Quote of the Day

"The question for conservatives used to be "How do we stop losing?" now it's "How do we keep winning?""

David Marcus

Facebook Pic of the Day

Facebook Pics of the Day

February 25th: Reagan Legacy Dinner

UVA CRs Updates, Upcoming Events

Good afternoon,

The semester is back in full swing with the second week of classes already complete. We have some updates for you, as well as news about upcoming events. 

Updates:

Interest Meeting

On Thursday, we held our spring semester interest meeting. Congressman Riggleman was our guest speaker and talked about his time as a freshman in congress, as well as the struggle of fighting for individual liberty in today's divisive political climate. We also used the meeting to tell prospective members what our organization is all about and let them know how they can become more involved in the conservative movement. 

Everyone enjoyed hearing from Congressman Riggleman and having the opportunity to ask him questions, and the enthusiasm for the upcoming semester was very apparent. You can read the Daily Progress article about the event here! We're looking forward to a great semester!

Activities Fair

Yesterday, we ran a table at the spring activities fair and spoke with a number of students interested in learning more about UVA CRs. We received a number of signups for our email list, meaning we'll be able to stay in touch with a new group of potential volunteers and members. 

March for Life

A group of UVA CRs also made the trek to Washington, DC yesterday to participate in the annual March for Life. They were able to hear from a number of prominent speakers in the pro-life movement and were able to demonstrate their committment to proving that we are, indeed, the pro-life generation. 

Upcoming Events

Save the States Meeting

Next week's meeting will be conducted in partnership with UVA's chapter of Turning Point USA and will revolve around the Save the States Initiative. This project aims to educate the public on the importance of the electoral college and inform concerned citizens of ways they can get involved to secure its continuation. With speculation that VA Democrats may attempt to pass a law that would award the state's electoral votes to the winner of the national popular vote, rather than the candidate who wins the most votes in the Commonwealth, now is the perfect time to learn about and fight for the preservation of the electoral college.

CRFV Convention

Next weekend, a delegation of UVA CRs will be traveling to Richmond to attend the annual College Republian Federation of Virginia Convention. At this gathering, CRs chapters from across the Commonwealth will come together to strengthen cooperation, exchange ideas, and elect a new executive board. We are very happy that our very own communications director, Devan Coombes, is seeking election as the first vice chair. Our delegates are certainly looking forward to a fun and productive convention!

CPAC

>From Feb. 27th to Feb. 29th, a group of UVA CRs will be attending the Conservative Political Action Conference at Maryland's National Harbor. This event represents one of the most significant gatherings of conservatives each year and features a wide variety of prominent speakers, from Senator Cruz to President Trump. The event also features a number of workshops aimed at strengthening conservative activism, conservative organizations looking to attract volunteers, and so much more. 

This is just a reminder that we still have a handful of students requiring financial aid in order to be able to attend the event, the cost of which we have gotten down to $175/person. If you're interested in sponsoring a student in full or making a donation of any amount to go toward CPAC specifically, you can mail a check payable to "The College Republicans at the University of Virginia" to 304 14th St. NW #25, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or donate by credit card at https://www.collegerepublicansatuva.com/donate.

Thank you for your continued support of UVA CRs. We're looking forward to continuing to work with you all over the course of the semester. 

Stay right,

The 2019-20 Executive Board

Matthew Nalls, President

Cameron Cox, Vice President of Campaigns and Advocacy

Riley Creamer, Vice President of Operations

Chris Tomlin, Secretary

Matt Ryan, Treasurer

Devan Coombes, Director of Communications and Recruitment

Chloe Sparwath, Outreach Coordinator

Pic of the Day

March For Life

January 24, 2020

By Gary Bauer

Today is one of my favorite days of the year – the annual March For Life.  Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to Washington, D.C. -- in January! -- to march for the sanctity of life.  That tells you something about the dedication of the pro-life movement.
 
Usually the "mainstream media" totally ignores the march.  But they couldn't ignore this year's march because President Trump made history today by becoming the first sitting United States president to address the March For Life.  Here are a few excerpts of the president's remarks:
 

"We're here for a very simple reason -- to defend the right of every child, born and unborn, to fulfill their God-given potential.  For 47 years, Americans of all backgrounds have traveled from across the country to stand for life.  And today as president of the United States, I am truly proud to stand with you. . .

 

"All of us here today understand an eternal truth – every child is a precious and sacred gift from God.  Together we must protect, cherish and defend the dignity and the sanctity of every human life.  When we see the image of a baby in the womb, we glimpse the majesty of God's creation. . . As the Bible tells us, each person is wonderfully made. . .
 
"To all of the moms here today, we celebrate you and we declare that mothers are heroes.  Your strength, devotion and drive is what powers our nation.  And because of you our country has been blessed with amazing souls who have changed the course of human history. . .
 
"We know this:  Every life brings love into this world.  Every child brings joy to a family.  Every person is worth protecting.  And above all, we know that every human soul is divine and every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God."

 
If you missed the president's March For Life address, you can watch it here.
 
Today, the Trump Administration formally notified the state of California that it is violating federal conscience laws by mandating abortion coverage in all health insurance policies.  The state's abortion mandate was challenged by an order of Catholic nuns and Skyline Wesleyan Church.  The state has 30 days to repeal the mandate or risk losing federal funds.
 
 
 
Pro-Life America
 
A new Marist poll released this week finds overwhelming support for pro-life policies.  For example: 

• 70% of those surveyed support significant limits to abortion. 
• Only 21% support abortion on demand.
• 60% oppose taxpayer funding of abortion.
• 75% oppose the use of their tax dollars to perform abortions overseas.
• 62% believe the Supreme Court should allow states to regulate abortion.

In the coming weeks, the court will have an opportunity to do just that when it considers a challenge to a Louisiana law requiring abortionists to meet certain health and safety standards. 
 

Pics of the Day

Feb. 13th: Virginia March for Life!

FRC applauds HHS pro-life action to enforce Conscience Protection Laws

January 24, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Hours before President Donald Trump made history as the first president to appear in person at the March for Life, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar announced at Family Research Council's ProLifeCon that the agency is taking more pro-life actions. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at HHS has enforced the Weldon amendment by issuing a notice of violation against California for their mandate forcing every health insurance carrier to cover elective abortion. The Weldon Amendment, which has passed in every federal HHS appropriations bill since 2005, prohibits federal funds from going to states that discriminate against any health care entity which does not pay for or provide coverage for abortions.

Since California's abortion coverage mandate took effect in 2014, numerous churches and religious organizations like Pastor Jack Hibbs's church, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, have been forced to cover elective abortion in their healthcare plans in direct violation of the Weldon amendment.

Other states like Illinois have imitated California's abortion coverage mandate, putting even more health insurance providers at risk of being accused of discrimination for not wanting abortion coverage.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins made the following comments:

"I applaud President Trump and Secretary Azar for taking this action against California's unlawful and discriminatory abortion mandate.

"No person, organization, or healthcare provider should ever be forced by the government to participate in the abhorrent act of abortion.

"The Trump administration is continuing its march to protect the freedom to believe and live one's life according to those beliefs without fear of discrimination by the government," concluded Perkins.

Connor Semelsberger, Legislative Assistant at Family Research Council, added:

"When it comes to enforcing federal conscience protection laws, the comparison between the Obama and Trump administrations is not even close. While the Obama administration failed to enforce the Weldon amendment at all in 2016, the Trump administration has issued at least four notices of violation (two of them against California) through the HHS OCR since taking office, showing just how seriously this administration views its role in protecting conscience rights for all Americans."

To see which states have abortion coverage mandates and whether your health plan covers elective abortion, see our Obamacare Abortion Project at www.obamacareabortion.com.

UVA CRs: Help Send CRs to CPAC

Good afternoon,

 

From Feb. 27th to Mar. 1st, our chapter will be attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held at Maryland's National Harbor. 

 

For most College Republicans, this conference is the highlight of their college experience. In stark contrast to the liberal demagoguery conservative students are constantly exposed to on college campuses, CPAC is an opportunity to hear from conservative leaders sharing messages of encouragement and inspiration with patriots from across the country. 

 

 

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a regular speaker at CPAC, put it best when he said, "I want to commend the men and women at CPAC. As activists fighting for liberty, fighting for the Constitution, y'all are incredibly important. You are incredibly important number one in shocking and terrifying the mainstream media."

 

We're blessed this year with significant interest in the event, as over 40 students have expressed their desire to attend. Unfortunately, this event is not financially geared towards students, as registration alone costs $85. Several of our members need financial support, as the total cost of registration, housing, transportation, and groceries sits at around $200.

 

If you're interested in sponsoring a student to attend CPAC, please respond to this email. We can guarantee that any contribution you make will be deeply appreciated by a young conservative who will have the opportunity to be reinvigorated by the speakers we'll hear  from. Furthermore, this will provide them the opportunity to bond closely with our other members, helping us to achieve our ultimate goal of creating a lasting conservative community at the University of Virginia.

 

For more information on CPAC, including speakers and events, please visit cpac.conservative.org.

 

Thank you for your constant encouragement and support. Our organization is truly blessed to have allies in the community, in our Commonwealth and across the nation. 

 

Stay right,

 

The 2019-20 Executive Board

Matthew Nalls, President

Cameron Cox, Vice President of Campaigns and Advocacy

Riley Creamer, Vice President of Operations

Chris Tomlin, Secretary

Matt Ryan, Treasurer

Devan Coombes, Director of Communications and Recruitment

Chloe Sparwath, Outreach Coordinator

Pics of the Day

FRC Releases New Map Showing Which States Protect the Human Dignity of Unborn Children

January 22, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On National Sanctity of Human Life Day, Family Research Council released a new pro-life map showing the strength of state laws protecting the human dignity of unborn children. These are known as "fetal dignity laws," and our new map tracks five different types:

• Prohibiting the transfer of fetal tissue harvested from an unborn child during an abortion.
• Requiring the remains of aborted babies to be buried or cremated.
• Banning public funding for research with fetal tissue from aborted babies.
• Prohibiting the sale of or profit from aborted baby body parts.
• Providing death certificates for stillborn and miscarried babies.

According to research conducted by Family Research Council, 46 states have some type of fetal dignity law on the books, however the strength of these laws varies greatly. Twenty-six states have a law to provide death certificates for stillborn and miscarried babies, whereas 12 states have strong laws that protect fetal tissue from being used after an abortion. Florida is the only state with all five laws.

Only 13 states require that aborted fetal remains be buried or cremated: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. The lack of a fetal remains law in Illinois is what allowed Dr. Ulrich Klopfer to harbor the remains of thousands of unborn children. At the federal level, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act (H.R. 4934/S. 2590) would ensure that the remains of unborn children in all states are treated with dignity and respect.

Quena González, Director of State and Local Affairs at Family Research Council, remarked:

"Fortunately, many states have stepped forward to enact laws which recognize the inherent dignity of the unborn by reaffirming their basic humanity. All five types of laws tracked by our map are important to recognizing and protecting the dignity of unborn children."

Katherine Beck Johnson, Research Fellow for Legal and Policy Studies at Family Research Council, added:

"Abortion is dehumanizing to both mothers and their unborn children. State fetal dignity laws use a variety of means to promote and protect the dignity of the unborn. The need for such laws is clear: Whether it's abortionists like Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Pennsylvania and Dr. Ulrich Klopfer in Illinois (who were caught hoarding the remains of the babies they had aborted), or America's foremost purveyor of abortion, Planned Parenthood (who was caught on tape in 2015 selling aborted baby body parts), the abortion industry's horrific practices dehumanize and desensitize all of us."

Connor Semelsberger, Legislative Assistant at Family Research Council, said:

"These laws are crucially important. At the federal level, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act would ensure that the humanity of the unborn is recognized nationwide through requirements to properly care for their remains."

To see what protections your state provides for the dignity of the unborn, and to access our other pro-life maps, see our map, "Pro Life Laws in the States," at www.frc.org/prolifemap/fetal-dignity-map.

For more information on the fetal dignity issue, see our issue analysis, "Respecting the Unborn through Fetal Dignity Laws," at www.frc.org/fetaldignity.

All day Monday live coverage of 2nd Amendment rally in Richmond

written by Jeanine Martin January 19, 2020

John Fredericks Show And WJFN 100.5 FM Live At Richmond Virginia Lobby Day Honoring MLK, Promoting Peaceful Protest and Covering 2nd Amendment Rights Rally 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM 

Radio talk show host John Fredericks will be covering all the happenings tomorrow in Richmond. His co-hosts will be:

• Mike Watson 
• Chris Saxman 
• Martha Boneta 
• Pete Snyder 

From John Frederick's email:

Don't miss our interesting segment with Va. Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax (D) and businessman Pete Snyder (R), two potential rivals for Virginia Governor in 2021 at 10:00 AM.

We will be taking calls throughout the day as well for those who cannot attend: 888-480-JOHN (5646) 

Monday, January 20th will be the biggest pro-gun pro-Second Amendment peaceful rally in Virginia's history!

Over 50,000 law-abiding Virginia citizens are expected to attend the Richmond rally on the Capitol grounds in an expression of support for the U.S. Constitution and your 2-A rights. Virginia gun grabbers in the state legislature want to gut those rights.

The John Fredericks Show, WFJN Radio 100.5 FM, and John Fredericks Radio APP is the only media outlet in America bringing you wall to wall live radio coverage – 6 AM to 4 PM with on-site live interviews of rally goers and political leaders. Tune in on Monday!

United We Stand: Introducing Andrew Knaggs, Candidate for U.S. Congress, 7th District

By Kim Smith

We've known for a very long time that  our    strength  is   in mutual
Support   and   mutually-supportive
actions. A look at Virginia's state-wide race outcomes for the
Republican Party clearly demonstrate that  concept.

And while "all politics is local" is a by-word with its truth being in
the immediacy of actions that affect us, it's no longer just "local"
given the 21st century brand of running elections. Dollars flow in from
all over the country, the so-called "elite" come to campaign for
Virginia's candidates even if the former have never spent more than a
flight over part of us and drive from the airport in Virginia.

If we are to become a real force for the Rule of Law, for the supremacy
of the U.S. Constitution and all it encompasses, we each must expand our
educational/political reach – and one of the ways is to know candidates
who are NOT running in our districts, help them however we can, and
encourage our friends in other districts, regions or the state to become
more engaged in the political process.

We recently had the privilege of meeting Andrew Knaggs, Candidate for US
Congress in the 7th District. He's a newcomer to running for political
office and is most impressive! Among his credentials are:  graduation
from West Point in 1996 with a BS degree in civil engineering.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he was a combat platoon leader who
deployed to the Persian Gulf for Operation Desert Thunder.

His military career led to becoming a Special Forces officer, a Green
Beret who deployed for combat in Iraqi Freedom I and II where he engaged
in special ops in western Iraq, collaborating with multiple agencies and
indigenous elements. His actions earned him a Bronze Star Medal.

When he separated from the military, he enrolled in William & Mary Law
School.  While there, he was elected president of the W & M chapter of
the Federalist Society and served as a general editor of the Harvard
Journal of Law and Public Policy (Vol. 30, No. 1, 2006). Upon graduation
(2008), he served as a legal associate for a regional law firm in
Richmond and in 2013 formed his own law firm.

Andrew has never been far from the defense of this country, however. The
Department of Defense hired him to be Operations Support Branch Chief
(Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization) with a later
promotion to Chief of Research and Engineering Division (use of venture
capital for development of mission-oriented capabilities). Still later,
he joined the Office of Secretary of Defense as Deputy Director of
Special Operations and Irregular Warfare and was subsequently appointed
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Special Operations and
Combating Terrorism in the Trump Administration (2017-2019).

When one has the opportunity to listen to Mr. Knaggs speak, it becomes
clear immediately that he is an unapologetic conservative Republican –
including pro-life and pro-Second Amendment.  He's running, in a
nutshell, "because I believe the Democrats' vision for this country is
wrong".

There are some strong candidates running in the 7th District. In
addition to Andrew, we also have Tina Ramirez and Nick Freitas plus four
others. Pay attention to this race. We have a real chance to reclaim a
Congressional seat on our road to reclaiming the House – and we know
what losing the House in Washington as well as Richmond has meant and
will mean until we reverse it.

Engage your Virginia friends. Help them explore the candidates'
credentials. Write notes, send e-mails, talk about principles that
matter, and why this country and its institutions matter. And always,
learn more.  We have some real "keepers" here – so let's support them
and one another.

CONTROLLING THE 2020 TABLE: SOCIALISM'S DEMISE

By Ponch K. McPhee

Their  socialist tactics have  completely  backfired on the Liberal
Democrats who have reared their head as absolute totalitarians.
President Trump's numbers are playing to his favor by wide margins this
very moment in regions like Pennsylvania beyond the blue wall.  Trump is
at this time doing very well across the table in Wisconsin
and Michigan right in the heart of normally steadfast democratic
districts. President Trump has been able to raise off-the-table amounts
of money for re-election during this unethical and absurd impeachment
fiasco. Our great President is raising millions upon millions as I write
this because of the Speakers outrageous actions against his presidency,
which is the most successful Presidency in terms of Americanism, in more
than 100 years. Socialism's demise is more the reality in 2020 and that
is very significant to encourage and very necessary for our republic.

In the midterms, President Trump was hammered by fabricated hoaxes,
undermined and discredited constantly by media outlets, commentators and
even so called RINO conservatives who were and still are "
Never-Trumpers. That's right, RINOs galore came out of the woodwork in
the GOP, and yet he still retained the Senate in 2018. President Trump
was not on that ballot and folks I am here to remind the nation Trump is
big and bold on the ballot this time around!  President Trump on the
ballot in 2020 is a big deal and the socialist demise brings clearer
contrast to being a reality as a result. I believe we can help the
President control the Trump table and reacquire multiple seats in the
House and with your hard effort and work we will do just that.  Again we
lost dozens of Republican seats since after the 2016 victory. President
Trump was not on the ballots for 2017 and 2018 in political races across
the nation.

Speaker Pelosi and her socialist cronies would like to dangle the
impeachment carrot week upon week to sluggishly retain its scent but the
stink is on her and the leftist movement which is grasping at straws as
I write this article. More Democrats, independents, green party
participants and vast minorities of every rank and file are responding
to joining this one-of-a-kind President of the United States, Donald J.
Trump. Why are they walking away from the perils and illusions of their
previous political venues? Because they despise socialism and they truly
love this God fearing country and just like President Trump they bleed
red, white and blue for the American traditions put forth by the
founders. President Trump is going to win in 2020 and by taking with him
the House and expanding slightly in the Senate we can perhaps even undo
this un-American impeachment against him which is completely preposterous.

Republicans can win the House back by about 18 seats in 2020. I believe
many identified legitimate analysts have already stated that twice as
many could turn toward the GOP for Trump. I read awhile back that
President Trump raised nearly 25 million when he first announced?   The
President continues to raise millions even now. Recently in Orlando,
Florida the President attracted a crowd which numbered into the tens of
thousands in a 'so called' Democrat stronghold. When you consider all
the tea leaves of financial campaign support, the polls, the low
unemployment and every improvement from the border to God and prayer in
the oval office, this  President is a doer and a rock star. He will
defend our God given right to bear arms. Trump can control the tables in
2020 and we as a people can make it a total reality along with the
demise of socialism in America by remaining focused and exposing the
establishment boot lickers on both sides of the aisle. The new 
socialist Democrat party is beyond just being liberal; they have become
the worst poison of the people's rights since we were being controlled
by a tyrant king in the 18th  century.   Their investigative 
obstruction  maneuvers boarder  on anti-capitalism and anti-
Americanism, and there is no question if you even glance at it.

Concerning the blue wall -- Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin -- as I
write this article, President Trump's support grows by the second in
that region, Yes my fellow patriots, by the very second, However, we
must continue to fight hard to get out his words in every single state.
Trump's voice of real truth to retain this freedom, this republic and
our faith driven principles under one God must prevail in 2020. You need
to stay involved and get others involved, especially post millennial
youth. Post millennial youth are becoming more aware by the hundreds of
thousands... in understanding why we have sovereign liberty!

State after state opposes impeachment. The people recognize the ugly
rearing head of socialism. The migrant citizens who are now legal
American citizens remember the hardship of tyranny in their former
countries; they want nothing to do with socialism and are now more than
ever supporting President Trump. These citizens have seen the movie,
lived the hardship of establishment cronyism tyrants and they have now
become great American patriots for Trump. Like a great band wagon they
are supporting the President and the volume increases by the hour.

Should  President Trump have great success in  controlling the 2020
tables with the House, Senate and home court victory of the White House,
the  Republican House and Senate could demand all documents, notes and
records of any kind related to this entire impeachment farce, including
every and all items glued together behind closed doors by the  liberal
left, every single email or text that can be recovered or uncovered from
any of the nadler or schiff enablers or related participants there-in.
Bring it all into the light and perhaps even reverse this   unethical so
called impeachment. Following all that, an entire new investigation into
everything they did could indeed commence!

I pray it is the year of victory for American principles of God and
liberty. We will retain that unconditional  status with a 2020 success
of controlling the tables by the best of geniuses, who knows his game
and how to hold and fold 'em when its necessary. President Trump is cut
of a cloth  which shows  the very substance  and meaning of the
founder's intent.  History will be kind to President Trump because he
saved the republic! Trump is the ultimate reader of people, the best at
business dealing, and a proud husband, son, father and grandfather. He
is a true patriot who loves this republic. With President Trump we
really have a great opportunity to witness the demise of socialism in
America. Let's win the House and Senate, elect the President a second
term and then we're off to restoring and retaining our unique American
sovereignty. Can I get an Amen?

Guns, Guns & 2A

By Kim Smith

So much has been written about the 2nd Amendment Sanctuary movement that most of our heads are spinning. Some of us are still trying to figure out how this  is possible and why so  extreme. This is underscored by what recently happened in Texas where, were it not for a church's security leader, many more than two people could well be dead.

Because of puzzlement, this blurb will focus on what seems to limit what the General Assembly is attempting to do contrary to what they seem intent upon doing.

The US Constitution is quite clear when it states "…the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." Justice Clarence Thomas once characterized the 2nd Amendment as a "constitutional orphan".   Rather, it's probably the reason we still have the rights we do.

The Virginia Constitution essentially echoes this right.

The Fourteenth Amendment similarly says that "nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." And the 14th Amendment (Privileges and Immunities Clause) placed the enforcement power with Congress – not the states. The fantastic 14th, via McDonald v. Chicago in 2010, makes the individual right to keep and bear arms enforceable against state and local officials.

Under some of the pre-filed legislation, think restrictions on types of guns beyond what already exists; think Red Flag laws where a misheard comment can wipe away your rights.

What about gun confiscation?  "Fear-mongering"  accuse supporters of gun control legislation. Wonder what Pittsburg residents thought about ordinances that provided for confiscation of firearms without due process?  (America's 1st Freedom, p. 48)

A favorite is a Federal statute: Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242:  Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law.  This reads in part, "Whoever, under color of any law,  statute, ordinance, regulation or custom, willfully  subjects any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession or District to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured or protected by the U.S. Constitution or laws of the United States…shall be fined…or imprisoned" and if death to a protected person occurs, the penalty can be death.

An excellent  response to  Attorney  General Herrings'
official advisory opinion issued December 20, 2019
was offered by the Gun Owners of America, titled simply "Response to Virginia  Attorney General's  Advisory Opinion Regarding Second Amendment Sanctuary Resolutions". It's on-line and goes into some of our  Founding Fathers'  rationale.  The  Kentucky Resolutions  of 1798  focuses on  "whensoever the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void and of no force".  
Our own James Madison, in the Virginia  Resolution of 1798 , wrote that the state  [and thus each  citizen who comprises such state] "have the right, and are in duty bound to interpose for arresting the progress of evil [to maintain] …the authorities, rights and liberties,  appertaining to them."

In Virginia, we also have lots of laws that emphasize our rights. HB 1160, passed in 2012, allows no use of the Virginia National Guard or the Virginia Defense Force from knowingly aiding in the detention of any citizen …on any matters in violation of the United States Constitution, the Constitution of Virginia, any provision of the Code of Virginia, …or any regulation of the Virginia Administrative Code.

The 2nd Amendment Sanctuary movement, as of this writing involving 114 localities (and most of the map of Virginia) established that our counties, etc. acted in good faith when they passed these resolutions because "a subordinate level of government has the authority and, indeed, the responsibility, to refuse to cooperate with a higher level of government when the higher government enact a law which violates the Constitution of the United States." (GOA Response)

We have legal standing as citizens (and voters) of the United States despite what AG Herring might say (since he routinely uses "independent judgment" when deciding whether or not to uphold his oath of office).

We need to COMMUNICATE our feelings if this is an issue of importance to us, and indeed if we are truly a NATION OF LAWS and believe the U.S. Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land, we need to write, text, e-mail, fax, and call or any other manner of legal expression.

The stakes go beyond the 2nd Amendment. There are some really weird laws being proposed, clearly not in our best interests, and we need to be ready for a rough ride in the next months. (As of 12/29, bills that were pre-filed included 220 House bills (plus Joint and House Resolutions) and 181 Senate bills.)

Your country really needs you.