What the Debate Has to do With Guns (It’s Not What You Think)
I usually try to keep our topics about guns because that is the topic of our blog, concealed carry and self-defense in particular, but this is somehow indirectly related as social media and Reddit feeds are filled with people taking something President Trump said last night in the debate as a call to arms as they pose with their guns saying that they're ready for war.
I watched the debate and can say that it was in line with the rest of 2020 to date. You know, a hot mess.
The Debate:
Before I move on, let me state that it is my goal to deliver at least a part of this as news without taking any sides as a journalist should do. I'm not a journalist, by any stretch of the term, but to some degree I do report on things and sometimes need to remain neutral. This is one of those times, though I will probably fail and give my opinion anyway because I'm incapable of anything else.
The overall mood of the debate last night closely mimics the mood of the entire country. Both sides are yelling at each other, nobody is listening, and the response is always name calling and criticism. The only difference between last night and the rest of the country, is that the presidential debate was broadcast in front of millions of people to see.
But make no mistake, the left and right (citizens of the country) hate each other as much as Trump and Biden also seemingly hate each other. The rift has been growing for years and I believe it will come to a head, soon.
There was one point of the debate that many on the left are taking as a call to arms to defend themselves. My social media feeds are filled with people, some of them are admittedly friends, who are posing with their guns saying they're ready to be mobilized.
What are they ready for? Well, they're taking the president's statement to, “stand back and stand by,” as the beginning of a race war and are preparing for November 4th.
We all also know that there have been calls for a civil war on the other side of the aisle for years, as well (though I thought it would have been about guns, if I were being honest).
I'd say that we're SADLY (because whoever is calling for war on American soil is pretty stupid) closer to a violent flair up than any point in recent history.
We don't have to look any further than the debate last night. The way those two men spoke to each other, calling names, interrupting, etc., is the way the American people feel, one side for the other.
It seems to be getting worse with each passing day, and I have the strong belief that November is going to be turbulent no matter who is elected.
One thing that we all have to remember, is that the Second Amendment is for all Americans. This is true whether we believe what the people on the other side believe, or not.
And, while I read all of your comments on the numerous other articles that I write that we've got more guns than they do, I'd respond by saying that they've got more guns than we think.
They are armed to at least some degree and the pictures I saw on social media proved it.
They are also angry. Perhaps even angrier than we are, which is evident by the riots and everything else going on. So again I say, we're on the verge. We are on a cliff that is crumbling beneath our feet. And I really hope that everything calms down soon.
But I have the belief that it will get a lot worse before it gets any better. So yeah, the debate had more to do with guns than we think it did.
And we don't need a civil war. It won't end well.
Before I ask you to leave your comments below, I just ask that you please keep it civil so we're not hurt in the search engines or advertising.
Update after writing, here is President Trump's remarks concerning his fiery statement:
The debate was embarrassing for both sides. I am a Trump supporter and I will vote for him. That being said, I certainly hope that it doesn’t come down to a civil war. That would be bd bad for Everyone in this Great country. Yes I still believe this is a Great country.
Let’s remember that there are more than 2 sides to the gun issue, and the issues dividing the country. For example., even amongst gun owners there are varying beliefs. And amongst BLM and other groups, there are splinter factions.
This is important because, like on a domestic dispute, when the police arrive, the warring parties now have a common enemy – the peacemaker/police.
Where there may be peaceful protesters, there may be radical rioters in the midst. Same for those on the other “side.”
Thus it can be difficult to sort out who is the “enemy” and that can change fluidly.
This election should not be about Trump or Biden. It is about capitalism or socialism.
If anyone thinks their lives will be better under socialism or their rights will remain intact, they’re sadly mistaken.
I pray that people will realize this soon and we can all calm down.
Respect can’t be demanded, it has to be earned. Violence has only one objective, domination. Equality is obtained through mutual respect. Just some thoughts for contemplation.
Well said…
You are 100% on point.
I am a Trump supporter since day 1. That said he was very bad last night. He was rude, obnoxious and didn’t even try to stay on topic(Yeh I know that is the way he is) Biden was no better and both get a c or d in my book. The issue really is that His supporter will vote for him and Biden’s for him, that leave the 20% undecided to pick the next President. If I were one of them I don’t think last night performance would get me to pick either one. He needs to spend more time telling people what he is going to do specifically, not just the Biden “I’ll bring people together stuff) Defend when you have to, attack when it’s necessary, but convince the 20% to bet on you.
Bruce
It was an embarrassment. I didn’t vote for Trump the first time, but will this time. The debate just solidified for me that it was/is a food fight between bobo the clown and IT. Civil war is sadly on everyone’s lips and reality is no one is ready for it. Additionally, the right is sick of sitting passively by watching christians being arrested for not wearing masks and frankly law enforcement is not helping the situation anywhere.
I do not believe it is a race war. It is ideological all the way. The ideology the left is currently using is very anti to what our country was founded on.
I agree. I don’t understand the author’s alluding to a “race war.” This is about the Left wanting to (literally) destroy our country. Burning down cities. Those cities will take a decade or more to come back, if they ever do. This fight is about capitalism vs. Marxism, period. Yet, the Left is really, for the most part, just stupid. I’m not trying to call names, but when otherwise intelligent people cannot see that the other side wants to completely change this country (fundamentally, as Obama said) to a Marxist non-Utopia, I just have to conclude they’re stupid, or uneducated about what matters, or whatever. I know it’s a spiritual battle too. There’s just so much hate on the side of the Left, it’s mind-blowing to see. I never thought I’d live to see the day when people can burn down cities, attack police officers (with weapons they no doubt do not have a license to carry) etc. and there’s NO repercussions. Blows my mind.
As 35 year Civilian and Military Police veteran I carry only for my protection and to defend those who can’t. That should be the only reason to carry.
I agree 100%
Law enforcement…not just stop the rhetoric of defunding the police, but have severe immediate penalties for leftist DA’s and courts who let the violent criminals out of jail without consequence. Arresting them doesn’t do much good if they’re let go, and it’s as demoralizing to the police as defunding.
I can’t vote for someone who can’t denounce the KKK. I also want to know at what era was America great for the African American?
Trump recently signed a document declaring the KKK to be a terrorist organization. I’m guessing you didn’t see that in whatever news media you watch. He’s denounced white supremacy for decades. There’s video of an interview he did in 2000, 20 years ago, denouncing white supremacy. Go to YouTube and search it. He was given awards for his work in the black community. Was loved by all on the Left until he went into politics. The criticisms of him are a joke.
The 2nd Amendment is a part of our constitution and is valid for all these United States. Our country is founded on this document. We in this great country have the right to own and use our weapons for recreation and protection! One faction in our country want to take our constitutional right away from us! We need all citizens to abide by this document which has served us well for over 200 years! No amount of yelling at each other or rioting and looting will solve our differences. Neither will a civil war! Let’s play at adulthood, and get back to listening to each other and working things out for everyone! God bless the United States! Trump !2020
Anyone who thinks either political party will protect your 2nd Amendment rights is delusional. Republicans are using it as a poker chip now, but if they manage to achieve some sort of upper hand in all this, you can bet that they will soon begin to try and strip our rights away. The Democratic party wasn’t always anti-gun. And Trump has passed more gun control legislation than Obama did, unless you have already forgotten. Don’t trust either party to protect you from anything. This is not a call, but rather a warning. Don’t cozy up to the Republicans, even for a minute. Remain independent, aloof, and watchful. Don’t trust either party. Maybe eventually we will reach some state of sanity – at least I hope so. But until we are ready to admit that neither party represents America’s interests, we will continue to be divided and will be taken down piecemeal. Stand together (ALL OF US), or fall separately.
I have to respectfully disagree. By and large, Republican politicians are 100% about protecting the 2nd Amendment. Most, I would wager, own guns themselves. We ABSOLUTELY need to vote RED in November. The Left is going to turn this country into a socialist nightmare if they get elected. You cannot disengage. Not now, for sure.
I don’t want to see Civil war come to this country again, but this socialist movement has got to go. Antifa is not a Civil rights group they have been found to be Markus organization. No I don’t like think the Clan should exist but it does. I hate the fact the Trump did not denounce them which he needs to do. The Good ole Boys club of the KKK is a stain on this republics past. It time to let it go and left in history and not todays modern world.
The KKK was formed by the Democrat party. It is/was a group of Southern Democrats. Trump recently signed a document designating them as a terrorist organization. He has denounced white supremacy dozens of times. If you think him saying in the debate that he denounces white supremacy was going to make the Left happy, you’re crazy (no offense intended).
I am still a Trump voter. The one thing most people disapprove of most often with our President is the very thing that was glaring last night.
Stick to the important topic………our 2nd amendment.
I have to agree that last night was embarrassing and down right stupid. Two grown men acting like a couple of 5 year olds in the sandbox. They want to lead this nation and can’t even have a decent debate. I pray that we don’t end up in a civil war. A lot of us have been to war and I don’t want to have to bury any of my brothers or sisters. Be smart!
It is To keep your head on a swivel
Carry daily
There is so many things and people stirring this huge pot of chaos. Amazing how it’s more important how many likes you get on a post, disregarding whether your demeaning a group or persons. Acts of violence captured on video are posted and receive hundreds of thousands of likes. Our society is hypnotized to the point of drunkenness and not enough in a place of leadership have spoken out about social media assisting in ripping our nation and world apart. I truly hoped to retire in 5 years in the country I grew up in. Now none of us trust each other or think of the other side as human.
I’m a disabled vet folks. Believe me none of us need a war.
You are absolutlely correct in that the debate is a reflection of the temperament of America. This country is in big trouble and as Americans we need to stand together–it’s not about race; it’s about Freedom and the Constitution of the United States of America. The politicians don’t seem to want to follow the law of the land! That’s the big problem, Joe Biden! Democrats want to abolish the second amendment when it says, ” SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.” Read it! Republicans do your jobs and follow the Constitution as well. This country is unique because of Freedom–we don’t need Socialism, we don’t need Communism, we just need to stand together as a united America; follow the Constitution and work together and solve our problems like I know we can.
I agree that the debate was an embarrassment to all Americans. I was appalled when our Commander-in-Chief would not denounce white supremacy, lie about his vile comments he made about veterans and disrespect Joe Biden’s deceased son. As a veteran myself who has defended his country it saddens me to see that this is where our great country has gone. I agree a civil war will not end well.
Pres. Trump has been villainized since the day he was elected, months before he was ever sworn in, in January. He has had a polarizing like/dislike presence going back to the Apprentice TV show and before. He was elected to break from the status quo, and he did this. He is not a politician either, and breaking from the political norm added to the rift between the parties. I can only imagine his critics calling fowl with ” How Dare He __ __! ” you finish the rest. My wish, is that he would tune down the rhetoric and act more Presidential. I think it would bring favorable results, if it is not too late.
Per British press: Wallace interrupted Trump 73 times Biden 13. Moderators from the legacy media are a bad idea. This is about evaluating choices not embellishing some media hack’s career. Use Lincoln-Douglas without moderator-only a time keeper.
The Left has been spoiling for this for a century. These Anarchist / Communists have been pulling this though most of the 20th Century and before as well. Remember, MckInley was shot by an Anarchist as was Archduke Ferdinand. Hillary was a Saul Alinsky acolyte from the same mold. They thought they had us -Trump upset that, hence the over-reaction and attempted coup.
A war is what the Left wants if they cannot gain complete subjugation of the populace any other way. A civil war is likely what China wants.
The choice is stark. Individual liberty vs. an oligarchal l/ proto-communist.despotism. With choices this far apart – high emotion and unwillingness to listen is to be expected. If Trump win the far Left, erroneously believing they ghve the populace on their side will try to institute themselves by force. Churchills “when will you fight” line comes to mind.
You are exactly right. The idea that Trump “was as bad as” Biden is a joke. This election is the most crucial in our lifetime. If the Left wins, we are in deep trouble. If they lose, they’ve already said they’re going to be violent. We need to be prepared. We don’t need to provoke, but we do need to pretend. God help us all.
PROTESTORS DISGUISED AS MEDICS, PRESS ATTACK POLICE (para 3 discusses rioters in body armor)
Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com
Press release excerpts from Monday night in Portland from the Portland Police Bureau Office:
“Officers observed a silver Subaru sedan associated with the gathering driving dangerously in the area and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was marked with red cross insignia, suggesting it was being used as an amateur medic transport. Inside the car the officers located a loaded handgun”
“The officers encountered violent resistance. People threw rocks and other hard objects at them. A sergeant was punched in the face and was transported to the hospital for treatment. Five other officers were sprayed with some kind of chemical…Some of those arrested were wearing heavy body armor with rifle plating, were marked with “press” insignia and carrying a “press” pass, and possessed weapons such as knives and OC spray. Another who ran from police and was not caught threw a full sized baseball bat at the pursuing officers.”
As the above press release details, violent Portland protestors are hiding under the cover of medic and press as a way to attack our Portland Police officers.
I think Trump would calm down if they didn’t lie about everything and give him nothing but bad press. If they where real journalists and searched for the truth it would be so much better in this country. Now it is nothing but hate and discontent. And it fires up all the paid rioters. FBI needs to do some research and find out who is supporting them and organizing them.
I am retired US Army and retired Dept. of Homeland Security. I voted for Trump in 2016. But not this time. Why is he creating doubts about our elections without any proof? Why he does not condemn white supremacist groups? Standby – for what?
Sometimes the proof comes after the fact when it’s too late to prevent it. If you want to see some proof of election fraud go to the Project Veritas website. This is not the first election where this fraud has been perpetrated.
Well said.
Joshua: Thank you for your thoughtful article. I hope that reason will prevail but I am not optimistic after a summer of protests and riots where law and order has been abandoned. If we put God back in the equation and live by His standards we would be better off but our culture is going in the wrong direction. I am a responsibly armed citizen so as to protect myself and my loved ones. I pray that I will never have to experience the need to use lethal force. We have a wonderful country. Let’s keep it that way.
“Do the Dirty Deed for the Donald”! “Stand Down and Stand Ready”!!
I will admit, I didn’t watch it . I got out voted in my Constitutional Republic household. But from what I have heard on the Radio today, and what others have posted, this debate wasn’t fair, because the moderator and Mr. Biden were both debating President Trump. Being the above said, this is my take on this Article. We are now an inbred nation. It no longer matters what color our skin is, what matters is we all stand up for the Constitution and our Freedom.
Also, about them accusing President Trump of white supremacy: Where is the article from where he went to court and won in Florida to allow people of color and those of Jewish belief into Mar-a-lar-go? Just wondering why no one brought this up or the other articles where it shows he is not and why should he denounce something he’s not, but he did denounce the altercation that happened in Charlottesville. Why can’t you all find it? Just wondering as a Constitutional Patriot.
President Trump has been fighting racism for decades, as you pointed out. He was not about to be bullied in that debate, and that is exactly what the whole “say you’re against white supremacy” was about. He’s on record saying it dozens of times. No matter what he said in that debate, it wouldn’t matter. Those on the Left who used to love him before he entered politics despise him now. You’ll never make them happy, so why try. And yes, Trump was debating Biden AND Wallace. What a joke.
Ok so I believe trump is an idiot…
I don’t think Biden is the guy either…
Either way we loose…
I coach youth football and I try and keep and open mind but at the same time prepare for the worst… and a black man in America this sh*t has gotta bad this year… but still I think I’m ok at the moment for about the last month I make sure I don’t leave the house without my piece…
I do Lyft on weekend night and early mornings… I got in the craziest of places but I’m used to is because working for FedEx I delivered in the country…
We are heading for a war and only one side wants but plz don’t get it confused like the other side isn’t prepared for!
What will come after this tho??
How will our kids survive this??
Looking 20 years down the line how will history be changed????
I don’t like it here anymore lol
I am a71 young lady concealed carry holder. Been around guns all my life.I am so sad how the two men acted. I know Trump is angry HE DOES HAVE SOME RIGHT to because he has had people fighting him every day he has been in office. I pray people come to their senses before it’s to late
President Trump was as combative as I’ve ever known him to be. That is a good thing as I did not vote for a mealy mouth diplomat who says a lot of words but doesn’t mean a thing. As for the second Amendment, we have a shot (pardon the pun) with President Trump. We have no chance with Joe Biden!
Thank you for saying this. I’m so tired of people saying how horrible Trump was in the debate. Such garbage. I’ve watched many presidential debates. The first time I heard the other side tell the president to shut up. In my mind, that encapsulated who Joe Biden is.
I agree that the ‘debate’ was not much of a debate. It was a couple of brats snarling. The‘President’ needs to be a mature man, a statesman. This coming election will be about the future of our country for our children. Not for foreign power or money.
It will take men and women patriots who love this country and respect the law of the land, the US constitution. It will take people like Kyle Rittenhouser who is willing to stand guard with a gun or whatever they have. And yes, it will not end well. But, for what or who you hold dear, you gotta be ready and willing to do what you gotta do! 😡
The (so called) “Deep State” is real – and nothing new; the effort to eventialy rule the world started over a thousand years ago. The “cabal” (headquartered in Europe and represented in the U.S by George Sorus) knows that invasion wont work; infiltration is their method. Their 16 year plan was 8 years in which Obama would get their people in all the key positions of controlling power, followed by 8 years of Clinton who would start World War III. In the resulting chaos they would effectively take over the country. Study the methods by which the Nazis took over Germany in the 1930s, paying attention to the “Brown Shirts”: ANTIFA corresponds exactly to the Brown Shirts and are paid and controlled by Sorus. Sorus has publicly declared his ambition to bring down the U.S. Trump and the Patriots are in an all out war with the Deep State to save our Constitutional form of government. This 3D Chess game is playing out behind the scenes because the main stream media hides it. This is not theory – This is REAL. It’s time to wake up!
Watch Dan Bongino eps. #1359 on the debate and he will explain Trumps strategy.
Amen!! Amen!
Seems no matter who wins – 1/2 the country is going to be highly Pissed.
I have been a “Prepper” for 10+yr now.
Also shooting Combat Pistol, Rifle etc Competiton for 10yr.
And in my 70’s – so I have seen a lot and “Been Around” – A LOT
Most every state.
Some things I recommend:
– Water – Think about what you would do if the “Tap” does not work.
Uses – Drinking, cooking, cleaning, much more.
Store some and consider alternate sources, Water Heater, stores, swim pools, etc.
Survival Rule of 3’s – 3 Days without Water and you are Done.
3 Minutes w/o Air
3 Hrs w/o Shelter
3 Days w/o Water
3 Weeks w/o Food
What are you going to do if caught 30mi from home and nothing works?
Natl Emergency, chaos.
– Car – Dont let your gas level get below 1/2 full at any time.
Keep basics in your car in case you have to leave home or get caught away from home and cant get back. I keep enough of everything to stay out for a month+.
Food, water, shelter, guns, ammo, etc.
– Water – Store “Some”. Alt sources – Drain your water heater. Neighbors Swimming pool ?
– Food – Store the basics including Salt, Sugar, etc. Get a portable gas/propane stove.
– DEFENSE – Get Trained NOW – If you have not been “Trained in Defensive Shooting” then you WILL be “Sucking Air” when the time comes.
I know, I know – you “Think” you will be OK – BUT “You dont know what you dont know.” “Static Range Shooting” – will NOT help you in a real fight.
“Real Fights”/Attacks don’t happen that way.
Everyone is buying a gun but no-one is getting Trained.
You need to learn the fundamentals of “CIVILIAN – Combat Shooting” –
AND it is VERY different from “military training” and shooting.
“Word” – If you are not “Trained” – You will probably loose.
It will NOT happen the way you think.
How do I know ?
State and DHS Certified Firearms Instr
Real-Life Experience – Under Attack – Ie “Shot At”
Competition Shooter 10+ yr
“Survivor”
Amen brother!
Beautiful statement on the matter. Great job acknowledging failures on both sides and demonstrating how the people are feeling.
I have to say that I disagree with the sentiment that you express (and I’ve seen it elsewhere) that the Right (conservatives) are as bad with the name-calling and other unseeming or unkind behavior. I just don’t see it and anyone that is truthful will have to admit that the aggressive, mean behavior, the name-calling etc. comes almost entirely from the Left (Democrats). I’ve tried to have reasoned discussions on social media with people I know that are on the Left, and when they can’t reason away my arguments they invariably resort to personal attacks. I mean, sometimes vicious attacks. By and large, the Right is minding their own business, living their lives. It is the Left that is burning down our cities. So there is just no comparison. I know people are all up in arms that Trump was interrupting Biden. So what? Biden told him to shut up, called him a clown, a racist, a fool. Trump didn’t resort to name-calling at all. He was essentially debating Wallace AND Biden and whenever he was about to make a good point about the economy or whatever, Wallace would interrupt HIM and tell him, “That’s in the next segment.” Republicans need to stop being negative towards Trump, period. We didn’t elect a seasoned politician. We elected a hard-nosed businessman for a reason. To get the job done no one else has seemed to be able to. His list of awesome accomplishments is long. He’s one of the best presidents this country has ever had (top 5, for sure) and if he needs to interrupt Biden so he can get a word in edge-wise, go for it. The Left hates him anyway, so you’re never going to please them. Oh, and did you see the next moderator used to be a Biden staffer?! Such B.S. I support President Trump 100% at all times. And while I believe in situational awareness and avoiding violent situations, I’m still armed and ready should some violent person want to attack me or my family.
A lot of people had good points about the President, the situation the country is in currently, and about being prepared for what’s to come, be it from inside, (or don’t forget about all the countries that are watching all the anarchy that’s happening in the SUPPOSED greatest country in the world) or outside our country! People MUST realize that WE THE PEOPLE of the U.S.OF AMERICA were made up of many different peoples over many generations, and that as long as we keep electing the same old coots into office little to nothing will change. Congressmen should be limited to 2 terms, same as the President then you’re out. Instead they’re in for 30,40,50yrs become millionaires, tie up the Legislative process for their own gains and the people get Sh*t on, just like they have for the better part of the last 50yrs years or so. The country was designed to be run BY THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE but somewhere over the decades that fact has either been forgotten or just plain deleted from what the authors of the Constitution wrote!! PEOPLE need to get over this B.L.M. HE**yeah, so do Red, Yellow, White they all matter, that was a stupid mistake that officer made, and he’ll pay for it, but no one is bringing up how many young Black men were killed by young Black men in the days following that horrible, deplorable situation.We all need to get over ourselves and come together as the PEOPLE and Nation that we are, and WIPEOUT the anarchists because that’s where all the people with the real power are hiding behind. (No I’m not a conspiracy theorist) I’m just stating the facts, do some research for yourself and you’ll be surprised Yeah I’m a Trump supporter too. No I didn’t like the man or watch his TV show but he does have the GUTS to say what he’s thinking and he’s not a Washington patsy which is what pi**es everyone off.The reason they’ve ragged his a**his whole term so far is because Billary (not a typo)was all set up & supposed to win, but it just didn’t happen the way it was supposed to. All the gun haters (most of which have probably never owned or even handled or shot a weapon)condemn all of us who have hunted since they were small enough to go with there fathers think AR means automatic rifle LOL when it actually stands for ARMALITE who was the first to produce the AR15 for the military, they don’t know or for reasons you, yourself can imagine, the everyday working man can’t own because it’s an automatic. The public can only purchase semiautomatic unless you want to spend 10yrs in jail, but criminals don’t give a rats a** about that. So you take away the ability of a lawful purchaser and the only people who will have those or ANY weapon for that matter will be criminals GUARANTEED! Oh and by the way I watched the debate also and I thought it sucked too, that 2min.rule is a crock to begin with and the commentator was a joke. I don’t know for a fact but have read and seen it talked about on a couple of different shows that Biden had been given all of the questions prior to the debate, but as far as I’m concerned that’s just hearsay because he still lost Just look 47yrs of doing nothing compared to 47mths. of doing something!!!!!