This is a critical time for our right to keep and bear arms.  Never before have American gun control activists been so emboldened.  From gun bans and confiscation to the tracking of gun owners’ ammunition purchases (not to mention licensing and registration schemes), a constitutional right is being treated as if it is a privilege.  Even worse, Americans who dare to exercise their 2^nd Amendment rights are being otherized by the news media, politicians, celebrities, and anti-gun advocates.  If they can’t repeal the right to keep and bear arms, they’ll do everything they can to de-normalize it.

As the new editor of BearingArms.com I want to expose those attempts at delegitimizing our constitutional rights and the Americans who exercise them, but that’s only half the battle.  We need to tell the stories of the countless men and women who are fighting to not just keep our rights secure, but to make them stronger than ever.  From courtrooms to boardrooms, in tree stands and in state capitols, there are millions of us who aren’t just bearing arms, but are bearing witness to the power of self-defense, of hunting, of competition, and even the therapeutic benefits of shooting.  It’s up to us to tell and share these stories, and we will.

I’ve had the privilege of covering the 2^nd Amendment on a daily basis for fifteen years now, both behind a microphone and in print, and I’m incredibly excited to be able to continue that mission here at BearingArms.  I’ve been a friend of Bob Owens and Jenn Jacques, the previous editors here, and consider it an honor to occupy the same position they’ve both held.

If you’ve listened to my show Cam & Co. at all, you know that I’m a happy warrior.  The Los Angeles Times once said I deliver alarming news in a “calm and steady voice”, and I’m okay with that description.  Much of the news for 2^nd Amendment supporters these days is alarming, to be honest, and it’s true that I’m not much of a yeller or a screamer. I’m always willing to engage the other side in an honest conversation or open debate, even if they’re often reluctant to reciprocate.

I’m also looking forward to continuing the many conversations I’ve had with activists and advocates on our side. I’ve always said that if, after listening to my show, I was the smartest person you heard then I failed the audience.  It’s not my job to bloviate for the sake of my ego, but instead to bring you accurate and honest information from legislators, attorneys, firearms instructors, gun store owners, and grassroots activists. I can’t promise there won’t be the occasional bit of bloviating, but I’ll keep it at a minimum.

I’d like to say thanks to the fine folks at Salem for giving me this opportunity, to my new colleague Tom Knighton, as well as to my former colleagues and continued friends that I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past 15 years.  To all those who’ve been a part of the “Company” and a genuine community over the years, welcome to our new home!  I’m ready to get back behind the microphone in the very near future, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.