Elections are always a cause for either worrisome sorrow or enthusiastic optimism depending on which side of the aisle one finds themselves. For Second Amendment enthusiasts and liberty-loving Patriots nationwide, 2024 emphatically proved to be the latter, revitalizing hope after four years of unmitigated tyranny. While this optimism is not misplaced and celebration is undoubtedly warranted, gun owners everywhere must keep in mind that winning elections is only the beginning of a much more difficult battle: making effective legislative headway for expanding gun rights and curtailing further infringements by traitorous tyrants.
Gun rights served as a consequential issue in determining electoral outcomes across the United States. The radically anti-Second Amendment record of Kamala Harris, which would make history’s greatest tyrants blush, propelled the issue to the forefront of American political discourse. President Donald Trump capitalized on the authoritarian nature of his opponent by vocalizing his support for gun rights more than ever before. The Republican nominee spoke fervently about the importance of self-defense rights and promised to expand them significantly throughout his second term through policies like concealed carry reciprocity.
In Texas, conservatives handily expanded their majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. This fact, combined with primary victories which saw the elimination of many high-profile RINOs from office, sets up the 89th legislative session to be the most pro-liberty in the Lone Star State’s history. The Capital of Texas is primed to enact constitutionally conservative policy that emboldens law abiding gun owners and shut down any proposed infringements on the Second Amendment.
These results offer tremendous opportunities for the restitution of limited government and respect for the Constitution on behalf of lawmakers. But as of right now, that’s all they are: opportunities, chances, possibilities. Nothing yet has been done to restore gun rights and secure the 2nd Amendment. Furthermore, nothing will be done unless the people of Texas hold their elected officials accountable and demand action on their behalf.
Politicians routinely avoid their duties at every turn, often preferring to enjoy the leisurely comforts of power and influence while neglecting to fulfill their campaign promises and fight for the people they represent. So-called “conservative, pro-gun” Republicans have periodically held commanding majorities at both the federal and state levels for decades, yet the Second Amendment has continuously been diminished rather than defended. Individual states impose restrictions, the ATF expands, and bump stocks get banned while Republican leaders do little in the way of conserving constitutional rights.
Even in Texas, which is supposedly one of the most conservative states in the nation, the legislature is plagued with RINO’s who concede to the Radical Left at every turn. Republican leaders flirt with Red Flag Laws that strip Americans not only of their right to bear arms, but also their right to Due Process. At best, further infringements are stopped but supposed pro-gun legislators do almost nothing to expand gun rights or regain ground that has been lost.
Losing elections only further emboldens the Radical Left to fight harder than ever before. Democrat leaders across the country are gearing up to attack and legally challenge the incoming Trump Administration at every turn, further endangering any possible advancements for gun rights. Left-wing media apparatuses are ready to exploit any and all possible tragedies, guilting Americans into supporting their own disarmament. Certain Republicans, inept to confrontational politics, will likely be quick to show their bellies and yield to every tyrannical gun-grabbing action the Democrats engage in.
These are the threats and challenges that gun owners will continue to face, despite their offering of a clear, decisive, and massive mandate for the restitution of constitutional governance. This is the real war: applying pressure to politicians that forces them to abide by their constituents’ will while not conceding a single inch to the Radical Left. They must be warned that failure to comply with the demands of their voters will result in primary challenges, which are becoming increasingly tumultuous for RINO’s here in Texas.
Contrarily, gun owners must champion and show favorability towards those rare fighters who consistently stick to their principles and work for their people. The select few politicians with backbones and a drive for authentic conservative policy must be supported, praised, and upheld as a standard for others to be held to. There are far more of these types entering the Texas legislature than in years past, and ideally, they will live up to their promises.
Gun owners have been in this exact position of securing a massive electoral victory before, only to then face severe disappointment due to lackluster, weak-minded, and fake conservative politicians. This time can be different, and real change can be made to secure constitutional liberties, but only if gun owners continue to get involved, apply pressure, and assist in the fight for gun rights.
Texas Gun Rights proudly serves as the Lone Star State’s premier NO COMPROMISE gun rights organization. We’ve worked in Austin to pass bills like Constitutional Carry and are experienced in defeating RINOs who have turned their backs on Texan gun owners. With the legislative session quickly approaching, we need your help to keep this fight going in 2025, so click below to donate today!
Article submitted to Texas Gun Rights by Blake Kresses
