This past week was, as sailors used to say, “a helluva day at sea, sir!” From the unsurprising collapse of the U.S./Iran truce that shot oil prices back up and uncertainty in the Middle East stratospheric to the unexpected death of a key Senator (and the “Weekend at Bernie” memes about another), lots of not positive things were happening. If that wasn’t enough, President Trump took to some of the airwaves Thursday night to tell Americans something wasn’t quite right with our election processes. He went on to recite a now-familiar litany of “the usual suspects” cited by both parties as dabblers in our elections. The world travelers that came to America for the World Cup is heading home, hopefully disabused of the fact that we’re not all as crazy as our politicians. Tomorrow,Argentina and Spain will settle the matter of who’s the champion. Meanwhile, those of us left behind are worrying about whether the remaining fruits and vegetables the make summer wonderful are conspiring to kill us in a most unpleasant -and explosive- manner.
Next week, the world will rehashing the World Cup and it’s new (or defending) champion as England (again without the cup) will be watching to see what Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Labor Party have planned.Back here in the colonies, residents of the Midwest and Northeast will be choking from the smoke from the distant fires in Canada, Verizon will be detail which of their stores are among the 274 they’re selling while pink-slipping another 500 corporate types, while Taco Bell diners across five states will continue to be served meals without lettuce, tomato, and pico as the company works to wipe out the contaminated lettuce that has blasted diners with cyclosporiasis. And then there’s the continuing arguments regarding data centers and the electrical grid…enjoy the summer, but don’t have the salad.
Everyone in the Second Amendment community is rightly overjoyed that at long last, the Supreme Court will be deciding whether so-called “assault weapon” bans are constitutional. These bans on some of the most common guns in the country exist in about 10 or so states and prevent millions of Americans from owning AR-15s and similar rifles.
SAF is particularly ecstatic given that both cases granted review – Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins – are cases in which the organization is a plaintiff.
The question presented, which the Court will answer, is: “Whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee the right to possess AR-15 platform and similar semiautomatic rifles.”
The Supreme Court has already begun laying the groundwork for that victory in its recent ruling in Wolford v. Lopez. There, the Court further clarified what constitutes an “arm” for Second Amendment purposes.
“Arms,” the Supreme Court explained, are “implements used for offense and defense.” While some courts had astonishingly ruled that guns like the AR-15 are not even “arms” because they were more useful for military uses rather than personal self-defense, that line of argument appears to be extinct after Wolford.
Still, other questions do remain. In granting cert on the AR-15 question, the Supreme Court has foregone, at least for now, the magazine question. Duncan v. Bonta and Gators Custom Guns v. Washington, cases dealing with state-level bans on magazines that hold over 10 rounds of ammunition, were neither denied nor granted for now. They will be presumably held pending the ruling in Viramontes, then sent back down for further proceedings in light of that ruling.
The extent to which the Supreme Court’s analysis goes into the constitutionality of specific “features” is thus critical. It will not be enough to just rule that a flat ban on AR-15s and similar rifles is unconstitutional; most such bans are features-based.
For example, while Cook County bans AR-15s and AK-47s by name, they also ban any semiautomatic rifle with the ability to accept a magazine holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition if it has a pistol grip, a folding or telescoping stock, a muzzle break or compensator, and more. If the Supreme Court does not rule that these common features are protected as well, then any ruling will be easy for antigun states to continue to circumvent. Fortunately, the petition in Viramontes made that issue clear, so it seems as though it will be dealt with.
But other issues will still remain. For example, what of suppressors? Just recently, the Fifth Circuit ruled in U.S. v. Comeaux that suppressors are arms. “Because silencers are used in self-defense ‘to cast at or strike another,’” the panel explained, “they are Second Amendment ‘Arms.’” While the government argued suppressors are not “arms” because they are not necessary to the functioning of a firearm, the Fifth Circuit rejected that argument because arms “need not be necessary for a firearm’s functioning but instead must only ‘facilitate armed self-defense.’”
The Fifth Circuit’s ruling creates a split with other courts, meaning the Supreme Court may need to take up the issue, particularly as some states like California and New York continue to maintain total bans on suppressors. The Supreme Court’s upcoming delineation on what is and is not an “arm” may come into play.
Other cases, like those dealing with California’s handgun roster, may also be affected. That situation is the reverse in that the state requires unwanted features be added to handguns (chamber load indicators and magazine disconnect mechanisms) before they can be sold in the state.
Finally, if the response to Bruen from antigun states is any indication, the Supreme Court may want to preempt efforts to undermine their ruling. States that previously had total bans will replace them with extensive and costly licensing and training requirements to try and dissuade people from exercising their right to buy an AR-15 or similar rifle in the first place.
That is exactly what they did with CCW permitting after Bruen, and they will turn to the same tactic again. A warning from the Supreme Court on this point may go a long way in defeating such efforts.
Overall, the fact the Supreme Court agreed to hear two SAF “assault weapons” ban cases is monumental. The ripple effects these rulings may have on Second Amendment infringements nationwide could very well determine more than just that one issue. We remain cautiously optimistic the right to keep and bear arms will certainly be strengthened with any ruling the Court hands down and look forward to arguing our case in front of the highest court in the land.
– Kostas Moros, SAF Director of Legal Research and Education
Kostas Moros is the Director of Legal Research and Education for the Second Amendment Foundation. He has been a practicing attorney in California since 2015, and is a member of several federal circuit courts, as well as the Supreme Court Bar. Aside from his litigation experience, Kostas has authored numerous amicus briefs filed in courts around the country, a law review article on why bans on common rifles are historically baseless, and dozens of articles on gun policy. He maintains a very active presence on X under the handle @MorosKostas.
Catching big catfish evokes big smiles for Captain Mike Mitchell of SouthernCats Guide Service. Photo courtesy of Captain Mike Mitchell
With catfish living in almost all of the freshwater streams, creeks, rivers and reservoirs in Alabama, the Alabama Tourism Department decided it was time to honor this ubiquitous species to officially open the Alabama Catfish Trail.
At a kickoff event in Birmingham recently, speakers celebrated what the numerous catfish species mean to anglers, catfish farmers and catfish restaurants throughout the state.
“Catfish truly do run deep in Alabama, not just in our waterways but through our communities and our tables,” said Alyssa Hall (Aly from Alabama), who is known for her catfish noodling adventures. “This trail is not only a collection of destinations, it’s a celebration of people, places and traditions with catfish in Alabama from the waters where they are caught to the farms where they are raised to the tables for everyone to enjoy. The catfish trail will list more than 50 locations across our state and provide ways to experience Alabama’s culture, communities and outdoor heritage.
“If you spend much time in Alabama, you know that catfish is more than just a meal. It’s a cornerstone of our culture, from fish camps to church gatherings and community celebrations. Catfish has brought people together in Alabama for generations.”
Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, the longest-serving tourism director in the nation, also announced at the kickoff that the Tourism Department is starting its latest promotion with the Year of Catfish.
Alabama U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville sent a video message to celebrate the Alabama Catfish Trail and what the fish means to everyone in the state.
“There’s nobody who loves a good, ol’ plate of Alabama catfish more than me,” Senator Tuberville said. “I love it. As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know how critical the catfish industry is to our great state. Alabama is at the forefront of national catfish production, and you create jobs that power our state’s economy, support our local communities and keep delicious catfish on our tables. You know, the Catfish Trail is a great opportunity to recognize and thank all of our farmers who drive this industry.
“It’s also a chance to bring people together to connect with friends and family and enjoy Alabama’s waterways. Whether at a tournament competition or a simple, relaxing weekend on the river, the opportunities are endless. I hope every Alabamian takes advantage of this opportunity.”
Speaking of tournaments, the competition to catch the largest catfish is a regular event on the Tennessee River system with national and regional events scheduled. The other river systems – Alabama, Tombigbee and Coosa – as well as the state’s abundant lakes and reservoirs also provide great catfishing for tournament anglers and those who are fishing for supper.
Aly and Cody Hall make hand-grabbing flathead catfish a family affair. Photo courtesy of Cody Hall
The most popular catfish species for anglers are blue catfish, channel catfish and flathead (yellow) catfish. The farm-raised catfish are almost all channel catfish.
Matthew Marshall, Chief of Fisheries with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division, said it was a pleasure to join in the kickoff for the Alabama Catfish Trail.
“It’s so exciting to be here to celebrate catfish in Alabama,” Marshall said. “Some of my fondest memories are from the banks of the Tallapoosa River and catfishing with my granddad and dad. Highlighting this is really important to all the communities in Alabama that use our resources for fishing and boating. At the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, we have fisheries biologists out there in the field that are overseeing these catfish populations to ensure they are healthy and thriving.”
Marshall also thanked Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship for his leadership in greatly improving boating and fishing access throughout the state.
“He secured funding for our access program and the Alabama Public Fishing Lakes so the next generation of anglers can get out there and enjoy our natural resources that help support jobs and the economy,” he said. “Catfish means so much to the state of Alabama.
Several guides take advantage of the great catfishing in the state, including Captain Mike Mitchell of SouthernCats Guide Service (www.southerncatsguideservice.com) out of Russellville. The guide service, known for catching giant catfish, runs two boats with Mike’s son, Jackson, at the helm of one.
“What catfish means to me is that we do it for a living,” Mitchell said. “Our biggest fish is 117 (pounds). We’ve been doing this for 20-plus years. We fish anywhere from Bridgeport all the way over to Florence on the Tennessee. It’s just a passion of ours.
“On the conservation side, we had an organization that hired Matthew (Marshall) while he was still in college to tag fish during our tournaments,” Mitchell said, referring to WFF’s funding of fisheries research at Auburn University that included tagging fish at the catfish tournaments, which became Marshall’s master’s thesis.
“From that study, we were able to get a 34-inch rule passed,” Mitchell said. “It says that you can keep only one catfish 34 inches or longer per day in the state of Alabama.
“As far as fish to eat, roughly 25% of our clients are after fish to eat. The rest are trophy fishermen. A big part of my heart is the trophy fish. We work with Matthew to keep those fish safe for future generations. Those are your 15-20-year-old fish, who can grow to 120 pounds. We’ve had clients catch them over 100 pounds. It’s regular that we catch fish over 50 pounds. That’s pretty common.”
On the farming side of the catfish equation, Townsend Kyser of Kyser Family Farms and Fran Pearce, called the First Lady of Catfish in Alabama, expressed what catfish has meant to generations of farming families.
“I’m a third generation catfish farmer,” Kyser said. “The catfish industry not only means a lot to my family, it provides a lot of jobs in our area with two processing plants and two feed mills, the hardware store, the restaurants and employees of those restaurants, but more importantly, the people who eat those fish. I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Pearce, whose family has been farming in Dallas County since the 1800s, said Greensboro, Alabama, was the birthplace of the catfish industry in the United States, and the Alabama Black Belt remains an important catfish production center.
Fran and her late husband, David Pearce, started their venture on a small scale on their farm in 1971.
“What began for my family as five ponds on a cattle farm grew to more than 120 ponds today,” said Pearce of Pearce Catfish Farm, one of the nation’s largest producers of farm-raised catfish. “Now we have a seventh generation that is part of the farm.”
“I watched the industry grow from its youngest days. Catfish farmers work hard, and they provide the highest quality products. When people enjoy Alabama’s farm-raised catfish, they are enjoying the results of a lot of hard work, innovation and pride.”
Rick Pate, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, said he grew up in the Black Belt and catfish was central to his family’s way of life.
“Some of my fondest memories are catfishing with my dad,” Pate said. “We ran trotlines, and at every family gathering we had catfish. I can remember running those trotlines on the river at daylight, and my dad saying, ‘Rick, this is as good as it gets. Those people on yachts on the Mediterranean aren’t having any more fun than we are right here.’”
Pate said Ag and Industries have made the effort to educate the consumers of produce, meat, fish and seafood on the origins of their food. The Sweet Grown Alabama initiative continues that effort.
Many family gatherings and special occasions include a platter of fried catfish. Photo by Kate Stone
“We’re convinced that people in Alabama want to know where their food comes from and are willing to pay more for local food,” he said. “We’re continuing with Sweet Grown Alabama (www.sweetgrownalabama.org). We have about 500 producers in our database now that we know are growing Alabama products.”
One of the highlights at the kickoff was a sampling of fried catfish and fixings served by Alabama restaurants The Ark from Riverside, Ezell’s Fish Camp from Lavaca, and Old Greenbrier from Madison.
– David Rainer, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Back in the olden days -- the 1990s -- violent crime in America peaked in about 1992, then began a steady, decades-long decline. Aside from a man-made spike thanks to the George Floyd/defund-the-police/"restorative justice" blip in 2020/2021 (which some of us are still dealing with), America hasn't seen crime rates this low in a century outside of a few blue urban enclaves that carefully cultivate their own special environments where crime is actively tolerated, if not encouraged.
So when violent crime rates started to fall after about 1992, people took note of the change in course. One of those people was New York Times reporter Fox Butterfield. In 1997, he wrote an article entitled, Punitive Damages; Crime Keeps On Falling, but Prisons Keep On Filling. This great work of jernalizm started like this:
IT has become a comforting story: for five straight years, crime has been falling, led by a drop in murder.
So why is the number of inmates in prisons and jails around the nation still going up? Last year, it reached almost 1.7 million, up about seven percent a year since 1990.
The question is not merely a trick quiz, because the costs of running America's constantly expanding prison system -- now more than $30 billion a year -- have begun to impose an enormous burden on state governments.
Butterfield couldn't help but clutch his pearls over the mystifying paradox of society paying the cost to incarcerate so many criminals while crime was falling. It apparently never occurred to the Harvard graduate that crime had been falling precisely because those people were behind bars.
You can be sure, however, that many of his readers saw the (staggeringly obvious) relationship between bad guys behind bars and safer streets across the fruited plain.
In the years that followed, he took a well-deserved, constant ration of shit from those who saw no paradox at all between less crime and higher prison populations. It resulted in the Wall Street Journal's James Taranto coining a term for a failure to recognize such blindingly obvious relationships.
He (along with Michael Graham) called this the Butterfield Effect. It's a syndrome that seems to afflict many in the media who fail to (or won't) see obvious correlations that manage to hit the rest of us right between the eyes.
The latest manifestation of the Butterfield Effect kicking in comes to us from our good friends at Michael Bloomberg's anti-gun agitprop outlet, The Trace, where Aaron Mendelson has written this classic: By the Numbers: Shootings Decrease, But Gun Sales Are Up.
Quoting numbers from the frequently discredited Gun Violence Archive, Mendelson notes that . . .
Shooting deaths and injuries remain at historic lows in the United States, continuing the trend seen in Q1 and in recent years.
Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows 6,458 shooting deaths, and 11,781 shooting injuries in the first six months of the year. Both represent the lowest number since 2015.
That's good news, of course, and something many of us have noticed. But it baffled Mendelson, so he consulted...an expert . . .
As crime data analyst Jeff Asher told The Trace in May, there are several dimensions to consider:
One, it’s happening everywhere, so it’s probably not local factors.
Two, it happened at a time of decreased police presence. We have fewer officers everywhere.
Three, it happened at a time when we haven’t solved the root causes of crime. It’s not like we fixed poverty and education. Those are still obviously major issues.
Four, the country is still awash in guns. Gun sales are still at elevated levels.
Five, there hasn’t been some major breakthrough in policing efficiency. Clearance rates plunged in 2020. Now they’re rising again, but that probably has more to do with the fact that murder is falling than anything else.
About those guns . . .
An estimated 7.3 million firearms have been sold in the United States — about 4.5 million handguns and another 2.8 million long guns. That would be enough to arm every single resident of Tennessee.
The numbers represent a 2.7 percent increase in gun sales through six months compared to 2025. This marks the first time in six years that we’ve seen an increase in sales.
While the uptick is notable, the raw total is still lower than any year from 2020 to 2024.
But like Butterfield before him, The Trace's Mendelson doesn't (or refuses to) see the possibility that the expansion of gun ownership in America -- along with making it far easier to carry one legally -- might be at least a contributing factor in the historic reduction in crime.
But seeing a relationship between more guns and less crime -- as some have for years -- doesn't come easy for those who toil in Master Bloombergs fields of hoplophobic hype. In fact, even pointing out such a possibility could be hazardous to your economic health (employment-wise).
But on the plus side, this is what results in such lulz-worthy, Butterfieldian analyses that fail to acknowledge the gun-toting elephant in the room. So it's a win-win. We'll just continue to mercilesslyridicule laugh at them when they publish this stuff.
Editor’s Note: The following op-ed by Chris Cheng first appeared in the July 12 edition of The Boston Herald.
When I won the History Channel’s “Top Shot” competition, my life’s focus shifted from Silicon Valley to a world of firearms safety education, competition and advocacy. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of Americans about responsible gun ownership. Through that work, I’ve witnessed a growing disconnect between what Americans believe will make their communities safer and the policies often promoted in Washington and state capitals.
For years, gun-control advocates have argued that public safety depends on increasingly restrictive firearm regulations. But Americans are increasingly focused on outcomes rather than regulations. They want safer neighborhoods, less crime and a justice system that works. They are becoming less convinced that new restrictions are the answer.
That reality was underscored by a recent national survey of 1,000 likely general election voters commissioned by the Crime Prevention Research Center.
The survey found that lawful concealed carry has increased significantly in less than two years, reflecting a growing number of Americans who have chosen to take responsibility for their own safety.
Among independent voters, the constituency often viewed as the nation’s political bellwether, 31.4% said enforcing existing laws would do the most to reduce crime, while 32% pointed to arresting and prosecuting repeat offenders. Just 25.9% favored passing additional gun-control laws.
The survey also revealed strong support for enforcement-focused solutions among Black and Hispanic voters. Twenty-seven percent prioritized enforcing existing laws, while 35% favored holding repeat offenders legally accountable for their actions. Women, too, continue to place a high value on personal safety and self-defense.
This creates an opportunity to move beyond the tired political arguments that have dominated the gun debate for decades. If we want safer communities, we should focus on three priorities: education, enforcement and accountability.
First, the rise in lawful gun ownership demands a renewed commitment to firearms safety education. Every American who chooses to exercise their Second Amendment rights should have access to quality safety training and instruction.
Second, we must confront America’s mental health crisis. Walk the Talk America is one organization leading this work. Firearms manufacturers, dealers, distributors and gun owners are taking responsibility and doing their part to address America’s mental health crisis. Expanding access to treatment, improving support systems and reducing the stigma around seeking help should be national priorities.
Third, we must hold violent offenders accountable. Laws already exist to prosecute dangerous criminals. Communities become safer when those laws are consistently enforced, and repeat offenders face meaningful consequences for their actions.
Americans are telling us what they want. They want safe communities. They want responsible gun ownership. And they want a justice system that focuses on criminals rather than creating new burdens for law-abiding citizens. It’s time for policymakers to listen.
– Chris Cheng
Cheng is History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 Champion and the author of “Shoot to Win” and “The Purple Heart Battalion,” now available for pre-order on Kickstarter.
