New Jersey Coalition for Self Defense

For those of you who weren't able to make it to Washington DC this past Monday the 19th, you all missed a great time.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect - a beautiful sunny day, light breeze, cool temperatures and gun rights activists from all over the country.

At least two thousand showed up for this first Second Amendment March, short of the number we hoped for, but all in all, not too bad.  I had the great good fortune to be involved with the March from a marketing standpoint and had the unique priviledge of being there the night before when the various speakers arrived for a live interview with Mark Walters on the Armed American Radio Network.

At least a dozen packed into the studio, with more spilling in the hallways as Mark began his inerviews kicking off with ManCow who (figuratively) set the studio on fire with his customary blistering observations, followed on by Second Amendment luminaries like Dick Heller and his partner Dane vonBreichenruchardt of USBOR, Larry Pratt of GOA, Stewart Rhodes of Oath Keepers, Michael Bane of Downrange TV, Tim Schmidt of USCCA, and many others.

Download the podcasts here:
http://armedamericanradio.org/2010/04/aar-broadcast-4-18-2010-hour-1/
http://armedamericanradio.org/2010/04/aar-broadcast-4-18-2010-hour-2/
http://armedamericanradio.org/2010/04/aar-broadcast-4-18-2010-hour-3/

Shot taken of ManCow from my camera phone while jostling around the studio:

To be in the company of such eloquent, intelligent and stalwart Patriots was an experience I'll never forget.  This was a history-making event.  To the best of my knowledge, never before have so many known RKBA luminaries been in one place at one time for one cause.

The next day was, in a word, an experience.  To be on the grounds of the Washington Monument on such a beautiful day was a treat, but the speakers were awesome.

Many have commented on what was disappointing turnout.  While one always hopes for more, all things considered, the attendance was not bad at all.  Pause for a moment to consider this.  There was a party held for an absentee celebrity (the 2nd Amendment) with no beer, no food, no raffles and no giveaways where Americans came from across the country at their own expense (many spending hundreds for fuel, tolls, food and lodging) to be present.

Not everyone has the 'stones' to take a day off from work and travel a long distance.  Those couple thousand on the green remind me of the handful who were with Washington at Valley Forge.  From small beginnings grow a mighty oak.  I'm reminded of Thomas Paine's words from "The Crisis" when naysayers begin grousing in the background:

"Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."

As a fitting end to this first ever Second Amendment March, the SAM has produced a LIMITED EDITION large format (16x20!) photographic print based on Oleg Volk's work to commemorate the event.  Autographed by the speakers at the march, there are only fourteen (14) of these available.  Each will be beautifully framed with two 'Challenge Coins' (which were only minted in a limited edition of 100) and will be sold for a price of $1500 to help offset the enormous costs of holding this event.

Keep in mind that never before that we know of have so many well-known 2nd Amendment patriots gathered in one place at one time.

Signatures and links:

Please help support the SAM any way you can, but most especially by purchasing one of these beautiful prints.  Contact us to learn more about how to arrange for payment and delivery by using the 'contact' link at the left and send us a message.