Pro-Gun Rally at the State Capitol on February 8

There will be a pro-gun rally at the state capitol in Columbia on February 8 to peacefully protest against anti-gun legislation filed in the US Senate by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Many Americans are angry that Sen. Feinstein’s bill, if passed, will ban not only assault rifle variants, but also most semi-automatic handguns.

Next Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, a gun rights group called 2nd Right will coordinate a rally to peacefully protest anti-gun legislation at the capital of each state. Many gun advocates in SC plan to attend the rally in Columbia, and according to 2nd Right, they have confirmed the following speakers: Sen. Lee Bright, Rep. Phillip Lowe, Talbert Black from Campaign for Liberty, Dr. Gene Garris from "America's Radio Show", Harry Kibler, from SC "Rino Hunt", and Sen. Katrina Shealy.

2nd Right is anticipating a big turn out as the gun control debate becomes more and more controversial as a heated topic in the US. These pro-gun rallies stem from a spontaneous grassroots movement that is in direct defiance of the federal government’s encroachment on a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. Gun advocates feel threatened not only by Sen. Feinstein’s bold plan to ban most semi-automatic weapons, but also President Obama’s provocative move to bypass Congress and use executive orders to weaken the Second Amendment. Gun owners are also worried that Gov. Cuomo and NY democrats will eventually pass legislation that will confiscate guns through a forced buyback program. These “gun grabbing” threats spawned a popular motto within gun advocate circles, "Molon labe" which means "Come and take it." It is a classical expression of defiance that was famously spoken by King Leonidas I in response to the Persian army's demand that the Spartans surrender their weapons at the Battle of Thermopylae, and was a slogan in the Texas War of Independence. During these rallies you can hear it being chanted, and see it on flags and posters.

Many in SC for the first time are becoming pro-gun activists. Businessmen, work-at-home moms, and the hard working middleclass are being proactive. They no longer want to be mere spectators but want to lead and create positive change. Many are getting behind Sen. Lee Bright who has introduced a bill, “South Carolina Firearms Freedom Act” that would nullify any federal ban on firearms as long as they are made in SC. Many gun owners feel that it is imperative for SC legislators to pass this bill in order to protect their constitutional rights from an overreaching federal government.

The energy and passion of this resistance movement is real. You can see the fierce debates on TV, and observe the fear of government by the empty shelves of local gun stores. Many gun advocates state that “the Second Amendment is not about hunting or sports, it is the last defense against a tyrannical government.” One thing is for certain, Americans will not lay down their guns without a fight. For now, it is being fought in the arena of ideas.