Fear & Loading: One Nation, Indivisible

by
posted on July 3, 2015
fireworks2.jpg
There’s an unfortunate polarization in America today, and more than likely, you witness it every day on the news, social media, in school or at work. Most (not all) of what we’re witnessing, however, is only possible because an army of Americans earned our right to free speech and a democratic government more than 200 years ago when they took to arms and permanently deported tyranny. undefined

Many patriots lost their lives to ensure the right to complain, write letters, stage protests (with permits where required), start a social media campaign, call, sit in or walk out. Before our great nation was established, all of the above could land you in jail, result in public floggings, or worse. Thankfully, our forefathers provided the First Amendment, which of course means every side on any issue has real reason to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Fly the flag, attend a parade, extend a hearty greeting—regardless of his or her race, religion, politics, age, social status or economic challenge. This great nation stood together to fight, and win, against the most powerful military in the entire world at the time to secure our freedoms, and when we agree to disagree, yet work together toward the ultimate goal, history shows there’s nothing the United States cannot accomplish.

Even today, there are those who would like to kill Americans, end our way of life, and force us back into servitude. The Fourth of July is an opportune day for them to send a message, and Homeland Security has allegedly issued warnings to law enforcement about potential threats. The Second Amendment guarantees we don’t have to be helpless victims, though, unlike the unarmed and innocent victims claimed abroad recently.

This Saturday let’s broadcast a message that circles the globe in a magnitude that drowns the mutterings of cave-swelling, leech-sucking radicals intent on inflicting terror on all that is free. Raise the colors, have a BBQ, launch the fireworks and forget the animosity. We’re “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Department of Defense photos.

Latest

Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog right-side view nickel-plated gun revolver with black grip
Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog right-side view nickel-plated gun revolver with black grip

I Have This Old Gun: Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog

Many eagle-eyed NRA members viewing the 1993 Western “Tombstone” no doubt recognized the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog so deftly welded by actress Joanna Pacula, portraying Big Nose Kate, during a contemptuous card game between Doc Holliday and Ed Bailey.

Medal Of Honor Marine Receives Henry Repeating Arms Tribute

Henry Repeating Arms presented a Spirit of the Corps 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifle to Maj. Gen. Livingston for going above and beyond the call of duty on May 2, 1968, during the Battle of Dai Do in Vietnam.

Preview: Duramag 1911 DS Magazines

Duramag’s 1911 DS Magazines are compatible with numerous 9 mm Luger-chambered 2011-style handguns on the market.

Colt Monitor: The FBI’s “Fighting Rifle”

In the years between the World Wars, a rare variation of the Browning Automatic Rifle proved its reputation as an effective, devastating automatic rifle for combat between the country’s lawmen and its outlaws.

The Armed Citizen® May 19, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Report Shows Inventory, Prices Have Dropped At Firearm Retailers

Nearly all gun and related gear inventories at retailers dropped in the last 12 months. So have most prices paid at the counter, according to the year-over-year comparison detailed in the latest RetailBI report.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.