Gregory Kielma • July 26, 2025
5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political
5 Reasons the Second Amendment Should Not Be Political
Susanne Edward
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The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. It is not a tool of one political party but rather is a right for all Americans, regardless of their background, income or voting history.
Here are five reasons why the Second Amendment shouldn’t be a political battleground—and instead, a shared principle rooted in equality, protection and empowerment.
1. The Second Amendment Is a Great Equalizer
At its core, the Second Amendment is about self-preservation and the ability of individuals to defend themselves, especially when institutions fail to do so.
According to FBI data, over 1 million violent crimes were reported in 2021, including more than 600,000 aggravated assaults. Police response times vary widely—averaging 10 to 15 minutes in many areas and significantly longer in rural counties.
In 2020, nearly 40% of all first-time gun buyers were women, and purchases by black Americans rose by 58%, according to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). These trends continued into 2023, driven by concerns about personal safety and civil unrest.
Empowerment is not partisan. The ability to protect oneself is a fundamental right.
2. The Second Amendment Protects Everyone—Equally
The Constitution doesn’t make exceptions: “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”
Historically, gun control has been used to disarm and suppress certain groups of people. After the Civil War, “Black Codes” in Southern states explicitly restricted black Americans from owning firearms. In 1967, the Mulford Act was passed in California primarily in response to the Black Panther Party’s armed patrols.
Today, the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) has grown to over 45,000 members and the gun-rights group Pink Pistols advocates for armed self-defense amid rising hate crimes.
The Second Amendment is a civil-rights issue. It transcends party lines.
3. Democrats Own Guns, Too
Despite political stereotypes, millions of Democrats own firearms.
According to a 2023 Pew Research survey, 32% of Democrats or Democratic-leaning independents either personally own a gun or live in a household with one. Among independents, gun ownership is nearly identical to that of Republicans.
How many of these voters appreciate that the Second Amendment is an individual right and don’t blame lawful gun owners for the actions of criminals, as Democratic Party leadership so often does, is unclear, but it is likely a big enough slice of the party to make them lose elections when their freedom is directly threatened.
4. “Gun-Free Zones” Often Attract, Not Deter, Violence
We are told that so-called “gun-free zones” are intended to promote safety and security, but, in practice, they often do the opposite.
A 2023 report by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) found that 94% of mass public shootings between 1950 and 2019 occurred in areas where civilians were banned from carrying firearms. These areas are soft targets for attackers who know law-abiding citizens are defenseless.
Real safety comes from preparedness and deterrence—not signs and bans on this fundamental right.
5.) Recreational Shooting Is Empowering, Popular and Nonpartisan
Gun ownership isn’t just about protection; it’s also a recreational and cultural tradition for millions of Americans.
Shooting sports participation has surged. According to the NSSF, more than 5.4 million Americans purchased firearms for the first time in 2021, building on the historic surge of 2020. Many ranges and clubs report an increase in attendance from women, youth and minority communities.
Shooting fosters responsibility, confidence and focus. From hunting to competitive target shooting, it unites generations and communities—regardless of political identity.
It’s not “gun culture.” It’s American culture.
The Second Amendment should not be a red-versus-blue issue. It is a constitutional guarantee intended to empower and protect all Americans.
Politicizing the right to bear arms undermines its purpose and weakens our ability to have constructive conversations. Just as we don’t treat freedom of speech or the right to vote as privileges, we shouldn’t do it with self-defense.
This right belongs to everyone—from urban liberals to rural conservatives, from legal immigrants to those who identify as LGBTQ. If more voters let even anti-gun politicians know this, then this issue will become much less political. That would help all of us preserve this basic human right.
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Being Prepared for the 2026 Hurricane Season By Gregory Kielma, Tactical K Training & Firearms The 2026 Hurricane Season is shaping up to be another year where preparation isn’t optional it’s essential. Florida has seen record heat, rising insurance pressures, rapid population growth, and increasingly unpredictable storm behavior. None of that is meant to create fear. It’s meant to reinforce a simple truth: preparedness gives you control, confidence, and options when the weather turns. Whether you’re protecting a home, a business, or a family, the goal is the same build layers of readiness before the first storm forms. Start With Awareness and a Plan Storms don’t give you time to “figure it out later.” Your plan should be written, practiced, and known by everyone in the household or workplace. Key elements of a solid plan: Where will you go if evacuation becomes necessary Multiple routes out of your area A communication plan if cell networks fail A designated out‑of‑state contact A plan for pets, elderly family members, and anyone with medical needs For businesses, include: Who secures the building Who handles digital backups Who communicates closures and reopening A plan removes panic. It replaces it with action. Strengthen Your Home or Business Before the First Storm Florida structures take a beating every year. Small improvements now prevent major losses later. Exterior protection: Inspect your roof for loose shingles or soft spots Clear gutters and drainage paths Trim trees and remove dead limbs Install or test shutters Reinforce garage doors—one of the most common failure points Interior protection: Surge protection for critical electronics Elevate valuables and important documents Know how to shut off water, power, and gas If you own a business, walk your property as if you were a storm: What can break? What can blow away? What can flood? Fix those points now. Build a Realistic, Usable Supply Kit For Your Home or Business A hurricane kit isn’t about stockpiling, it’s about independence. After a major storm, help may take hours or days to reach your area. For homes and families: Water: 1 gallon per person per day (minimum 3–7 days) Non‑perishable food Medications and medical supplies Flashlights, headlamps, and batteries Battery bank for phones First aid kit Copies of important documents Cash in small bills Tools, gloves, tarps, duct tape For businesses: Backup power for essential systems Printed employee contact lists Hard copies of insurance documents A plan for securing inventory and equipment Preparedness isn’t about fear it’s about not being dependent on luck. Protect Your Digital Life In 2026, digital readiness is just as important as physical readiness. Back up important files to the cloud and an external drive Photograph your home, business, and valuables for insurance Store digital copies of IDs, insurance policies, and receipts Keep chargers, power banks, and a small solar panel if possible When the power goes out, your digital preparation keeps you moving. Understand Post‑Storm Safety Most injuries happen after the storm, not during it. Be cautious with: Downed power lines Flooded roads Carbon monoxide from generators Unstable structures Contaminated water If you evacuated, don’t rush home. Wait for official clearance. Your safety comes first. Mindset: Prepared, Not Paranoid Preparedness is a discipline, not a reaction. It’s the same mindset we teach in every Tactical K class awareness, planning, and responsible action. A hurricane is a natural event. Your response is a choice. When you prepare early, you protect: Your family Your property Your business Your peace of mind And you set an example for your community. Kielma’s Parting Shot The 2026 Hurricane Season will bring challenges, just like every season. But Floridians are resilient, and preparation is part of our way of life. Start now. Strengthen your home, your business, and your plan. Build your layers of safety before the first storm forms. If you need help building a plan, creating a checklist, or preparing your family or business, Tactical K Training is here to support you with practical, real‑world guidance.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking Nine Firearms, Including to Buyer Who Said He Was ‘At War’ Thursday, April 30, 2026 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia WASHINGTON - Brandon Smith, 34, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic at least nine firearms to a prohibited buyer over the course of six months, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Brandon Smith was already on supervised probation for a violent felony when he chose to traffic firearms, and he continued even after being told the buyer intended to use them for violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Over the course of six months, he arranged the sale of at least nine guns—including one with an obliterated serial number—to a prohibited individual. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained and deliberate effort to arm someone who could not legally possess firearms. My office remains committed to holding accountable those who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal guns.” On Jan. 9, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty before Judge Howell to conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 108-month prison term. According to court papers, beginning in November 2023, ATF opened an investigation after a confidential source reported that Smith, then on supervised probation for a violent felony, was actively advertising firearms for sale by texting photographs of guns to prospective buyers, including individuals with prior felony convictions. During the next six months, Smith sold or arranged the sale of nine firearms to a buyer on six separate occasions. During the transactions, Smith sold his own personal carry firearm on multiple occasions when a supplier failed to deliver, then purchased a replacement for himself afterward. In early January 2024, as Smith and the buyer discussed an upcoming transaction, the buyer told Smith he needed the firearms because he was “at war” after his cousin had been killed. Smith proceeded with the sale. The buyer had also told Smith he was serving a criminal justice sentence at the time of the transactions. Smith acknowledged that he, too, was “on papers.” Smith arranged a total of six transactions from Nov. 30, 2023, through May 30, 2024, resulting in the sale of nine firearms. At least one of the firearms had its serial number obliterated. On Oct. 26, 2024, MPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the 1600 block of 16th Street SE and found Smith in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Officers observed open containers of alcohol and discovered a satchel at his feet. Inside the satchel, in plain view, was a loaded Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun with a round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The bag also contained a bank card and government-issued identification in Smith’s name. Smith has prior convictions for Simple Assault (2011), Attempted Robbery (2013), and Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (2016), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was serving a term of supervised probation from the 2016 conviction at the time of the firearms trafficking conspiracy. This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan. Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking
