THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. KEEP CHECKING IN FOR THE NEW DATE. THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED!
The Libertarian Party of Tennessee has announced that it will join forces in a single-issue coalition in support of the Second Amendment. Tennessee Taking Action (TNTA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and preserving Tennessean’s Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
TNTA formed in April of 2023 by activists from across the state. As one of the organizers, Zeb Proctor, said, “We’ve put our political, religious, and ideological differences aside to unite in a common cause. We will not rest or be silent until the Second Amendment rights of all Tennesseans are secure.”
LPTN has partnered with TNTA to hold an event in Nashville at Public Square Park on Saturday, January 20th. TNTA has organized an impressive lineup of speakers, which includes headliner Maj Toure, the leader of the “Black Libertarian Movement” and “Black Guns Matter”, and co-headliner by Kerry Slone, a domestic abuse survivor turned national 2A advocate. Our event will also have a panel discussion portion where Tennessee legislators will discuss gun laws with Maj, Kerry and others.
Lastly at the event, TNTA will run their Firearms Safety Scholarship program. This program provides an initial Firearms instruction class for those who have no background with firearms and are unable to afford such a class.
“We do not believe we can legislate ourselves out of a societal problem. We must work on a cultural level as well, “ said Proctor. For many Tennesseans, the tragic events that unfolded in March of last year at Covenant School in Nashville are still very much ingrained in our minds. That sad day in history has been answered by some disturbing words by lawmakers and pundits alike. Some are advocating for “Red Flag Laws” or (as Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has attempted to dress up the language) “Order-of-Protection Laws”, a clear indication that he understands that his fellow Republicans would never support a bill that’s outright called a Red Flag Law. Other commenters have mused on disarming the trans community, or even the entire LGBTQ community in the wake of this horrible event.
These ideas are contradictory, not just to the U.S. Constitution, but to the Libertarian Party’s Platform, which reads, in part: “The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights — life, liberty, and justly acquired property — against aggression. This right inheres in the individual, who may agree to be aided by any other individual or group. We affirm the individual right recognized by the Second Amendment to keep and bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of individuals for exercising their rights of self-defense. Private property owners should be free to establish their own conditions regarding the presence of personal defense weapons on their own property. We oppose all laws at any level of government restricting, registering, or monitoring the ownership, manufacture, or transfer of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories.”
Proctor expands on this idea in his work with TNTA, by adding, “This fundamental right not only acts as a bulwark against tyranny but also serves as a strong deterrent to local crime. However, the preservation of these rights goes beyond mere written laws. It demands active protection, unwavering advocacy, and tireless vigilance. Gun rights, in particular, are in a precarious state, continually under threat from federal, state, and unfortunately, even local authorities.”
Advocacy and active engagement are essential to preserving our rights. The LPTN is donating its time and resources to an organization that protects the Second Amendment, and contributes to the efforts to defend our rights from legislative encroachments and judicial reinterpretations. As a single-issue coalition, TNTA creates an opportunity to influence state policy regarding the 2nd amendment.
Legislatively, TNTA is actively lobbying against HB1574. It is a “Red Flag” law that would allow law enforcement to take one’s firearms without due process. We believe this is dangerous, not only for Tennessee citizens, but for law enforcement as well. We are also supporting numerous bills that would nullify “gun free zones”. Long term legislative goals would be to see true constitutional carry passed here in Tennessee.
“We have successfully lobbied against the Red Flag law that was introduced this past special session in the fall,” Proctor continues. “We have received pushback at some of the anti-gun rallies we’ve been to where we tried to have reasonable discourse with the anti-gun crowd. We were even threatened in Nashville when we visited the capitol during the opening day of the special session.
“We have offered numerous times to facilitate a discussion between Maj Toure and Rep Jones (Nashville) and Rep Pearson (Memphis) with no response. Rep Jones even went so far to block Maj Toure. He has never even spoke to the man. It is bizarre behavior from those who claim they want to have a discussion.”
The event on January 20th will be a peaceful demonstration with informative speakers, more than willing to speak to legislators about their concerns. And while the LPTN is helping promote this effort, it is NOT an exclusive Libertarian event. Anyone with a passion for defending the Second Amendment, regardless of party affiliation, is more than welcome to join us.
Advertising for this event has been difficult, as it’s being throttled on social media, while traditional media has thus far been disinterested. We need grassroots word of mouth advocates to help us spread the word in the last week of the runup to ensure this is successful. Share this message with people who might be willing to help us with this particular issue.
And as Proctor says, “Any monetary donations to support our legislative goals or the Firearms Safety Scholarship program will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.”
Visit Tennessee Taking Action for more information, or to donate today. (tntakingaction.com)
Keith McQuarrie is a Nashville musician, the current Secretary of the Libertarian Party of Tennessee, and has been an advocate for personal liberty for over a decade.
