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Protecting Second Amendment Rights: An Interview with Sam Paredes of Gun Owners of America

September 25, 2024

At Premier Body Armor, we believe in upholding the right to self-defense through responsible access to body armor and firearms. We sat down with Sam Paredes recently and had a great conversation about the Second Amendment, what it means to not compromise, and the role of body armor for self-defense. Check out the full interview, or read more below for an overview and more information. 

Sam is a prominent advocate for Second Amendment rights, who shares his insights into the ongoing battle to preserve these rights. He also serves as a board member for Gun Owners of America (GOA), is the Executive Director of Gun Owners of California (GOC), and a national spokesperson for GOA.

The Roots of Gun Owners of America and the Fight for Second Amendment Rights

In our conversation, Sam reflects on the history and mission of Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners of California (GOC). Founded in 1975, GOC emerged as the nation’s oldest pro-gun political action committee, created to fight against handgun bans in California.

“We are no compromise. We will not compromise on the Second Amendment ever in any way,” says Sam.

GOA and GOC focus on three main goals:

  1. Lobbying for pro-gun legislation to protect Second Amendment rights.
  2. Electing pro-gun candidates who understand and value the right to bear arms.
  3. Filing lawsuits and amicus curiae to protect the rights of gun owners in courts across the country.

A Lifelong Commitment to the Second Amendment & Personal Protection

Sam has spent over 45 years advocating for the Second Amendment. He passionately described how defending these rights is not just a job but a life’s mission.

“We're in it to win it, all the way to the end. And once we do that, maybe we’ll pull up the old rocking chair on the front porch and sit down, but we're not there yet,” Sam reflects.

With a team of passionate advocates and grassroots support, GOA remains steadfast in their efforts to safeguard the right to bear arms.

The Role of Body Armor in Second Amendment Protection

The discussion naturally transitioned into a conversation about body armor for self-defense—one of the many tools available for personal protection. Sam emphasizes that body armor, much like firearms, is protected by the Second Amendment.

Sam recounts a pivotal moment when he testified before the California legislature, defending the right to own body armor. With help from Premier Body Armor, Sam delivered a powerful show-and-tell highlighting the essential nature of body armor for civilians.

“You’re not going to prevent me from protecting the lives of my grandkids,” Sam declared, pulling out Premier Body Armor backpack inserts from his grandchildren's backpacks during his testimony. His argument was simple: body armor is a passive form of protection, not an offensive weapon. It saves lives.

Everyday Body Armor: Dispelling Misconceptions About Civilian Body Armor

Many people hold the misconception that body armor is solely a tactical, militaristic item. In reality, Premier Body Armor provides everyday body armor solutions such as backpack inserts and discreet body armor shirts, offering protection without drawing attention.

Sam highlights how Premier Body Armor delivers practical protection for civilians:

“It’s not about wearing military gear; it’s about discreetly protecting yourself and your loved ones.”

Grassroots Support and Industry Partnerships for Gun Rights

Sam explains that the fight to protect the Second Amendment isn't just about individual organizations. It’s about partnerships across the firearms and body armor industries. The recent GOA Leadership Summit exemplified this collaboration, bringing together over 250 companies committed to preserving Second Amendment rights.

“We need to be partnering with organizations that are truly our friends. They're not behind us. They're not in front of us. They're right beside us moving forward,” says Sam.

At Premier Body Armor, our commitment to this cause has strengthened our relationship with GOA. As both organizations strive to protect self-defense rights, we also focus on educating civilians about how body armor plays a key role in personal safety.

The Road Ahead: Legislative Battles & Second Amendment Court Cases

Looking forward, Sam stresses that the fight is far from over. With constant attacks on Second Amendment rights, from proposed body armor bans in states like New York to gun control legislation nationwide, GOA remains vigilant.

Sam highlights several key Supreme Court Second Amendment cases that have helped shape gun rights law, includingHeller v. Washington D.C.,McDonald v. Chicago, andCaetano v. Massachusetts.

“Anything that is used for offensive or defensive purposes by lawful citizens is protected by the Second Amendment,” Sam explains.

Despite these victories, the battle continues as anti-gun groups seek to chip away at rights through incremental legislation. Sam urges all Americans to stay informed, participate in elections, and remain vigilant.

Stay Armed and Informed

For those wondering how to stay informed and protect their rights, Sam offers practical advice: get involved with organizations like GOA, stay updated on local legislation, and use available resources to make your voice heard.

“If you're not registered to vote and you're not involved, your opinion doesn't matter. You're not part of the fight. So if you want your opinion to matter, register to vote and inform yourself,” says Sam.

Staying informed about local and federal gun control legislation is crucial in ensuring that your rights as a law-abiding citizen are not infringed.

Conclusion

At Premier Body Armor, we stand proudly alongside Sam Paredes and Gun Owners of America in the fight to protect Second Amendment rights. Whether it’s through lobbying, litigation, or education, the goal remains the same: to preserve the right of every American to defend themselves and their families.

If you’re interested in learning more about body armor for personal protection, check out our articles or explore our full range of everyday body armor options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Second Amendment Rights and Body Armor

How does body armor fall under Second Amendment protection?

According to landmark Supreme Court cases such as Heller v. Washington D.C., anything used for self-defense, including body armor, is protected by the Second Amendment. Body armor provides passive protection and is an essential tool for civilians and law-abiding citizens.

Is it legal to own body armor in all states?

While body armor is legal in most states, certain states like New York have enacted body armor bans. Gun Owners of America continues to fight these unconstitutional restrictions to restore Second Amendment rights for all. To find out if body armor is legal in your state, read our article on body armor laws.

What types of body armor are available for everyday use?

Premier Body Armor offers a range of everyday body armor solutions, from discreet body armor shirts to bulletproof backpack inserts. These products provide practical, discreet, non-intimidating protection for civilians.

Why is body armor important for self-defense?

Body armor is essential for personal protection because it offers defense without posing a threat to others. It’s not offensive or a weapon, and allows individuals to stay protected in dangerous situations. 

How can I stay informed about legislative changes to gun rights?

The best way to stay informed is by joining organizations like Gun Owners of America and subscribing to legislative updates. These organizations provide detailed information on Second Amendment battles across the country.

What is the role of grassroots support in defending the Second Amendment?

Grassroots support is vital in defending Second Amendment rights. Organizations like GOA rely on the backing of everyday Americans to push back against gun control legislation and fight for constitutional rights in the courts.


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