by Marty Hayes, J.D.
I guess it would not be out of line to make a few political comments in this month’s President’s Message. If you find them offensive or unwarranted, please e-mail me personally at
In the days since Donald Trump was elected President, we have seen many, many businesses and services telling Trump voters and supporters to go take a hike. Not me. I supported the Republican ticket for President and Vice-President, primarily due to the pro-gun stances taken, and the anti-gun stances taken by the Democrats. Having elected a pro-gun president doesn’t mean we can turn our backs on half of the American people, many who also own guns but for many other reasons, typically vote for Democrats.
I tend to be a one-issue voter–that issue being guns and freedom–but I also recognize there are different priorities in other people’s lives which might mean they are one-issue voters for the more liberal political platform. To them, I say, we can be friends, and I hope you stay in the Network, or if you are not yet members, I hope you join.
If ever there was a time to pull together to pass nationwide concealed carry, now is that time. The stars have aligned with pro-gun majorities in both legislative branches and the presidency. I expect a full-court press by the National Rifle Association. It would not hurt to drop a letter to your local representatives in congress (both the house and senate) to remind them it was gun owners who tipped this election back to the conservative side.
I am also expecting the return of affordable ammunition. Over the next three years, I recommend stocking up on enough ammunition to get you through for the rest of your life. Seriously.
With ammunition being more affordable, now is the time for armed citizens to take high round count firearms training courses. In my opinion, the greatest reason for becoming skilled with firearms is the peace of mind the skilled gun owner has, knowing that if violence threatens, you will likely be able to handle the encounter. Interestingly, that confidence seems to allow the criminal element to assess your abilities to handle yourself, and pass you by during the victim selection process.
I am anticipating an interesting SHOT Show (http://www.shotshow.org) this year, with a considerable downturn in the gun economy likely. Perhaps this year I might be able to comfortably walk the aisles, as opposed to having to fight through the crowds for four days. I must admit that after 26 years of attending SHOT, the bloom is off the rose. But, it is still interesting, and for me, the convention is a time to catch up with old friends in the industry.
SHOT Show also gives my creative sub-conscious a chance to work its’ magic. Just being immersed in all things gun seems to result in new ideas popping into my head. Most of the time the ideas are considered, then never acted upon. But once in a while, an idea proves too good to discount.
Next month we will give the annual “State of the Network” message, but as a preview, just let me note that the Network has never been healthier financially, and stronger in numbers. You can look forward to a very positive report.
I am constantly amazed at the evolution of Internet technology. Last week I spent an evening talking over the Internet with Network Affiliated Instructor Jeff Bloovman, owner of Armed Dynamics training company, as a guest on his Practically Tactical YouTube channel. We set up our computers and started a program going that allowed my image and words to be streamed all over the world to anyone tuning into the program. I don’t know how it all worked, but it certainly was effective. We chatted for an hour and a half about the Network and other issues surrounding armed self-defense.
For those who are interested in listening to a very in-depth discussion about the Network, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUodTezBoDM. The video is not riveting, but the audio can play in the background while you do other things. If you enjoy the program, please share it with your friends.
I want to close with a thank you to Michael Bane and The Outdoor Channel for having me as a guest legal commentator on the award winning The Best Defense TV show for the last five years This year, we each chose to go in a different direction, with The Best Defense taking on a new look, while I wanted to pursue alternate television options. Regardless of whether or not I am on the show, The Best Defense remains one of the best, if not the best program on cable TV for the armed citizen. I recommend you watch the show when you get the chance, as I know I will be doing, too.
When my next, new venture in broadcast media comes along, I will be sure to let you know!
Click here to return to our December 2016 Journal to read more.