The Gun Owners of America spokesman explains why such a decision is a huge win for gun groups, as well as private gun owners.
The Supreme Court just handed a key victory to the National Rifle Association when it comes to fighting back against interference by the government.
The Court recently decided to reinstate a lawsuit brought forward by the NRA, in which it had noted that former New York’s Department of Financial Services head Maria Vullo had gone out of her way to force companies to not work with the group following a 2018 shooting at a Florida high school.
A lower-end court had previously dismissed the suit, but the Supreme Court sees validity in the group fighting back against corrupt government officials like Vullo.
“Government officials cannot attempt to coerce private parties in order to punish or suppress views that the government disfavors,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted in the decision. “Ultimately, the critical takeaway is that the First Amendment prohibits government officials from wielding their power selectively to punish or suppress speech.”
Vullo had been accused of speaking with insurance companies, going as far as to threaten enforcement actions against them if they didn’t comply. But this Court decision could come back to haunt her, based on evidence gathered by the group.
Here to discuss this further is Stephen Willeford, the spokesman for the Gun Owners of America, a group that firmly believes in the right for everyone to bear arms. You may recall that he was the “hero with a gun” in the Sutherland Springs incident in 2017, which he has since co-authored a book about.
His expertise in all things gun rights make him an ideal subject for this interview.
Q&A:
- What is your personal take on the Supreme Court siding with the NRA regarding this matter?
- Do you believe that some anti-gun advocates, like Vullo, go too far when it comes to pressuring companies not to pair with gun groups or manufacturers?
- Why are some people so determined to sever these relationships? For the sake of a “better way of life,” or just to give them some level of appreciation? Something else, perhaps?
- Do you think this decision will serve as a benefit in the future for gun advocates and private gun owners alike?
- Where do you think the topic of guns will play out in the Presidential Election in the months ahead?
- 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: Jerry McGlothlin 919-437-0001 or jerry@specialguests.com.
