Together We Fight for Freedom!

Stop Playing Defense. -

By SAI President Tyler Yzaguirre, 7/5/22

Law-abiding, patriotic gun owners have been under attack from the radical gun-grabbing left for decades. We've been looked down on, shamed, and even assaulted for simply exercising one of our most basic, and strongest, Constitutional Rights: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

One would think that with such strong language as "SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED", Second Amendment supporters would be more confident in their ability to go on offense and fight back. Yet the main stream Fake News media, gun grab politicians, and billionaire bullies -- the Gun Control Cabal -- have infiltrated the hearts and minds of some of us to the point where we think we must remain silent to defend such a righteous cause.

To the those who don't back down, I salute you, and to those who do back down, we are here to help. If you lack the confidence to firmly stand up and defend the Second Amendment here are some tips:

1) Education Defeats Propaganda: Arm yourself with the truth of gun facts in order to dismantle the lies of the radical Left. Basic facts like "AR" in AR-15 means ArmaLite Rifle, handguns are the choice of criminals to commit crimes involving firearms (80+%), 90%+ of mass shootings occur in gun-free zones; easy to remember statistics that you can reference and shut up the opposition in under one minute with. Additionally, there is such a thing as an assault rifle; there is no such thing as an assault weapon. An "Assault Rifle" -- NOT AN AR-15 -- is a select fire, fully automatic rifle; a machine gun. Automatic firearms have been severely restricted from civilian ownership since 1934. The term Assault Weapon was coined by gun-grab Democrats to pass the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban.

2) Don't Over Exaggerate Defensive Gun Uses: When someone quotes the recycled statistic of "1 million+ defensive gun uses per year", they sound like they're over exaggerating which won't play well if trying to convert an anti-2A person to the pro-2A team. This claim that pro-Second Amendment activists use came about from a 1990's study , which proved to be pretty accurate; what counts as a defensive gun use though? Discharging the firearm? Brandishing the firearm? More recent studies conducted by the opposition, estimate defensive gun uses to be around 150,000 per year. A number which may play better with the anti-Second Amendment crowd. The Heritage Foundation compiles the most up-to-date database of defensive gun uses which can be viewed here .

3) Speak Like A Friend: Try not to sound like a professor, rather connect with them on a personal level. Don't reference laws or the Constitution right away.; Emphasize that we are our own first responders.; Use your own personal examples and stories referencing your family, children, or friends.; Share survivor stories.; Share your journey to becoming a gun owner.

Following these three steps can and will significantly boost your confidence in talking about gun rights policy and help in defending your ground when accosted by a gun control nut.

SAI PRESIDENT AND FELLOW PLAINTIFFS FILE SUIT AGAINST NATION'S CAPITAL FOR DENIAL OF CONCEALED CARRY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. -- 6/30/2022

SAI HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL SECOND AMENDMENT CHAMPION BANQUET HONORING AMY SWEARER OF THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION AND PHILIP VAN CLEAVE OF VIRGINIA CITIZENS DEFENSE LEAGUE -- 6/30/2022

On June 30, a sold out event with standing room only, filled Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, to honor Amy Swearer of the Heritage Foundation and Philip Van Cleave of the Virginia Citizens Defense League. Speakers Included:

LTCOL. Allen West, ret., (via video message), Sheriff Mike Lewis of Maryland, Virginia Delegates John McGuire and Scott Wyatt, Amy Swearer and Philip Van Cleave. This is the second annual Second Amendment Champion Banquet that coincides with SAI's anniversary. Last year's recipient was Congresswoman Lauren Boebert.

Amy Swearer's speech focused on the history of the Second Amendment and how we must continue to fight for it today, despite opposition:

The right belongs to the people, as individuals...the fight for the defense of our Constitution, including our Second Amendment, is never ending.

Philip Van Cleave, President of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, focused on how the new Supreme Court decision New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen (2022), positively affects gun owners, and what Virginia is doing to carry the torch for freedom:

During the past twenty years, gun ownership has been skyrocketing and crime has been going down.

Sheriff Mike Lewis of Wicomico County, Maryland -- one of the most outspoken pro-Second Amendment Sheriffs in the country and a Board Member of the Second Amendment Institute talked about national security and the issue with our criminal justice system:

We all know what's going on in this country. Two weeks ago, one of my Sheriff Deputies was shot and killed...When she (Deputies wife) got out of that car to view his body, and met by over 200 Police Officers, she said "I want you all to know this, this has nothing to do with guns. This has to do with the Criminal Justice system that has failed America."

LTCOL. Allen West, ret., and Board Member of the Second Amendment Institute passed along his apologies via video message for not being able to attend and spoke to why defending the Second Amendment is so important.

Video will be uploaded shortly of the event and can be viewed on SAI's YouTube page .

MORE THAN 130 DEFENSIVE GUN USES REPORTED BY MEDIA IN THE PAST 90 DAYS (courtesy of the Heritage Foundation )