Fear & Loading: One Nation, Indivisible

by
posted on July 3, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Shortage
Shortage

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Review: Galco Revenger Holster & SB7 Gun Belt

For those who choose to carry a finely finished, K-frame revolver, Galco offers one of its finest concealed-carry setups in the form of its Revenger holster and SB7 gun belt.

Rimfire Power: The Primary Arms CLx 1-6x24 mm Riflescope with ACSS 22LR G2 Reticle

Low-power variable optics have become popular options for today's AR-15s and other modern sporting rifles, and Primary Arms now offers an option tailored for rimfire versions of those same guns.

Gun of the Week: Walther Arms PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM

One of Walther Arms' recent introductions combines the features of several other PDP handguns, meaning the Walther PDP F-Series Pro-X PMM is packed with a number of different design elements.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 30, 2026

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.