The Importance of the Gun Rights Policy Conference
The 38th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference, organized by the Second Amendment Foundation, kicked off in Phoenix on Sept. 23, leaving attendees feeling inspired and ready to fight for their beliefs.
According to Massad Ayoob, the foundation’s president and a renowned defensive gun expert, the conference serves as a much-needed recharge for supporters of the Second Amendment. It reinforces their shared values and provides a positive boost.
This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of 70 speakers covering a wide range of topics, including state weapons bans, engaging with political opponents, and the current political climate.
Alan Gottlieb, the foundation’s founder, humorously commented on President Joe Biden’s creation of an Office of Gun Violence Prevention. While it may seem like bad news, Gottlieb found a silver lining in the appointment of Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the initiative.
Members of the Arizona Junior High Power competition shooting team speak to attendees of the 38th Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix on Sept. 23, 2023. (Michael Clements/The Epoch Times)
Gottlieb emphasized that the Biden administration’s stance on gun control is precisely why the Second Amendment Foundation exists. The foundation has been actively working with Congress to counter President Biden’s agenda.
According to Gottlieb, once an agency or task force like the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is established, it becomes challenging to dismantle. However, he highlighted the efforts of Republican members of Congress who are working to defund it.
Doug Taylor from Savage, Minnesota, expressed his satisfaction with the conference, having attended it for the fourth time. He praised the event’s organization, presentations, and the camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Taylor echoed Ayoob’s sentiment, stating that the conference reenergizes Second Amendment advocates and fuels their passion for the rest of the year.
Camaraderie Energizes Attendees
Jennifer Boehme, responsible for attendee registration, reported that 700 people had signed up for the conference. She estimated that around 600 participants were present at any given time, with some specifically attending to hear certain speakers. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the variety of speakers and the practical insights shared.
Pamela Tyrrell, who traveled from Elephant Butte, New Mexico, to attend her 10th conference, emphasized the importance of self-protection, particularly for women. She firmly believes that everyone should take responsibility for their safety, including becoming proficient with firearms.
Growing Crime
Tyrrell criticized her state’s governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for attempting to implement a 30-day ban on public firearm carry in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. She expressed her disappointment with the governor’s actions and highlighted the ongoing issue of crime in New Mexico.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham listens to President Joe Biden’s speech about student debt relief at Central New Mexico Community College Student Resource Center in Albuquerque, N.M., on Nov. 3, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
The Second Amendment Foundation, along with other gun rights groups, filed a lawsuit against Governor Grisham and state officials, resulting in a temporary restraining order. The ban is currently on hold until a hearing in October.
David Laird from Arizona expressed his support for the foundation, highlighting the importance of standing firm on constitutionally protected rights. He criticized other organizations for compromising and misrepresenting gun owners, while praising the Second Amendment Foundation for its legal work.
Self-Defense Is ‘a Human Right’
Laird emphasized that the debate surrounding the Second Amendment extends beyond firearms and is ultimately about the fundamental right to armed self-defense, which transcends all other considerations.
As the first day of the conference drew to a close, Adam Kraut, the organization’s executive director, expressed his satisfaction with the event. He noted that the conference successfully framed the issue as more than just guns, emphasizing the fundamental human right to self-defense.
How does the lineup of speakers at the conference ensure that attendees are exposed to diverse perspectives and insights regarding the current political climate and challenges faced by Second Amendment advocates
She highlighted the empowering and informative sessions dedicated to self-defense and personal safety for women. Tyrrell credited the conference with providing her with the knowledge and confidence to protect herself and her loved ones effectively.
One of the key aspects of the Gun Rights Policy Conference is the sense of camaraderie among attendees. The conference brings together individuals who share a common passion for defending their Second Amendment rights. It creates a space where like-minded individuals can connect, network, and learn from each other’s experiences.
The event also serves as a platform for individuals to become educated and informed about the current political climate and the challenges faced by Second Amendment advocates. The lineup of speakers at this year’s conference covered a wide range of topics, ensuring that attendees were exposed to diverse perspectives and insights.
The conference not only reaffirms the shared values and beliefs of attendees but also reinvigorates their commitment to fighting for their rights. It provides a platform for individuals to learn effective strategies for engaging with political opponents, advocating for their rights, and countering restrictive gun control measures.
Additionally, the conference plays a crucial role in mobilizing Second Amendment supporters. It energizes attendees, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively communicate their beliefs and stand up for their rights in their respective communities. By fostering a sense of unity and empowering individuals, the conference strengthens the grassroots movement for gun rights.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals; it is a vital event in the fight for Second Amendment rights. As the Biden administration continues to push for stricter gun control measures, the
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