Now, more than ever, our 2nd amendment rights are at risk. After every publicized mass shooting, people are understandably frantic for a solution. The first scapegoat is always those dangerous “Assault Rifles” or “High Capacity Magazines.” There are multiple problems with targeting the tools used to hurt people instead of the mental health issues that are frequently the driving force behind mass-murder. A weapon becomes an "Assault Weapon" ONLY after it's been used in an assault. Reducing the magazine capacity, classifying certain firearms as "Assault Weapons" or requiring special licenses for ownership of "assault weapons" does nothing more than criminalize and/or restrict those who are willing to FOLLOW the law. Those who intend to commit crime have no regard for these legal restrictions, as evidenced by their intent to commit illegal acts. Those who intend harm upon others will not be affected by laws like this until AFTER they've done their damage. It will not prevent assault or murder, it will only allow for potentially more severe sentencing afterwards.

It is absolutely critical that, as responsible gun owners, we band together and speak in defense of ALL of our rights. “High capacity” magazines, and ARs might not be your cup of tea, but for every firearm feature that gets banned or restricted, another 3 are added to the list after every violent crime involving a firearm. Nobody’s going to try to ban guns outright overnight, but if we ignore the proposed restrictions that don’t directly affect us and our individual niche within the firearms world, it’s only a matter of time before they’re all on the chopping block. Every restriction passed gives momentum to the next. The anti-gun crowd is heavily backed, and well organized. If we hope to maintain our rights, we must organize amongst ourselves, and be active in the preservation of our freedoms. We have to let our legislators, officials, and representatives know when we don’t agree with proposed laws. We have to intelligently and politely inform them of our opinions and values. We have to educate those who believe in "gun control" that imposing stricter laws will only have an impact on those of us who follow them, and historically, has not made any difference in the reduction of violent crime.

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”

• Martin Niemöller