By David Codrea
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- April 19 is, among other things, Patriots’ Day. Of particular significance were the Battles of Lexington and Concord. And when this day comes around, it reminds me of a project from almost two decades ago that allowed me to make a statement of defiance to a gun-grabbing politician and get a valued souvenir in the bargain.
My U.S. Representative at the time, Jane Harman, was one of the most anti-gun members of Congress. Holding a press conference with Sarah Brady to promote more gun laws (where I was threatened with arrest for asking a question), she campaigned on the slogan “I wear my opposition [to believers in the Second Amendment] like a badge of honor.”
So why in the world did I send her a check? And why do I encourage other RKBA supporters to follow suit with their own representative?
One of the constituent services that Congress provides to “We the People” is a program which lets you fly a commemorative flag over the nation’s Capitol. For a nominal fee (I paid about thirteen bucks at the time) you can specify one of a couple different flag sizes and materials, the date you want your flag flown, and why you are flying it.
I asked for the flag to be flown on April 19 with the notation:
“In tribute to the Citizen Patriots of Lexington and Concord who resisted confiscation of their armaments on this date in 1775, and in continued defiance of all who would infringe on the Right of the People to keep and bear arms.”
I can think of many other homages, such as “In loving memory of the children of Mount Carmel,” or “For Vicki and Sammy Weaver,” or numerous other events warranting commemoration. I’m sure you can, too.
Whether your Representative chooses to process the orders or return them, a point will have been made (and I’m still not clear what their options are for refusing to do so). If enough of us follow suit, it can be a powerful point. Their choice will be to fly our flags in defiance of their statist policies, or to create a public record of suppressing alternative political sentiments. And it will either cost you nothing, or, for a nominal price you’ll get a beautiful flag and a commemorative certificate signed by the Architect of the Capitol. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you sent your Congressthing a strong, no-compromise statement of principle, and maybe even made him or her squirm.
Why not contact your Representative and ask for an order form? Let’s all fly a flag for freedom.
About David Codrea:
David Codrea is the winner of multiple journalist awards for investigating / defending the RKBA and a long-time gun rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament.
In addition to being a field editor/columnist at GUNS Magazine and associate editor for Oath Keepers, he blogs at “The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance,” and posts on Twitter: @dcodrea and Facebook.
Good article Dave. I always like it when you shake it, and not stir it. Keep up the work of keeping us informed.
I ordered multiple flags from the Dem Representative and Senators in MD.
Got one negative reply so far. Said my quote from this article was too long!!
Please share who said that. The illustration above is a scan of the certificate sent to me with my flag. My quoted message comes in at 228 characters with spaces. I just checked a congressman’s website and it says
“Dedication Message (250 Characters Maximum)”
Let whoever gave you that cheesy cop-out know you intend to protest and make their name public.Matter of fact, if you like, we can up that game and file a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics: https://oce.house.gov/public-input.html
Wow thanks David, I like this!
Sad patriots day in Lexington MA. The progressive scum tried to outlaw guns in Lexington. The patriots of the revolution must be spinning in their graves.
Stomp on MY FLAG and I’ll stomp YOUR ASS!!!!!
Great idea!