I know most left of center people are not ready to accept that yet, but I certainly agree with the sentiment. There are many people in this county with a misguided notion of patriotism who are itching to spill blood for the cause. The AR platform is, for the most part, their weapon of choice. High capacity mags, easy & accurate, plentiful ammo, inflicts horrific damage, and itβs appearance strikes fear in the hearts of most liberals.
Like you, I think the majority of these people living in the fantasy world of stolen elections, white replacement, and whatever other manufactured grievances driving them to the extreme right end of the spectrum, see anyone to the left of them as soft targets. They cannot wrap their heads around the idea that many of us are veterans, true patriots who support the ideals of a democracy above support for a political party or politician, and that many of us also grew up with firearms and that we will absolutely defend ourselves, or families, our communities, and our country.
Itβs a strange and surreal feeling to even write this. I desperately hope I never have to draw a firearm on another human being for any reason - the thought sickens me. At the same time, Iβm quietly keeping up my firearms skills, my physical fitness, BJJ, my mental acuity, and situational awareness, because I know there are other Americans who would label me as an enemy & traitor if they discovered my politics and philosophy. I hope anyone to the left of this madness has their own version of preparedness. I am not a gun or 2A fanatic. I get looks from these idiots all the time because my high school aged children are black. They are activism minded and will sometimes rock apparel with BLM or similar social messaging. Iβve tried to walk a tightrope of encouraging my kids to be themselves and proud of what they support, but to also be aware that some will use those displays of pride as a target. Hopefully we will find our way out of this insanity peacefully, but itβs also wise to be informed and prudent to be adequately prepared, whatever that means to each person individually.