Today, April 19th, is Patriots' Day. It marks the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which were the beginning of open armed conflict between the American Colonies and Britain.

There were a lot of conflicts between the Colonies and Britain prior to this event of course, "The Boston Tea Party" surely rings a bell with most Americans, "Taxation without Representation" is often quoted, and a lesser known quote by Benjamin Franklin goes "The refusal of King George III to allow the colonies to operate an honest money system, which freed the ordinary man from the clutches of the money manipulators was probably the prime cause of the revolution." A reference which will ring familiar with anybody involved in the fight against the Federal Reserve.

But the battles at Lexington and Concord should be very familiar to anyone who recognizes the importance of the fundamental right of the individual to keep and bear arms.

Militias had been forming in the colonies for quite some time prior to the American Revolution, primarily to defend against (or attack) Native American tribes. Later they fought in the French and Indian War, on behalf of Britain no less. But when the political situation began to deteriorate, and hostilities were coming to a boil, Britain came to disarm these militias. The Militia's had received word about this weeks in advance and prepared for it. I wonder if anyone called them conspiracy theorists?

The Colonists knew, if they allowed themselves to be disarmed then, they would not be able to resist later, and no matter what you read about the cause of the American Revolution, it was when the government came to disarm the people, that the people fought back with deadly force, and won.

If we compare this to today, well, one of two things is obvious. Either the American Revolution was complete insanity, or we're all completely insane for not revolting today.

Even in states with the most relaxed gun laws, you still have to go through a federal background check, notifying the federal government of your intent to purchase a weapon in the process, and subjecting you to denial for whatever reason the federal government currently sees fit to deny you for. Your weapons must have a serial number, and must meet other federal regulations, waiting periods, the assault weapons ban, etc...

In states like New York, a carry permit from Suffolk County is not honored in New York City. A person can be arrested for carrying a "stun gun" and only a licensed firearms dealer can sell pepper spray. In fact, According to § 265.01 of the NYS Penal Code, Subsection 2) A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when: He possesses any dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon...

"or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon" is the language that makes pretty much anything and everything illegal in New York, should the police believe you intend to use it as a weapon. I was actually told once, during a protest in NYC, that my American Flag was illegal because it was on a pole which could potentially be used as a weapon.

My Response? "Let them try to take it from me"

I for one am just about done with asking permission from the majority to exercise my rights as a sovereign individual, I've just about had it with people who think there is some room for negotiation on whether or not I have these rights, or how much these rights can be infringed upon, and I'm pretty well convinced that the men who fought and died for Liberty this day in 1775 had it right.

How about you?

Happy Patriots' Day