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Given the very challenging times we are experiencing especially here in NJ, I am taking the liberty of reposting something here that I had posted in the 1st Amendment section three years ago. The broader membership, including the many new forum members that have joined since that time, might benefit from reading it. It as relevant today, if not even more, than it was then. In the many recent threads on the new laws just passed, there is lots of discussion about what the government can or cannot due, might or might not due, or could do if they had the will, etc. I feel it is important to be reminded of history and what ACTUALLY HAPPENED as a point of fact. As has often been said, if we ignore history we are destined to repeat it. My post was as follows: Recently finished reading “Gun Control in the Third Reich-Disarming the Jews and Enemies of the State” by Stephen P. Halbrook. I strongly urge anyone who values our freedoms to read it. Despite the title, it actually covers the period from the birth of the Weimar Republic in 1918 thru the Nazi regime in 1938 and the “Night of Broken Glass”. For me, what is most striking about this book are the parallels between what took place then, and the gun rights challenges we face in the present times. To name a few examples taken directly from various sections of the book: • Vague firearms laws that were harshly enforced • Decree(s) requiring the surrender of all firearms and ammunition else punishment of X years in prison • During the timeline covered by the book; possession of a firearm or ammunition was also punishable by being arrested, shot on the spot, or being sent to concentration camps. • Entire populations being designated as “undesirable” or “unreliable” and banned from possession of firearms. This included not only the Jews but also anyone labeled, for example, as a gypsy or a communist. • Forced Registration. Before Hitler came to power, the government assured that these records would be protected and remain private. Guess what. Subsequently the Nazi’s later took control of these records and used them to further confiscate and persecute gun owners. • Mass confiscations • Needing to convince the local authorities of your need for a firearm and obtain their approval (sound familiar?) • Manufacture and importation of arms severely limited. • Preventing sporting clubs from providing instruction or training to their members. Later, such clubs and associations were banned and/or taken over by the government. • Massive police raids, house to house searches, and confiscation of “military” weapons from civilians. • Need for a license to acquire a firearm or ammunition whether the transaction is commercial or private. • Trade in firearms prohibited at annual fairs, shooting competitions,and other events. • Government officials and police exempted from most of these onerous laws. And so on. As has often been said; “History Repeats Itself”. This is more than reason enough for us to remain ever vigilant to protect our 2nd Amendment Rights.