Category: TXGR News

September 27, 2023

In a move symbolizing the escalating battle over Second Amendment rights in the United States, California Governor Gavin Newsom has imposed an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition, labeling it a “sin tax.”

This oppressive legislation, crafted by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel and buoyed by support from figures like former Assemblyman Marc Levine, is estimated to funnel approximately $160 million annually to the state. Positioned as a means to address California’s significant budget deficit, the law allegedly aims to fund mental health and school safety programs, using law-abiding gun owners as the fiscal source.

Governor Newsom’s unyielding defense of this discriminatory legislation illustrates the stark contrast between states like California and states like Texas, where the approach to gun rights is fundamentally divergent.

While California seeks to suppress gun ownership under the cloak of moral and fiscal responsibility, Texas is moving to reinforce and protect the constitutional rights of its citizens.

Texas Gun Rights, a fervent advocate for Second Amendment freedoms, is preparing to introduce legislation in the next Texas legislative session with the objective of eliminating sales tax on purchases of all firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, expressed his stance unequivocally, asserting, “Texas should be a sanctuary state for all things related to firearms. You don’t have to pay a tax to exercise your rights protected by the First Amendment, and you shouldn’t have to pay a tax to exercise your rights protected by the Second Amendment, either.”

This proclamation stands in stark contrast to Governor Newsom’s obstinate justification of the “sin tax,” revealing a deep philosophical chasm between states on the fundamental understanding of individual rights and freedoms.

While California pursues policies that infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens under the guise of safety and fiscal prudence, Texas is championing the cause of constitutional liberties, seeking to fortify the protections afforded to its citizens under the Second Amendment.

The diverging paths of these states reflect the broader national conversation surrounding gun rights, painting a vivid picture of the ideological battle lines drawn across the country.

The developments in California serve as a solemn reminder of the relentless efforts by some to erode constitutional freedoms, while the proactive measures in Texas symbolize the enduring fight to preserve the foundational principles of this nation.

The contrast between California’s punitive taxation and Texas’s sanctuary aspirations underscore the critical importance of continuous vigilance and action in defense of our inalienable rights.

September 27, 2023

There’s a hidden war brewing, and it’s not on any traditional battlefield.

It’s a war being waged by corporate giants embracing ‘wokeness’ and turning it into a weapon against our Second Amendment rights, attempting to strangle the constitutional liberties we hold dear in Texas and across the nation.

JPMorgan Chase is at the frontlines of this covert warfare, implementing a slew of policies aimed at stifling conservative voices and organizations.

Their tactics raise the ominous specter of discrimination, impacting entities and individuals associated with conservative and religious causes, thus restricting their ability to participate in the marketplace of goods, services, and ideas.

Joining them in this silent struggle is Bank of America, a corporation seemingly entwined in pushing Intuit, the company behind QuickBooks, to enact anti-gun policies.

Despite the denials from Bank of America about its role in influencing Intuit’s policies against the firearms industry, the cloud of their association sends a powerful message about corporations attempting to undercut the Second Amendment rights surreptitiously.

Intuit itself had displayed a blatant disregard for firearm-related businesses, placing prohibitive clauses in its use policy against the industry until Sen. Ted Cruz stepped in, exposing and opposing these shadowy practices.

This not only unveiled the concealed clash between corporate ideologies and constitutional rights but also revealed the depth of the struggle between the sanctity of the Second Amendment and corporate wokeness.

These companies, wrapped in a façade of social responsibility and morality, are constructing a concealed battlefield.

They’re enforcing hidden policies, masked as safety and ethical standards, systematically obstructing firearm businesses and, by extension, eroding our constitutional rights and the free market.

This is more than just an expression of corporate beliefs; it’s a well-calculated strategy aimed at reshaping societal norms and imposing an authoritarian narrative on individual liberties and choices.

What we’re witnessing is a corporate strategy meticulously crafted to subordinate constitutional freedoms to progressive corporate ideologies, creating an environment where ideological conformity is the price of entry into society, and any divergence is punished by exclusion and ostracization.

The narrative doesn’t end at policy formation—it’s about the silent, strategic obliteration of constitutional rights under the façade of ethical responsibility and societal safety, reflecting a substantial threat to the constitutional ideals and individual freedoms we fight to preserve.

In this complex scenario, it’s crucial to maintain a delicate balance between diverse ideologies, values, corporate responsibility, and constitutional rights.

While corporations can champion their principles, imposing them should never violate our democratic values and rights.

We need an informed and conscious discourse to strike the right balance between corporate progressivism and constitutional values, to protect and nourish the democratic ethos we all believe in.

Stand Firm for Our Rights

The silent war led by these corporate giants underscores the importance of relentless vigilance and unwavering resolve in protecting our freedoms and values against those who wish to dismantle them.

It’s time we, the defenders of the Second Amendment, rise, and face this covert warfare with unity, strength, and a relentless pursuit of liberty.

September 25, 2023

In a brazen assault on our rights, President Biden, in cohort with Vice President Kamala Harris, has unveiled a calculated ploy to erode our God-given, constitutionally protected freedom to bear arms by establishing the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

This new entity serves as a gateway for influential anti-gun factions like the “Community Justice Action Fund” and Bloomberg’s “Everytown for Gun Safety” to embed their agendas into the government’s policies.

It’s a crystal-clear manifestation of the administration’s desire to decimate our gun rights while blatantly misusing the dollars we contribute as taxpayers.

This newly formed office is not just another bureaucratic entity. It is a glaring symbol of the unrelenting endeavors of this administration to dismantle our rights.

Our freedom is being auctioned off to the highest bidder, with entities like Everytown having direct influence over our nation’s policies, and guess who’s footing the bill?

We, the law-abiding citizens.

What’s even more disconcerting is the absolute bypass of congressional authorization or appropriation for establishing this office.

This isn’t just an attack on our Second Amendment rights; it’s an unprecedented overreach of executive power, demonstrating a disregard for legislative processes.

This insidious move is emblematic of the administration’s broader strategy to unilaterally enforce restrictive gun control policies.

Biden’s gun control office marks the expansion of the intricate web of gun control advocates spanning across media, academia, and technology, alongside several other sectors.

It’s more than just an office; it’s a fortress for anti-gun zealots to orchestrate a systematic onslaught on lawful gun owners and the firearms industry.

It’s a clear indicator of the sweeping cultural shift trying to corrode our Second Amendment rights from within, acting as a catalyst for a bigger, more deeply rooted anti-gun initiative.

Figures like Robert Wilcox, with notorious anti-gun pedigrees, are being strategically positioned without the need for Senate approval.

Wilcox, with his stringent anti-gun stances and association with Everytown for Gun Safety, is now championing his radical agenda on our dime.

This direct infusion of anti-gun lobbyists into key governmental roles is a deliberate, provocative act aimed at disintegrating the constitutional fabrics of our nation.

The blatant disregard for our rights and the overt exploitation of our tax dollars to propel gun control ideologies is not just alarming—it’s an act of war against our freedoms.

We must stay unwavering in our resolve to fight against this insidious encroachment on our rights.

Texas Gun Rights is keeping a watchful eye on every maneuver from this office and will stand on the front lines to safeguard our liberties.

It is our duty as vigilant citizens to stand united against these orchestrated attempts to infiltrate and corrode our constitutional rights.

For Texas and Liberty,

Chris McNutt

President

Texas Gun Rights

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Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent acquittal on all charges is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates in Texas.

Paxton’s steadfast commitment to upholding the Second Amendment has been a defining aspect of his political career to date and his time as Attorney General. He has consistently fought to protect and expand the rights of law-abiding gun owners, recognizing the importance of this constitutional right in our state.

One notable achievement is Paxton’s lawsuit against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over their unconstitutional Pistol Brace Ban. His willingness to challenge the ATF head-on showcases his dedication to defending the rights of gun owners in Texas. Additionally, he has challenged the ATF’s attempted regulation of “Made In Texas” suppressors, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens.

The efforts of Texas Gun Rights (TXGR) in support of Attorney General Paxton have been pivotal. Through grassroots mobilization and outreach, TXGR has rallied thousands of gun rights supporters across Texas to hold gun grabbing politicians accountable.

The overwhelming support for our shared cause—defending the Second Amendment—underscores the importance of Paxton’s leadership in safeguarding our constitutional rights.

Chris McNutt, President of Texas Gun Rights, praised Paxton’s commitment to defending gun rights in Texas, saying, “Attorney General Paxton has been a steadfast defender of our Second Amendment rights. His actions have shown that he is willing to take on any challenge to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners in Texas. We are proud to stand with him in this critical fight.”

Attorney General Paxton’s relentless efforts have not gone unnoticed. His dedication to protecting Second Amendment rights made him a target of those who seek to undermine these fundamental freedoms. The recent acquittal serves as a reminder of the importance of having strong pro-Second Amendment champions like Paxton in office.

Attorney General Paxton’s acquittal is a significant victory for Second Amendment and gun rights advocates across Texas. Let us celebrate this triumph and recommit ourselves to defending and preserving the rights that make Texas a beacon of freedom for all Americans.

In a recent ruling that has left many gun owners disheartened, U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes declared Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) unconstitutional. While some may see this as a defeat, we at Texas Gun Rights view it as a rallying cry. It’s time to invoke the Tenth Amendment and nullify federal laws that trample on our Second Amendment rights.

Missouri’s SAPA was a courageous move, designed to give citizens the legal ammunition to fight federal gun control measures. Although the federal court has temporarily put a damper on these efforts, Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey is not backing down and plans to appeal. We stand in full support of this fight for justice.

Nullification is not a fringe concept; it’s deeply rooted in American history and constitutional law. Our Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, set the precedent with the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions, opposing the unconstitutional Sedition Act of 1798. In the same spirit, northern states defied the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. These historical milestones serve as our playbook for today’s battles.

Nullification is more than a legal tactic; it’s a safeguard against federal tyranny. When the federal government oversteps its bounds, states have not just the right, but the duty, to intervene. This is not merely a Second Amendment issue; it’s a matter of upholding the Tenth Amendment, federalism, and individual liberties.

While we support legal challenges like Missouri’s, we must also turn our attention to our state legislatures. It’s time to lobby for laws that will shield us from federal overreach and protect our God-given right to bear arms.

Texas Gun Rights drafted a Second Amendment Preservation Act modeled after the Missouri law during the 88th Texas Legislative Session that was filed by Rep. Tony Tinderholt. Unfortunately, the bill was killed by Republicans in the Texas house after it was refused a public hearing.

As you can see, even in “red” states, the fight to restore our Second Amendment rights is far from over. But through nullification we can push back against an evermore tyrannical federal government by overturning unconstitutional federal laws, and Texas Gun Rights will continue fighting for gun owners on that front.

In recent times, there has been a concerted effort by some political groups and media outlets to paint a picture that the surge in violent crime is a problem rooted in Republican-controlled states. This narrative is not only misleading but also a disservice to the American people who deserve to know the truth. Here at Texas Gun Rights, we believe in presenting facts, and the fact is that the spike in violent crime is predominantly a problem in Democrat-controlled cities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New Hampshire, a pro-Second Amendment state with Republican governance, had the lowest homicide rate in the nation in 2020 and 2021. On the flip side, states like New York and California, which are often lauded by gun control advocates like Everytown for Gun Safety, had homicide rates that were 5 to 7 times higher than New Hampshire’s.

Marc A. Thiessen of the American Enterprise Institute has pointed out that the high murder rates in red states are primarily driven by lethal violence in their blue cities. Take Missouri, for example. While it is a red state, it is home to two of the most dangerous U.S. cities—St. Louis and Kansas City—both of which are run by Democrats. The vast majority of homicides in Missouri occur in these Democrat-controlled cities.

It’s worth noting that many of these cities have prosecutors who have received significant support from billionaire George Soros. Soros has been actively involved in reshaping the U.S. criminal justice system by electing activist prosecutors. These prosecutors often implement policies that are soft on crime, contributing to the rise in violent criminal activities.

A recent report from the Heritage Foundation titled “The Blue City Murder Problem” found that 27 of the 30 cities with the highest homicide rates in the nation have Democratic mayors. The report also highlighted the impact of removing high-crime, Democrat-dominated cities from state statistics. For instance, removing St. Louis City and St. Louis County from Missouri’s statistics would drop the state’s homicide ranking from fifth to 20th in the nation.

It’s crucial to look beyond political narratives and focus on the data. The surge in violent crime is not a red state issue; it’s a crisis occurring in Democrat-controlled cities. As defenders of the Second Amendment and advocates for responsible governance, we at Texas Gun Rights urge everyone to scrutinize the facts before jumping to conclusions.

In a shocking violation of constitutional principles and individual liberties, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently proclaimed a state of emergency, temporarily banning all firearms for a 30-day period. Masking this unconstitutional act as a response to a surge in gun violence, the Governor has effectively trampled upon the sacred Second Amendment rights of New Mexicans.

This authoritarian move is already facing its day in court, thanks to the vigilant National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR). This marks a watershed moment in the ongoing battle to preserve our God-given right to self-defense in America.

Let’s be clear: The United States Constitution is explicit in affirming that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Any attempt to erode this fundamental liberty, especially via executive fiat, is a frontal assault on the cornerstone of our Republic. Governor Grisham’s order is not merely unconstitutional; it strikes at the very core of American values and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the future of our nation.

Albuquerque’s increase in violent crime was cited as the rationale for this unprecedented act. While no one denies the importance of public safety, the solution is not to disenfranchise law-abiding citizens by stripping away their constitutional rights.

The National Association for Gun Rights has rightly sprung into action, challenging this egregious overreach by filing a lawsuit on behalf of millions of responsible gun owners. Their argument is sound: Governor Grisham’s firearms ban severely violates the people’s right to defend themselves and their property. Far from making citizens safer, this authoritarian move exposes the populace to greater danger by creating a disarmed and vulnerable society.

NAGR has committed to taking this case to the highest court in the land, if necessary. Their resolve should serve as a clarion call for all of us who treasure our Second Amendment rights.

As staunch proponents of constitutional liberties here in Texas, we are deeply concerned about these developments next door in New Mexico. Make no mistake: this issue transcends state boundaries and speaks to the fundamental integrity of our United States. We stand unflinchingly with our fellow Americans in New Mexico against this despotic measure.

The actions of New Mexico’s Governor serve as a glaring warning: our freedoms are perpetually at risk from those who would use emergency powers as a pretext to subvert the Constitution. We commend organizations like NAGR for their unwavering commitment to defending our irreplaceable liberties, ensuring that the essence of the Second Amendment is not just historical text, but a living, breathing component of American life.

Liberty Safe, a company that prides itself as “America’s #1 heavy-duty home and gun safe manufacturer,” has recently come under scrutiny for its questionable cooperation with law enforcement agencies. While they boast a 98% customer satisfaction rate, their recent actions have raised concerns among gun owners and advocates for individual liberties, particularly here in the Lone Star State.

On August 30, Liberty Safe complied with an FBI request to unlock the safe of Nathan Hughes, an Arkansas resident who was served a search warrant related to his alleged participation in the events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol. This act has sparked a heated debate about the extent to which companies should cooperate with law enforcement, especially when it comes to the sanctity of one’s home and the Second Amendment rights that we hold dear in Texas.

In a recent incident in Wilmington, North Carolina, firefighters had to cut into a gun safe inside a sporting goods store to rescue a little girl who was accidentally locked inside by her sister. The store employees did not have a key, and it appears that the safe manufacturer could not provide an access code in this emergency. This raises the question: If Liberty Safe can provide an access code to the FBI for a search warrant, why couldn’t a safe manufacturer assist when a child’s life is in immediate danger?

Liberty Safe’s decision to provide the FBI with an access code to Hughes’ safe is not just a matter of aiding a federal investigation. It sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the privacy and security of every American who owns a Liberty Safe. The company’s actions have essentially told their customers that their “peace of mind” comes with conditions, undermining the very essence of what a safe should represent.

It’s important to note that Liberty Safe was under no legal obligation to assist the FBI. The search warrant was for Nathan Hughes, not Liberty Safe. By voluntarily providing the access code, the company has overstepped its boundaries, raising serious questions about consumer trust and the protection of our Second Amendment rights.

As staunch advocates for gun rights and individual liberties in Texas, we cannot overlook these incidents. Liberty Safe’s actions are not in line with the principles that we, as Texans and Americans, hold dear. We must question the ethics of a company willing to compromise the privacy and security of its customers, especially when it comes to the sanctity of our homes and our constitutional rights.

While Liberty Safe may argue that they are committed to “preserving our customers’ rights,” their recent actions suggest otherwise. We urge all gun owners to think critically about the companies they choose to support and to stand firm in their commitment to upholding the values that make Texas and America great.