Author: Chris Cote

In light of recent terrorist attacks, riots and other violent events here and abroad, it is clear that trained citizens who have the means to carry a sidearm should do so as much as possible. While the mere carrying of a firearm for self protection will never guarantee that violence will not happen, it will give a trained and responsible individual a greater chance of surviving a lethal encounter. However, there are political challenges to this and it is important that if and when you speak to people who are ignorant regarding the laws and requirements for concealed carry, you…

“The smallest minority on earth is the individual.” When Ayn Rand said that famous quote, she could not have foreseen the disastrous future the growth of government would have on individual rights. This negative impact is not a new development in American politics, but it is something which has accelerated in recent history, and both major parties are guilty of it. Most recently, the debate of government power as it relates to individual rights manifests most recognizably in the interactions of police with citizens. Police interactions in the U.S. happen every day, with most being nothing more than “slow down…

Note: As I wrote this, I learned of a situation that took place in Augusta, ME, where two legally armed bystanders stopped a shootout between two groups who were allegedly engaged in the sale of heroin. This happened Sunday around 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of a busy Walmart. According to the Washington Examiner, over 141 million background checks for gun purchases have been conducted since President Obama took office. It is abundantly clear that Americans lack confidence in the President’s ability to keep them safe, and to safeguard their right to own and carry firearms. This lack of…