As we head into December and the end of a year that has challenged America like no other, we are provided a stark reminder that time doesn’t stand still. As the one-year mark approaches since the arrival of the COVID-19 virus to these shores, and as violence and disorder continue to plague our cities, we pray for those individuals and families touched by these troubling events. We pray for God’s mercy. We pray that He will help our elected officials, medical professionals, law enforcement, business leaders and others find solutions to our nation’s ills.
By the time you read this, another milestone will have passed, as the 2020 election cycle will have taken place. The magazine’s production schedule precludes me from being able to comment on the results of the presidential and congressional races, but at the time of this writing, our country was in the throes of the most vicious political battle in recent memory, with our American way of life hanging in the balance. It is my sincere prayer that in my first column of 2021, I am able to celebrate the news that Donald J. Trump has been deservedly re-elected for a second term, thereby ensuring that our Second Amendment rights—and our entire Constitution—will remain intact for future generations of Americans.
Whatever the outcome, President Trump earned the votes of freedom-loving Americans, as his mantra of “promises made, promises kept” was realized on more fronts than can be enumerated here. NRA members have been especially grateful for his stalwart defense of their gun rights and have every reason to believe he will continue to make good on his promises. Proof of this can be found in his selection of two honorable U.S. Supreme Court justices—and in his nominating a third as of this writing. Each is committed to applying the law of the land consistent with our Founding Fathers’ original intent, in accordance with one of the greatest documents ever written, the U.S. Constitution, and in deference to the unalienable rights endowed by our Creator. That law of the land includes the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights: the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
The end of the election cycle, however, does not mean an end to the unceasing attacks on your freedom by those statists who believe you have no inalienable rights. In fact, the assault on your freedom is guaranteed to worsen regardless of who holds the political power on Capitol Hill. Many of the Left’s misguided intentions can be accomplished by nothing more than the stroke of a pen signing an executive order.
That is why, now more than ever, NRA needs your support. It is critical that NRA has the energy and resources to fight 365 days a year to protect your Second Amendment rights. You can trust NRA leaders never to let down their guard, and we vow to remain vigilant on your behalf in the defense of our Constitution.
We have evidence that the fight continues to pay off. Earlier this year, a Los Angeles judge rightfully blocked an ordinance that would have required companies to disclose connections with NRA in order to receive government contracts. This ruling was counted as a First Amendment victory for NRA and those who value our constitutional freedoms. In early October, the City of Los Angeles was ordered to compensate the NRA almost $150,000 in legal fees incurred from this suit. This is just one example of many in which, regardless of who holds the highest office in the land, the NRA will continue to hold accountable government officials and politicians who take actions hostile to the NRA and its members.
With your continued support, there is no doubt in my mind that we will be able to guarantee more victories like this in 2021. We will continue to defend our Association and what it stands for against those who conspire to take us down through baseless accusations and backdoor maneuvers because they dislike our politics and our commitment to the God-given rights of our members.
I am sure you will agree there are countless events from 2020 that we look forward to putting in our collective rearview mirror. What the pandemic and criminal anarchy stole from us will never be forgotten, but we must also look ahead to brighter days. NRA observes its 150th anniversary in 2021, and we are excited to celebrate that milestone in a big way during the upcoming NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas, in May. We also hope to resume many member services and programs for which NRA has long been known. And we are especially enthused to welcome the millions of new American gun owners into our organization, make them aware of training opportunities with NRA instructors and encourage them to contribute to our mission of keeping freedom alive.
