The spokesman for the Gun Owners of America explains why a growing criminal element is pushing more people to purchase firearms.
Over the past few years, a disturbing trend has arisen, with many police departments losing officers and even having to shutter completely in the wake of the “defund the police” movement.
But it’s hitting a particularly popular city right at home, as Austin has seen a massive increase in crime – and not enough officers to take care of the problem.
Austin Police Association President Mike Bullock spoke about the problem on X, noting, “500 officers short has a real impact on businesses and Austinites who expect to be able to safely run a business and live in Austin. We’re so close to having a contract that can make significant progress towards ending the staffing crisis. Question now is if the city will actually prioritize making it happen.”
Such a failure by higher governments to hire additional police forces has resulted in many “falling from grace” over the years, including San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver and, now, Austin.
But it also points out something else – an increase in firearm sales. In an effort to try and divert funds from the police to “better resources,” state governments are now seeing more people purchase firearms in an effort to become safe. And some try to utilize strict firearm laws to curb violence, creating a rather ironic situation.
So what can be done now? Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as spokesman for the Gun Owners of America, joins us now to discuss the matter further. Welcome, Stephen!
Q&A:
- Why do you think some politicians have been so concerned to slash police budgets? Are they trying to look good for their voters, or is there something else that’s motivating them?
- Do the police truly deserve the slashing of said budgets? Many have ended up quitting or retiring as a result, thinking that the burden simply isn’t worth it anymore.
- Are you surprised by the increase in firearm sales over the years? Or is it a necessity considering how bad some states have become?
- Do these government types simply need to accept the fact that “defund the police” didn’t work and should provide funding again where needed?
- You’ve often spoked about the effectiveness of Concealed-Carry, or Constitutional-Carry as some call it. Why do you think it’s the best policy to put in place against criminals and “active shooters”? What argument would you have for those that speak against it?
- You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- Where can people find your book?
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or by email Jerry McGlothlin at jerry@specialguests.com.
