While I was recovering from my health issues, the Austin gun show was closed down by the federal Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agency working together with the Austin city police. I have attended that gun show many times in the past, and it has always been well organized, and very civilized. It is my understanding that an artifical crime was enacted and used as political leverage to deny future permits to operate at that location. I am pleased to report that the gun show promoters have already found a different venue. I urge everyone to attend as many gun shows as you possibly can, in order to show support for the Second Amendment, and specifially the organizers of this monthly event in Austin.

Last year the Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment protected an individual right to keep and bear arms, recognizing the Washington DC gun ban as unconstitutional.  As this newsletter is being written, another Supreme Court ruling is about to decide whether the total prohibition on guns in Chicago is also unconstitutional.  Having grown up very close to Chicago, and having personally witnessed a level of political corruption unmatched anywhere else I have traveled, I have serious doubts that the decision we are waiting for will be in harmony with my personal opinions on self-defense.  Regardless of the outcome, I am thrilled to know that there are still Americans willing to stand up for their rights.  This is an issue that is not going to be resolved quickly and easily.

I am happy to report that my friends from the Alamogordo Second Amendment Task Force (ASATF) in New Mexico staged a huge protest on January 2nd. Participants were well behaved – and heavily armed. I encourage you to show your support for the ASATF by visiting their website and becoming a member. I am personally a life member of at least four Second Amendment organizations, because “Extremeism in defense of Liberty is no vice”.  Those of you who reject the “sunshine patriot” label may want to consider organizing your own armed rally to demonstrate our resolve to restore a Constitutional republic in this country. (NOTE: I am NOT encouraging anyone to incite a riot or openly break any laws. The decision to get involved at any level of participation is strictly your own.)  However, if we’re going to restore Liberty peacefully, we’d better do it soon.