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

Taurus TX 9 9 mm pistol
Taurus TX 9 9 mm pistol

New For 2026: Taurus TX9 Pistol

Taurus launches the TX9 family of striker-fired, polymer-frame pistols, adding to its popular TX series of handguns.

Heavy Browning At War: Combat Tales Of The Browning M1917 Machine Gun

For the first half of the 20th century, one of the most important firearms in the U.S. military arsenal was the water-cooled Browning M1917, known to gunners and infantrymen alike as the "Heavy Browning."

Rifleman Review: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Smith & Wesson's Model 1854 Stealth Hunter is one of the latest additions to the company's line of modernized lever-action rifles.

VKTR Goes 2011: The Vanguard VKP Pro

Primarily known for its premium AR-15 rifles, VKTR Industries jumped into the 2011 handgun world in 2026 with its VKP Pro and Vanguard designs.

Rifleman Q&A: Cracking Marlin’s Code

Q: I have a Marlin Model 782 repeater, Serial No. 27392733, with a Micro-Groove barrel. I would like to understand how to narrow down its time of manufacture.

Review: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

Ruger recently released a variant of its popular 10/22 made with modern materials and incorporating performance-minded engineering: the 10/22 Carbon Fiber.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.