| It’s All About Freedom! BY TIM SCHMIDT – USCCA FOUNDER |
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Back in June of 1776, over a period of 17 incredibly momentous days, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence — a document that still today is known as America’s ultimate symbol of liberty. In fact, collectively, the Declaration, the Constitution (1787) and the Bill of Rights (1789) are known as “The Charters of Freedom.” Each of these documents played a crucial role in the birth and development of our country. Each of these documents helped to create and define the rights and privileges of the American people. And each of these documents continues to provide a framework — a guiding light — for our way of life. And our way of life — our mission to protect and defend ourselves and our loved ones with firearms — just so happens to be intricately connected to our right to keep and bear arms. That’s why I’m so incredibly proud that the Second Amendment, which ensures our God-given right to defend liberty from tyranny, is triumphing. And how do I know this? The Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) estimates that there are more than 17.25 million concealed carry permit holders in the United States. Wow. Think about that for a second: More than 17 million people have taken responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those they love. The way I look at it, we are a force of good. And I can’t help but think that’s exactly what our Founding Fathers hoped for us to be. I think that’s exactly what they envisioned for a country with so much promise. (Thomas Jefferson, in particular, was a strong believer in personal responsibility and the rights of the individual.) I find it incredibly reassuring to know that the commitment people like you and I have made — to take up arms in defense of liberty and of those we love — is backed by some of the most important documents and most forward-thinking figures in American history. This Independence Day (or “Independence From British Tyranny Day,” as I’m fond of calling it), I urge you to take a moment to look back at the incredible spirit of those who came before us. I can only hope that 243 years from now, people will look back and remember US as the ones who — like Jefferson — stood up and fought for what we so passionately believed in: faith, family and FREEDOM. Because it really is all about freedom. Listen: I know our country isn’t perfect. Our citizens aren’t perfect either. And we’ve definitely seen our fair share of ups and downs over a few centuries of growth. But I truly love this great nation … full of dreams, full of promise and full of potential. And despite the bleeding-hearts, the naysayers, the 2A-haters and the gun-grabbers (and all their efforts to bring us down), the right to bear arms is alive and well. I, for one, think that’s something to celebrate — for our nation, for our industry, for our families and for ourselves! On behalf of the USCCA team, I wish you a safe, memorable and meaningful Fourth of July. Happy Birthday, America. Let freedom ring! Take Care and Stay Safe, Tim Schmidt P.S. – There’s never been a better time to join an organization that offers top-notch self-defense education, training and legal protection. |
