PHOENIX, Ariz.—The Second Amendment Foundation wrapped up the first day of its 38th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, Sept. 23. Many say the event reminds them of their fight’s importance.
“For one thing, it’s a recharging of the batteries,” foundation president and noted defensive gun expert Massad Ayoob told The Epoch Times. “It’s a positive reinforcement of what we all believe.”
This year’s event featured 70 speakers on topics ranging from state weapons bans to how to engage with political opponents and the current political climate.
Alan Gottlieb is the founder of the Second Amendment Foundation. Referencing the recent announcement of President Joe Biden’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, he joked that the political situation often requires taking a good news versus bad news attitude.
“The bad news is that Biden set up this gun violence prevention thing right in the White House. The good news is he put Kamala Harris in charge of it,” he told The Epoch Times.
Members of the Arizona Junior HIgh Power competition shooting team speak to attendees of the 38th Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix, Ariz., on Sept. 23, 2023. (Michael Clements/The Epoch Times)
Mr. Gottlieb said the Biden Administration’s position on gun control is precisely why he started the Second Amendment Foundation. According to Mr. Gottlieb, the foundation has been working with Congress to stop President Biden’s agenda.
“It’s true, once an agency or task force like this is set up, it’s hard to get rid of it. On the other hand, we have a number of Republican members of Congress that are trying to defund it,” he said.
Doug Taylor of Savage, Minnesota, said this was his fourth conference, and that he’s enjoyed them all.
“They always do a great job here. Great presentation, great speakers, and a great reception,” Mr. Taylor told The Epoch Times.
He said he enjoys the camaraderie and the opportunity to be with people with a similar worldview. Like Mr. Ayoob, he finds the event re-energizing.
Camaraderie Is a Draw
“It really energizes the Second Amendment advocates; the people who are there are supporting gun rights, civil rights. Coming to one of these events gets you re-energized for the rest of the year,” he said.
Jennifer Boehme helped attendees register and said 700 had signed up for the conference. She estimated that at least 600 people were in the conference venue at any time, as some attendees came to hear specific speakers. She said the participants she had spoken to had nothing but positive comments.
“So far, we’re hearing that participants are really enjoying the variety of the speakers, that they’re also appreciating the fact that they’re getting kind of the nitty-gritty of what’s going on on the ground, and how they can be involved,” she told The Epoch Times.
Pamela Tyrrell traveled for her tenth conference from Elephant Butte, New Mexico. She said that as a woman, she has always felt the responsibility to do whatever was necessary to protect her family. That includes being proficient with a gun.
“I’m a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. And I think that we should all protect ourselves because the crimes aren’t [going to] go away,” she told The Epoch Times.
Growing Crime
Ms. Tyrrell said the recent actions by her state’s governor highlighted the problem of crime in her state and how some anti-gun politicians react to it. New Mexico’s Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham recently tried to implement a 30-day ban on the public carry of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County in New Mexico.
The governor scaled back the prohibition, though not dropping it altogether. Her actions drew a swift and robust response from state law enforcement officials, gun rights advocates, Republicans, and even members of her party and gun control activists who said the order went too far.
“I am so upset. I am so not like-minded with her at all. My mother once told me if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything,” she said.
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 foundation was among a host of gun rights groups that sued Ms. Grisham in her role as governor and other state officials over the ban. They won a temporary restraining order on Sept. 13, so the action is on hold until a hearing in October.
David Laird of Arizona said that story is why he supports the foundation. Some other more well-known groups have been distracted trying to compromise when they should stand firm, Mr. Laird said.
Self Defense is a Human Right
“I think that other groups and organizations have been focusing on all the wrong things and have painted gun owners in the wrong light and have had the opposite effect of what we’re trying to achieve by protecting constitutionally protected rights,” Mr. Laird told The Epoch Times. “And this organization, I think, has just done more of the law and legal work.”
Adam Kraut is the executive director of the Second Amendment Foundation. As the first day wound down, he said he was pleased with the event. While he has attended previous conferences and appeared as a speaker at some, this was his first as director.
The lawyer from Philadelphia said the conference appeared to be on track to accomplish one of his goals for the event: that is to frame the issue as being about much more than just guns.
“At the end of the day, you know, the Second Amendment and the debate surrounding it is really about the fundamental right to armed self-defense. And that’s a human right that transcends everything else,” Mr. Kraut told The Epoch Times.
The conference is scheduled to run through noon Sunday, Sept. 24.
What were some of the concerns expressed by attendees at the Gun Rights Policy Conference regarding the current political climate and its impact on gun rights?
S Policy Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo: Second Amendment Foundation)
This year’s conference attracted attendees from all over the country, including gun owners, activists, legal experts, and representatives from pro-Second Amendment organizations. The event provided a platform for participants to share their knowledge, experiences, and strategies for defending and promoting the right to bear arms.
One of the key topics discussed at the conference was the current political climate and its impact on gun rights. With the Biden administration’s focus on gun control and the appointment of Kamala Harris to lead the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, attendees expressed concerns about potential threats to their Second Amendment rights.
Alan Gottlieb highlighted the importance of staying informed and engaged in the political process to protect gun rights. He emphasized the need for gun owners and supporters to be proactive in advocating for their rights and countering misinformation.
The conference also addressed state-level gun control measures, such as weapons bans and restrictions on concealed carry. Experts provided insights on effective strategies for challenging and overturning these laws through legal action and grassroots efforts.
In addition, speakers discussed ways to engage with political opponents and bridge the divide on gun rights issues. They emphasized the importance of respectful and fact-based dialogue in order to find common ground and foster understanding.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and the mobilization of gun rights supporters. The event not only fuels attendees’ passion for defending their rights but also equips them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a difference.
Massad Ayoob, a renowned defensive gun expert and president of the Second Amendment Foundation, described the conference as a source of positive reinforcement. It energizes and recharges individuals in the fight for their Second Amendment rights.
As the conference concluded its first day, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. They were reminded of the importance of their involvement in defending and preserving the right to bear arms.
The Second Amendment Foundation’s Gun Rights Policy Conference continues to serve as a significant platform for the advancement of Second Amendment rights. It brings together passionate individuals and organizations to share knowledge, strategize, and strengthen their collective efforts in the fight for gun rights.
Gottlieb summarized the sentiment of many conference attendees, saying, “This event is not just about gathering information and discussing strategies. It is about reminding ourselves of the profound impact our voices and actions can have in protecting the rights that are fundamental to our freedom.”
With the challenges and threats faced by gun owners and supporters, events like the Gun Rights Policy Conference play a pivotal role in mobilizing and unifying the pro-Second Amendment community. Through knowledge, advocacy, and collaboration, these individuals stand strong in their commitment to preserving and defending the Second Amendment.
The Second Amendment Foundation recently concluded its 38th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This event, which featured 70 speakers and attracted attendees from across the country, served as an important platform for discussing the current state of gun rights and formulating strategies to protect and promote the Second Amendment.
One of the key themes discussed at the conference was the impact of the current political climate on gun rights. Attendees expressed concerns about the Biden administration’s focus on gun control and the appointment of Kamala Harris to lead the Office of Gun Violence Prevention. These developments have raised fears among Second Amendment supporters regarding potential threats to their rights.
Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, emphasized the need for gun owners and supporters to stay informed and engaged in the political process. He stressed the importance of advocacy and countering misinformation in order to protect gun rights effectively.
State-level gun control measures were also a prominent topic of discussion. Experts provided insights on challenging and overturning weapons bans and restrictions on concealed carry through legal action and grassroots efforts. Participants were encouraged to employ these strategies to defend their rights at the local level.
Additionally, the conference addressed the need for constructive dialogue with political opponents. Speakers emphasized the importance of respectful and fact-based discussions to bridge the gap on gun rights issues. By finding common ground and promoting understanding, attendees sought to promote constructive relationships and effective advocacy.
Massad Ayoob, the president of the Second Amendment Foundation and a renowned defensive gun expert, described the conference as a source of positive reinforcement. For attendees, it served as an opportunity to recharge and reignite their passion for defending their Second Amendment rights.
As the conference concluded its first day, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. They were reminded of the importance of their involvement in defending and preserving the right to bear arms. The Gun Rights Policy Conference serves as a rallying point for individuals dedicated to protecting
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