citizens to own a firearm in their home for personal protection. But eight years later, it is still almost impossible to legally buy a firearm in that city. If the anti-gun forces can get away with sanctuary city-type exclusions where they unilaterally defy the rights of American citizens, then your Second Amendment protections only exists if your local government recognizes them. It must be illegal for corrupt, bureaucratic elites to deny law-abiding Americans their full measure of Second Amendment freedom.


These goals and more are now possible because of the historic work that you have done. It is only because of your sacrifices that we have this unique opportunity to defend the one freedom that protects all the others: our Second Amendment. But before we can say that it has been secured and is intact for us to pass on to the next generation, we must face these very real challenges with the strength, courage and purpose you have proven to possess.


Our time is now. We must approach the coming fights with the same urgency and determined action that ended the political future of Hillary Rodham Clinton. That’s why I need you to renew your membership, upgrade your membership, join this organization and be part of the hard work and the victories that are yet to come. You have proven to be ready for the challenge.

NSSF On The Election Outcome

The National Shooting Sports Foundation released both a statement and a video message regarding President-elect Trump’s win. As to their #Gunvote campaign, I did see one of the billboards here in Asheville. I was actually a bit surprised.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, today congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his historic victory.

The American people have spoken. We have elected a president who has pledged to protect our Constitutional rights and a majority of both houses of Congress that will work to ensure that our individual right to keep and bear arms will be preserved.

The work of those who love liberty and our nation’s hunting and shooting traditions is never over. Americans need to remain involved to help ensure that the defense of our Second Amendment remains strong and the lawful commerce in firearms is protected at all levels of government.

We thank all those Americans who supported NSSF’s 2016 #GUNVOTE voter education and registration initiative. We know that we can count on you. You should know that we remain steadfast in our mission to help promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.

From their video featuring their General Counsel Larry Keane.

Wayne LaPierre | An Urgent Message to the NRA’s 5 Million Members

In this video message to the NRA’s 5 million members, Wayne LaPierre reflects on the last eight years of the Obama Administration’s impact on gun rights and speculates on what a President Hillary Clinton might do. From my own perspective, I’ve always thought Hillary was more politically astute than Barack Obama and has more ties throughout the Democrat Party to get her will imposed.

As I’ve said before, #NeverTrump =  #NeverGuns. Donald Trump might be a loudmouth asshole but he’s our asshole.

New NRA Ad Coming To A Battleground State Near You

The NRA is releasing another ad urging voters to defeat Hillary Clinton. According to the news release below, they will be spending upwards of $5 million airing their message.

I fully expect to see it on the airwaves here in North Carolina shortly. We are one of the few key states that very close and that must be won on the way to 270 electoral votes. Our early voting started yesterday across the state.

From the NRA-ILA:

Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association has launched a new ad using Hillary Clinton’s own words to expose her repeated lies regarding her views on the Second Amendment. The new ad, entitled “Classified,” began airing last night on national cable and on broadcast in key battleground states. The $5 million ad buy will run through Oct. 31.

The ad played out in real time on the debate stage last night when Clinton once again lied to the American people by saying she respects the Second Amendment, but then totally mischaracterized and confirmed her opposition to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in District of Columbia v. Heller. The Heller ruling guaranteed the right of an individual to keep a firearm in the home for self-defense.

“Hillary Clinton cannot tell the truth when it comes to the Second Amendment,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA-ILA. “It is clear from the debate last night that Hillary Clinton lies about her support of the Second Amendment and believes Americans do not have a right to keep a firearm at home for self-protection. Her argument that the Heller decision was just about protecting toddlers was ridiculous.”

Last night was the second time Clinton has publicly said she opposes Heller. At a recent closed door event, Clinton was recorded sayingthe Supreme Court “is wrong on the Second Amendment.” If elected president, Clinton will nominate at least one anti-gun Supreme Court justice who will vote to overturn the right of a law-abiding citizen to have a firearm in the home for self-protection.

“We cannot trust Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton has lied about her emails, she has lied about Benghazi, and she lies about the Second Amendment. She will say whatever it takes to get elected, but the NRA remains committed to exposing her lies. Defeating Hillary Clinton is critical to protecting the rights of America’s law-abiding gun owners,” concluded Cox.

You can see the 30 second video below:

“Donald Trump Is An Asshole”

Evan Kostreva of On Point Firearms puts out an occasional newsletter. He sent out one on Saturday afternoon. His thoughts captured what a lot of us are feeling especially after a week in which all we heard in the media was that Donald Trump is a sexist boor.

Evan graciously gave me permission to reprint his comments. It is a bit of a rant but it is on target.

Donald Trump is an Asshole

Donald Trump is an asshole. Thankfully, that doesn’t matter in a president. We’ve all had bosses or friends or family members that are assholes. And guess what, they all managed to do whatever job they’re doing. It’s of no consequence. There are plenty of assholes in the world. I’m one of them, I should know. You might be one also. I’m not going to have a beer with Trump. He’s not coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t care. People have written literally dozens of books on the Clintons. Guess what? They’re assholes too.

Donald Trump is an asshole. He has hurt some people’s feelings. In contrast, the Clintons have blood on their hands and have left a trail of dead bodies in their wake a mile long. And look what happens when you choose a president that is hip and cool. You get 8 years of Barack Obama hanging out with Jay-Z and Beyonce.

Donald Trump didn’t pay taxes. So what. Apple doesn’t pay taxes and you keep buying their shit. Lots of rich people don’t pay taxes. There’s a whole cottage industry called “wealth management” that finds creative ways to hedge the rich from taxes. I file deductions every year– as many as my poor ass can manage. I hope you do the same. Is it fair? Probably not. But you know why those loopholes are in place? Because of career politicians like Hillary Clinton. She’s been at this game for decades. What good has she done for this country? Our tax code is a joke and it’s because of crooked politicians like the Clintons. The Clinton Foundation doesn’t pay taxes. It’s nothing more than a giant money laundering scheme for their cronies.

Barack Obama has weaponized the IRS and other areas of the government to attack our Constitutional rights. Operation Chokepoint targeted firearms-related businesses. That’s why my bank of 15 years just dropped me as a client two weeks ago. Imagine the outrage if banks discriminated against the LGBT community, blacks, or Muslims. You wouldn’t hear the end of it. But because liberals hate the 2nd Amendment, it’s okay. No media coverage. No outrage. This policy literally threatens my way of life– and my ability to provide for my family.

Are you better off after 8 years of Obama? Do you want 8 more years of this bullshit under Hillary Clinton? It is impossible for Donald Trump to do a worse job than Obama or Hillary. Impossible. Our country cannot take much more. Obama preaches about low unemployment and the recovery of the economy. That’s laughable. Most of my customers cannot afford to buy a $200 knife from me– let alone a $2000 rifle. It was different a few years ago. Things are worse now. Your dollar doesn’t buy much. The entire financial system is on the brink of collapse. There is much uncertainty in the market. The failed policies of this administration have cost many folks their livelihoods– their homes and cars, their marriages. Can you afford 8 more years of this? I cannot.

My son is going to grow up in an America that is unrecognizable. The good old days are long gone. “Hope and Change” failed miserably. We need a major course correction and Trump is the asshole to do it. That’s my rant for today. I’m going to mow my yard and kick something in anger. Have a good weekend and God bless you and yours. God bless America. We need it.

— Evan

Evan runs a firearms and accessories business down in St. Pete, Florida. His website is here.

As to Trump’s comments to Billy Bush (nephew of George H. W. Bush and 1st cousin of W), they were rude, crude, and unattractive. Very few men unless they are up for sainthood have not said or thought something similar, if maybe less crudely, to other guys. I’d wager many women have said or thought the female equivalent about some guy’s buns or his “package”. The only difference is that we weren’t being recorded and it wasn’t “discovered” 11 years later in some video vault as we were running for President.

The Republican politicians who are stampeding to disavow Trump are what Trump said he’d grab. Their moral righteousness and prudishness is disgusting. Their weak spines are why our national debt is out of control and why even with majorities in both houses of Congress we still don’t have national reciprocity. The only reason to vote for some Republicans is because it would be even worse for gun rights if Democrats controlled things.

I don’t like Donald Trump any more than I like Hillary Clinton. However, while the former is a boor the latter is the avowed enemy of my civil rights. As I said three months ago, #NeverTrump means #NeverGuns. I will vote for Donald Trump whether I like it or not. Pragmatism and my gun rights must rule the day.

Forget 1984 – I Feel Like It’s 1964 Again

I was seven years old and in 2nd Grade when Barry Goldwater and Lyndon Johnson faced off against one another. As historians and political junkies will remember, the campaign featured the famous (or infamous) “Daisy” ad which implied a vote for Barry Goldwater might result in nuclear war.
Fast forward 52 years to now. I watched an ad attacking Donald Trump that was eerily like that Daisy ad. It was produced and paid for by the pro-Clinton Super-PAC Priorities USA.

As much as things have changed over the last 52 years, there are some things that haven’t changed. Democratic presidential nominees and their surrogates just can’t help themselves when it comes to accusing Republicans of being warmongers. As things turned out, we can thank God that we didn’t have nuclear war despite the wide escalation of the war in South Vietnam under LBJ.

The 2016 Presidential Election In A Nutshell

Ed Friedman, editor of Shooting Illustrated, has captured this election in a nutshell. The comment below was in reference to something Tam wrote about Hillary’s lies about not knowing about classified emails.

The GOP’s problem is that people want their free shit, and will vote for a lyin, cheatin, murderin, stroke-havin, bribe-takin, becankled harridan and reinforce the failed policies of a feckless beta-male/manchurian-candidate president simply because the other guy is a white blowhard who says mean things.

 As I approach age 60, this is what scares the hell out of me. It makes me want to buy a huge ranch in west Texas, put up a big fence, plant Claymore mines all over the place, and say the hell with the rest of the world. The only problem is that I hate really hot weather and I don’t have enough money to do it.

Trying To Decide Between #NeverTrump Or #NeverHillary? Ponder This.

This presidential election may be historic if for no other reason than both presumptive nominees are grossly unpopular. Now if you like Donald Trump or you like Hillary Clinton and you object to that statement, then you are probably in the minority. Both candidates had unfavorability ratings of over 50% as of late June. Frankly, I don’t see that changing.

I’ll admit right up front that Donald Trump was not my first choice. Heck, he wasn’t even my fourth choice. At the start of the primary season, I considered Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz as potential recipients of my vote. I added Carly Fiorina to that list after I saw how she handled the press.

As to Hillary Clinton, oh, please. Her primary qualification to me seems that she married the right guy to have pulled her along with him to national prominence. Without Bill Clinton, she’d be just another Yale educated lawyer with political ambitions. It is doubtful that she would have ever been elected a US Senator from any state especially given she had held no prior elected offices. She would never have been Secretary of State as she wasn’t one of the “wise old men” like a Warren Christoper, a college professor specializing in foreign policy like  Kissinger or Madeleine Albright, or a general like George Marshall.

To those who would say I’m forgetting about Gary Johnson, I’m not. While he has gathered more support than prior Libertarian candidates, his role in this election is that of a spoiler. He will either take just enough #NeverTrump Republican votes from Donald Trump for Hillary to win or he will take just enough Bernie supporting Millennials from Hillary for Trump to win. I’ve participated in every election since 1976 and have studied American presidential politics at the graduate level. Gary Johnson being elected President just isn’t going to happen.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was interviewed by the New York Times on Friday. What she said should clarify for any gun owner or any Second Amendment supporter what this race for President is really about. This holds true for both the deer hunters in Gun Culture 1.0 with their .30-06 Remington 700s and the non-hunting concealed carriers in Gun Culture 2.0 with their Glock 19s.

This election is about the Supreme Court which now stands in a four to four split between conservatives and liberals. Another way of putting it is that neither the Originalists nor the Living Constitutionalists hold a majority.

Justice Ginsburg was asked whether there were any cases of recent memory that she would like to see overturned. Here is what she said:

Asked if there were cases she would like to see the court overturn before she leaves it, she named one.


“It won’t happen,” she said. “It would be an impossible dream. But I’d love to see Citizens United overruled.”


She mulled whether the court could revisit its 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder, which effectively struck down a key part of the Voting Rights Act. She said she did not see how that could be done.


The court’s 2008 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, establishing an individual right to own guns, may be another matter, she said.


“I thought Heller was “a very bad decision,” she said, adding that a chance to reconsider it could arise whenever the court considers a challenge to a gun control law.


Should Judge Garland or another Democratic appointee join the court, Justice Ginsburg will find herself in a new position, and the thought seemed to please her.


“It means that I’ll be among five more often than among four,” she said.

Rest assured that Michael Bloomberg would spend big bucks to get a gun control case before a Supreme Court in which Justice Ginsburg was now among the five who believe there is no individual right to own a weapon of any sort (firearm, knife, sharp stick). The Wall Street Journal noted yesterday in an editorial that Justice Ginsburg thinks the Second Amendment obsolete and that there isn’t even a need for the militia anymore.

So unless something untoward happens this week or next at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump, warts and all, will be the nominee. He is on record as supporting the Second Amendment as an individual right and is on record as opposing gun-free zones.

The coronation of Hillary Clinton will take place in Philadephia the following week. She is on record as saying she’d “change the gun culture”. To think that a President Hillary Clinton would appoint anyone to replace Justice Scalia that believed as he did that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right is ludicrous.

I still don’t really like Donald Trump. However, I am adult enough to realize that stomping my feet and saying I’m not going to vote or that I’ll vote for Gary Johnson is giving aid and comfort to Hillary. This election has become a zero-sum game for the Second Amendment. If Hillary wins, we lose.

I’ll boil it down to the essentials:  If you are #NeverTrump, then you are #NeverGuns.

NRA Releases Ad – It’s Powerful

The NRA-PVF has released their first ad of this presidential election cycle. The ad is not so much pro-Trump as it is anti-Hillary.

I’ve watched the ad a few times and every time I’m struck by how powerful a message it sends. It features Mark “Oz” Geist who is a retired US Marine and is the security contractor who led the mission in Benghazi. He is the co-author of 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi. With the Rep. Trey Gowdy’s House Select Committee on Benghazi releasing their report damning both the White House and State Department, it is very timely.

Watch it and share this with your friends.

UPDATE: I just saw the NRA ad featured in a story regarding Donald Trump on CNN this morning around 9:30am EDT. They didn’t run the whole ad but enough to get the gist of it. According to CNN, the NRA-PVF is spending $2 million on air time.

Quote Of The Day

The quote of the day comes from conservative commentator and attorney Kurt Schlichter. His column at TownHall.com discusses the chaos of this election. Here he helps put things into perspective along with a warning to conservative candidates.

Let’s be clear, conservatives: During this race, Trump fans are our opponents. But always and forever, the leftist scumbags of Occupy, BLM, MoveOn and their leaders like Bill Ayers, are our enemies, and if it’s a choice between the two I’ll side with the team that at least doesn’t hate America every single time. No equivocation. No hesitation. No regrets.

This nonsense in Chicago was a preview; to the extent Rubio and Cruz hinted that somehow Trump himself was even partially responsible for an organized mass of leftist thugs shutting down his speech they were at a minimum wrong and possibly strategically confused in thinking they can ride the progressive tiger for a bit until it eats Trump. If the left wants to make it a rumble, then we need to say “Let’s go,” not “Use your words.” Never take sides against the Family with the anti-American left, Fredo. Never.