The 2A rally on January 20 was characterized not just by size and intensity, but by good humor and calm, disciplined determination.
This determination is far better than the anger that some on the left had hoped to see (and photograph). Anger burns out, leaving ashes. Determination is in it for the long haul. And we on the constitutional conservative side better be in it for the long haul, because the gun rights issue is only part of the battle. The Progressives want to show that they can beat us an issue that matters, and then use this victory to discourage us into giving up and accepting that our status is that of docile subjects of a bureaucratic state, not self-reliant citizens of a vibrant Republic.
To fight this over the long haul requires more than determination. It requires leadership.
In that respect, the Republicans have fallen short. At the state level, Chairman Jack Wilson has been scourged for his lackadaisical style. In 2019 the party did not have candidates in 27 of 100 House districts or in 15 of 40 Senate districts, and this followed low-energy efforts in the campaigns of 2017 (Governor) and 2018 (Senator). contest. Disgruntled conservatives fear that Wilson and his cohorts are content to be a snoozing permanent minority.
District 6 leadership is also deficient, as Chair Jennifer Brown wastes her energy attacking anyone who disagrees with her, waging lawfare that fragments the party, and raising money for her own PAC rather than for the District.
At the state level, Wilson is challenged by former Delegate Richard Anderson and by local leader Michael Schoelwer. The campaigns are not yet sufficiently developed to make a choice.
In District 6, Brown is challenged by Strasburg Councilman John Massoud, and on this one the record clearly favor Massoud. He has experience as a businessman and political activist, and he understands the need for organization and grass-roots energy, traits that contrast with Brown’s legal-centric divisiveness. Add leadership to the determination of the 2A movement, and the Republicans can win.
