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In 2015, as Tony was testifying about an upcoming bill, he realized he was the only black pro-Second Amendment representative out of over 100 people. He wanted to see more representation from his community. How could he encourage minorities to not only exercise their Second Amendment rights but to get involved in advocating for them?

Tony felt a deep need to destroy negative media-driven stereotypes, but how? When he spoke with a friend about this, his friend gave him the answer he needed but didnt want at the time. He told Tony it was on him to start the movement. He needed to be about it, not talk about it.

And so began the 2A4E Diversity Shoot. According to Tony, Our mission is to introduce all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background to learn about their Second Amendment rights.

The event started small in 2015 with only four people attending. Tony partnered with local gun ranges and kept showing up. Between 2015-2019 the event grew so large he had to start using tickets to avoid capacity issues. Eventually, he spread out to other ranges and added more dates. Even throughout the pandemic, Tony found ranges that continued to host. These days, Tony continues to be about it and hosts events twice a month at four ranges and in two states.

As Tony and I chatted about the issues surrounding the gun community, the common theme that came up was divisiveness. Whether it be political rhetoric, false media narratives, or in-fighting, everything seems to be aimed at separating gun owners into different groups. Of course, we all fall into certain categories and come from different backgrounds, but what does that matter if we all agree on the right to bear arms?

We agreed that the hardcore anti-gun crowd is exceptionally united. Theyre on a mission to eradicate guns, and theyll stick together no matter what. They dont want anyone to have guns regardless of gender, race, political affiliation, or other qualifications.

Its not likely well change the minds in that group, but what if we could get to those people in the middle? The ones who are uneducated about firearms and havent chosen a side yet. Certainly, some people have no gun experience, but theyre curious and just waiting for the right conversation.

As Tony and I discussed solutions, it became clear we need two things: unity and more people on our side. We need to have conversations that arent pushy or judgmental, and we must welcome everyone into the 2A community, regardless of how we feel about them.

Thats precisely what Tony Simon is doing. Hes created a safe space designed to be welcoming to everyone, including minorities and underrepresented groups who may often feel comfortable in a firearms class. Tony doesnt care if youre black, white, Asian, gay, straight, or anything else. Youre welcome at the 2A4E Diversity Shoot. As a woman who initially felt intimidated to go to the range, I can say, after talking to Tony, I would have loved to attend his class.

Tony Simons mission is to help people learn about and exercise their Second Amendment rights. Its a human right, after all, he says. His work focuses on showing people that gun laws dont make us any safer and gun owners arent crazy for wanting to protect themselves.

2A4E isnt just a brand or catchy phrase. Its a lifestyle we all, as gun owners, should be living without question. To preserve and restore our rights, we need to unite and invite more people to our side. The best way to do that is to embrace everyone, show them what the Second Amendment truly stands for, and welcome them into our community.

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Growing the 2A Community: The Second Amendment Is for Everyone - Guns.com

Each candidate was asked whether she would respect the outcome of the referendum that will appear on the November ballot in Michigan, in which voters will decide whether to insert language into the state constitution guaranteeing the right to abortion.

Both said they would honor the results of the ballot initiative, and both accused the other of lying about that claim.

Shes a little confused about a constitutional amendment, because this is a governor who time and time again thought she was above the constitution of Michigan, Dixon said. I believe in the peoples right to decide.

Its really ironic when Mrs. Dixon stands here and says she will accept the will of the people, Whitmer shot back. This is a candidate who still denies the outcome of the 2020 election.

Dixon has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and Michigans powerful DeVos family, earning her partys nomination after a GOP primary mired in chaos. After the debate, Dixon told reporters it was Americans right to question elections.

Its OK to question the results of the election. It doesnt mean that youre not going to accept the will of the people. Thats ridiculous, Dixon said.

Asked by the debates moderator to specifically define her position on abortion, Dixon said she was pro-life with exceptions for the life of the mother and did not say whether she would allow prosecutions in cases of rape or incest. She then argued that she would not have much power over the issue if elected.

A judge has already ruled in this case, Dixon said. The governor doesnt have the choice to go around a judge or a constitutional amendment.

Whitmer sharply disagreed that a governors hands are tied on the issue, noting that her lawsuit against the 1931 ban was what brought about the judges ruling.

Mrs. Dixon is either woefully under-informed about the office shes running for or shes lying to you, she said. The governor will absolutely impact these rights.

In an interview with POLITICO earlier in the week, Whitmer added that the governor has many other tools for shaping reproductive health care in the state, touting her administrations work this year allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control and, just this week, applying for a federal Medicaid waiver to expand coverage of STD testing, contraception and other services to 25,000 low-income people who dont currently qualify.

Whitmer has led in several polls, though that lead has narrowed to the single digits in recent weeks. She has also benefited from having more robust campaign funds, according to The Associated Press.

Dixon, who acknowledged she might have been speaking to some voters for the first time, introduced herself first as a mother and as a critic of Democratic policies in education and schools.

Echoing GOP rhetoric in state races nationwide, Dixon claimed that children in Michigan were being taught sex and gender theory, and not to read, write and do math. Asked about school safety, she advocated for hardening schools and putting more armed police on campuses.

Whitmer described Dixons position on guns as dangerous.

Shell put the Second Amendment before second graders every time, the governor said.

Dixon and Whitmer are scheduled to debate again on Oct. 25.

Alice Miranda Ollstein reported from Grand Rapids, and Olivia Olander from Chicago.

See the rest here:
Michigan governor debate features accusations of lies, with abortion front and center - POLITICO

U.S. Representative Steve Chabot and Cincinnati Council Member Greg Landsman traded barbs in the final televised debate in the race for Ohios First Congressional District Thursday night.

Chabot has maintained political control over the district since 1995. Hes currently serving his 12th term in office, only losing once in 2008, to Democrat Steve Driehaus, winning the seat back in 2010. He faces one of his toughest re-election bids yet now that redrawn district boundaries include the entire city of Cincinnati.

Asked about rising gun crime across the country, Chabot cited his support for a gun regulation measure this year that only 13 other House Republicans voted for.

It not only protected schools, but it was additional background checks for younger people and the rest, Chabot said.

As for going further, though: We have a Second Amendment, its in the Constitution its not the First (Amendment) but its the Second and its very important, Chabot said. [Landsman] doesnt care about the Constitution, apparently. People have a right to defend their families in their own homes.

Landsman says constituents of the First District want more.

People want these guns gone. He is not going to do it, Landsman said. I will, as a member of Congress, ban assault weapons. I will go after these guns. And I will make it easier for police officers to get these guns out of our neighborhoods.

Listen to this question and responses:

Chabot/Landsman Debate: Gun Question

The two men repeated frequent talking points about abortion when asked: Would you support legislation banning in vitro fertilization and forms of birth control that prevent pregnancy after conception, or legislation to guarantee access to IVF and birth control?

I introduced and passed the ban on partial birth abortion years ago," Chabot said. "It's the law of the land now, most Democrats actually supported it as well. And we had exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

Landsman calls Chabots position on abortion extreme, saying Chabot has also supported abortion bans without exceptions.

I will, as your member of Congress, vote to codify Roe and make sure that you have reproductive freedom. I want that for my daughter, I know you want it for your children, he said. And I will vote to protect contraception, I will vote to protect IVF, I will vote to protect marriage equality.

Listen to this question and responses:

Chabot/Landsman Debate: Reproductive Health Question

The candidates also addressed questions on the economy, housing, public safety, health care, climate change and democracy.

WVXU co-presented the debate along with CET and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Lucy May, host of WVXUs Cincinnati Edition, moderated the event and Nick Swartsell, WVXU reporter, was on the panel.

Tune in to Cincinnati Edition Friday, Oct. 14, at noon for a segment fact-checking the statements made during Thursday's debate.

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Chabot and Landsman talk guns, abortion and more in final debate - WVXU

On Friday, NRA-ILA filed an amicus brief in a case challenging a New York law that seeks to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). PLCAA codified the fundamental legal maxim that the law only holds responsible parties liable for their actions. It limits the types of lawsuits that can be brought against the gun industry by barring suits seeking monetary damages against an industry member for a third partys misuse of a firearm.

Despite PLCAA and the common law, New York officials have been bringing lawsuits against gun industry members for over 20 years now. Former New York Attorney General (who then became the states disgraced governor) Elliot Spitzers suit against Ruger was thrown out of court, and a lawsuit brought by the City of New York against Beretta suffered the same fate.

Congress enacted the [PLCAA] to stanch an epidemic of experimental tort suits attempting to hold the firearms industry liable for third parties criminal misuse of firearms, the brief reads. Dissatisfied with Congresss judgment, New York has set out to undermine the PLCAA, assuming the responsibility to correct [what it terms] federal overreach.

PLCAA is not the only firearms matter that New York lawmakers are bitter about and trying to evade these days. In June, NRA-ILA won NYSRPA v. Bruen, a landmark Second Amendment Case at the United States Supreme Court. Governor Hochul called the high courts decision a mere temporary setback, prompting the state to pass the falsely labeled Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which NRA-ILA is also challenging in federal Court.

This case is captioned National Shooting Sports Foundation v. James. It is on appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City.

Please stay tuned towww.nraila.orgfor future updates on NRA-ILAs ongoing efforts to defend your constitutional rights.

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NRA Files Friend of the Court Brief in NY PLCAA Case. - NRA ILA

After an hour of at-times gut-wrenching testimonials about the effect of the drug and gun crisis in Philadelphia, Mehmet Oz, who convened the community discussion, was asked what he could do about those issues as a U.S. senator.

We do have to deal with the education system, and I think the collapse of the public school systems in places like Philadelphia has dramatically worsened what was already a bad trend, Oz told reporters after the event.

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He said Congress should create a large fund of public money to allocate to each state to support school vouchers.

The response was one of a handful of ideas floated by Oz, who consistently highlights crime and drugs in Philadelphia on the campaign trail, though often without specific proposals on how he could address those problems in the Senate.

Lt. Gov John Fetterman, the Democratic candidate for Senate, who was endorsed by the citys Black police union on Thursday, released a statement accusing Oz of exploiting Philadelphias crime for political gain.

Oz repeatedly referenced Philadelphia when talking about crime during a sit-down interview with NBC News on Thursday.

READ MORE: Focusing on crime, Republicans think theyve finally put John Fetterman on the defensive

Some of this is subpoena power to ask cities: What are you doing? How is it possible that in a short period of time youve created changes that are not for the betterment of people living in Philadelphia? Oz said. Many people here in Philly think theyre part of a social experiment thats being done on them, and they dont understand where they are in the equation, how come theyre not being valued, and it seems to always be that the criminals who are getting all the attention.

He said hed support school choice and bringing a liquid natural gas export facility to Philadelphia to help the city.

READ MORE: What weve learned from a year of attending Oz and Fetterman campaign events

Oz, who is backed by the Fraternal Order of Police, held his Thursday discussion on safer streets, at a catering company in South Philadelphia. Former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain; Mike Bresnan, president of the citys firefighters and paramedics union; several Republican ward leaders; and some Oz supporters attended the event.

Its at least the third such event in Philadelphia as Oz has worked to tap into concerns about rising gun violence in the city by attacking Fetterman as soft on crime. Oz often brings up the lieutenant governors work on the Board of Pardons and his support for reforming state mandatory life sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder.

READ MORE: Fetterman says Oz lies about my record on crime, at brief stop in Southwest Philadelphia

Oz has been scrutinized over a similar but smaller roundtable in Germantown in September that focused on gun violence. At that campaign event, Oz sat beside Sheila Armstrong, who shared her story of losing two family members to gun violence, but it was revealed this week that she works for Ozs campaign. Shes Philadelphia regional director, the campaign said, when asked by The Inquirer about her role this week.

Thursdays hourlong discussion was mostly dedicated to highlighting the ongoing suffering in the city. Clarice Schillinger, a former GOP candidate for lieutenant governor and a prominent school choice advocate, said one of the Philadelphia SWAT officers shot this week is a friend and security guard. Community activist Ikey Raw, who was also at Ozs September roundtable on gun violence, said it was easier to buy fentanyl than baby formula during periods of the pandemic, and a Kensington resident who was also with Oz when he visited the neighborhood last month said human feces is everywhere there.

Oz, who rose to national fame as a daytime TV talk show host, knows how to moderate a compelling conversation. And the issues hes highlighting are real-life tragedies for many Philadelphians. But discussions of solutions were minimal.

READ MORE: Gun-safety group launches $2.1 million ad campaign criticizing Oz, Mastriano over gun laws

Oz brought up the lack of police officers and need to improve officer retention, harsher penalties for drug dealers, and speeding up crime-victim compensation. In his interview with NBC, Oz said he opposes mandatory minimum sentences at the federal level for fentanyl dealers, saying he thinks it should be left up to judges.

At Thursdays event, Oz continually stressed his opposition to (and highlighted Fettermans support for) supervised injection sites, which do not exist anywhere in Pennsylvania.

He also said in a follow-up interview with reporters that with regard to drugs, we have got to take detox more seriously. He suggested hed support an involuntary detox program to push people suffering from drug addiction who commit minor crimes into detox.

They break the law because theyre living outside, theyll urinate or defecate, theyll do something that allows you to justify it, Oz said. Youre trying to walk them by the hand, take them to detox and give them five days of an opportunity to at least find out who they are again, and you have to do it over and over and over.

READ MORE: Oz talked to drug users in Kensington and community activists in Germantown as he continues to focus on crime in Philly

He referenced Miami as a city thats had success with driving down addiction.

When The Inquirer followed up, the campaign sent a link to an article detailing a pre-arrest diversion program in Miami that appears to mirror one that already exists in Philadelphia.

Oz also said on Thursday he supports decriminalizing marijuana for medical uses. As we get more comfortable understanding what marijuana can and cant do and standardizing what it is, then other opportunities may open, he said.

(He told NBC Bidens move to pardon some federal marijuana convictions was a rational move.)

Fetterman, who has argued hes better equipped to take on crime issues given his 13 years as a mayor of a town that dealt with the opioid crisis and gun violence, pointed to Ozs opposition to gun control as a policy that would hurt not help Philadelphias crime problem.

READ MORE: The two very different ways John Fetterman answered GOP attacks over crime and drugs

If Dr. Oz actually cared about crime hed be offering some real solutions, Fetterman said. Instead, he wont do the literal first thing to keep our neighborhoods, and our police officers, safe: he doesnt support a single policy to get guns off our streets and out of the wrong hands.

Oz opposes red flag laws, universal background checks, and any gun control measure that infringes upon the Second Amendment, according to a post he authored on his campaign website. I will fight against federal gun control schemes and I will vote for judicial nominees who share my view, he says in the post. Hes dodged questions about whether he would have supported the bipartisan Gun Safety Act that was signed over the summer.

The event on Thursday included several Democrats turned Republicans frustrated by gun violence who shrugged off Ozs anti-gun-control stances.

The problem is the ghost guns, the illegal guns. Theyre already illegal, so its how do we stop that? said Carnel Harley, a Republican ward leader in Nicetown who left the Democratic Party six years ago. Harley said he didnt mind that Oz came to the discussion without a lot of answers.

One thing I liked about him is, he didnt say what he could do. He asked what do I need him to do for our community.

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Mehmet Oz keeps running on crime in Philly. Heres what hes saying hed do about it. - The Philadelphia Inquirer