An estimated 80,000 proud gun owners are descending on Dallas Texas May 4-6 for the National Rifle Association’s 2018 convention. Of course, K-Var and The Armory are on hand to represent our faith and support for the Second Amendment and to bring you all of the latest news from the show. Here’s The Armory’s Day 3 coverage.
Wrapping up with the NRA Convention offers a chance to reflect on a few memories from the weekend. Promises from President Trump and Vice President Pence to defend the Second Amendment are certainly at the top. However, Chris Cox, Governor Abbott, Sen. Cruz, and many others were every bit as good.
Protests
There were a few protesters outside of the convention, but nothing that was not expected and few protesters made an impact anyway. I peeked out a few times, and trust me, the news camera shots were very tight. The crowd was minimal. In fact, at one point we all got a good laugh when one NRA attendee loudly noted, “It looks like Michael Bloomberg lost a lot of money on this rent-a-protesters!”
No group or organization is perfect, regardless whether it be religious, family, political, or some other connection. To me, protests have become so common and politicized, that few pay much attention to them anyway—save a few members of the media that seem to be more interested in being the story than reporting it, or simply pushing a personal or network’s agenda.
Patriotism Is Alive
Working in the firearms industry, I have no shortage of swag in the form of hoodies, hats, and t-shirts. On top of that, my family most often buys me clothing so I can proudly show my support for the flag, Second Amendment, and things of the like. Beginning with my travel from a small regional airport in the midwest, I was amazed at the number of comments I received (All positive). People inquired whether I was going to the NRA show, joked that a hoodie with “Freedom Is Not Free” means I must be a terrorist, and just general banter about the politics and the assault of the Second Amendment, but the conversation from fellow patriots, proud Americans, and supporters of the Second Amendment was refreshing.
True patriots united by a single belief… It instills a lot of hope. Dallas was in the news only weeks when its mayor pro tem recommended the NRA should to move its convention elsewhere. However, after being here, walking the city, enjoying a few good cuts of meat and local entertainment, I can say the mayor pro tem was in the minority opinion. Near the convention or miles away, the attitude and welcoming nature of the Texans I ran across was everything I could have wished—Americana as it gets, and as friendly as you could hope for.
The Convention Floor
The Convention floor was everything it should be. Seldom was a booth empty. It was 15 acres chock full of the latest guns and gear with a few frills or jewelry strewn about. Highlights included pistol-caliber carbines (The next big thing in ARs) new pistols for concealed carry, FIME’s Star Wars themed Arex Rex pistols for ‘May the 4th be with you,’ and a gun nut’s fantasy selection of holsters, purses for concealed carry, new magazines, colors, customized hearing protection and the most interactive virtual reality displays I have every seen, and that does not even scratch the surface. As far as the virtual reality and video simulators, I can attest, the kids did not stand a chance of getting to play once mommy or daddy put on the VR glasses or took the first shot at a fast moving clay pigeon or knocked down a string of steel targets on the video screen. This may well be the very near future of dry fire practice. I know I am hooked, and so were a bunch of others.
Stand for the Second
While we can never let down our guard, and regardless how inane the antis’ argument may be or become, we will never be able to get them to show us the same respect and regard for the Constitution we offer them. That’s the way it goes when you occupy the high ground and have logic on your side. The antis champion their freedom of speech and right to assembly under the Constitution, and turn right around and try to weaponize the First Amendment to abolish the Second. It is more than a head scratcher.
However, thanks to groups such as the National Rifle Association, National Association of Gun Rights, Gun Owners of America, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Second Amendment Foundation, and so many more, we have a voice as well. Our support of these defenders of our rights is critical. Political figures are already posturing for the midterm election. Some are camouflaging their true colors and running to the center while others are pulling further toward the extremes.
Supporters of the Second Amendment have better than fair support at the Federal level and a patchwork of support at the state and local levels, but make no mistake the threat to our freedom and that of our children will always be under assault. As President Regan once stated, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…”
Did you attend the NRA Convention? What have you done to protect the Second Amendment? What laws or laws are you most interested in seeing Congress pass before the midterm election? Share your answers in the comment section.
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