Maj Toure: Why Gun Control is Racist and All Americans Should Be Armed

Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter, is on a mission to educate and empower Americans about their Second Amendment rights. In this in-depth interview, Toure shares his passionate views on gun ownership, the racist roots of gun control, and why he believes all Americans should be armed.

The Racist History of Gun Control

Toure argues that gun control laws have racist origins dating back to the 1600s:

"Gun control was literally started to stop black people from having the means to defend themselves. The colonies in the 1600s had rules against blacks owning guns specifically."

He points out that even after slavery ended, many states amended their constitutions to specify that only white men could own firearms. Toure sees modern gun control laws as a continuation of this racist legacy:

"Even though we're not still saying 'you blacks can't have guns', the outcome is still the same. Who's arrested more for firearms possession? Black and brown folks."

In Toure's view, gun control disproportionately impacts minority communities and infringes on their right to self-defense. He argues the Second Amendment was intended to protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of race.

Why Toure Believes All Americans Should Be Armed

Toure is a strong advocate for widespread gun ownership among law-abiding citizens. He believes an armed populace leads to a safer society:

"If the trend continues that more firearms owners - safe and responsible firearms owners - means less crime, I absolutely want more people to have firearms."

He argues that criminals are less likely to victimize people if they believe their potential targets may be armed. Toure wants gun ownership to be as commonplace as carrying a cell phone:

"Everybody should be walking around like 'Oh man, I left my gun in the house, let me go back and get it.' It should be as normal as a cell phone."

While some worry more guns could lead to more accidents, Toure emphasizes the importance of safety training. His organization, Black Guns Matter, provides free firearms education classes across the country.

Black Guns Matter: Educating Urban Communities

Toure founded Black Guns Matter in 2015 to bring firearms education to urban areas. He saw a need to counter anti-gun narratives in minority communities:

"We saw that this highly organized phenomenon of gun control is concentrated primarily in black neighborhoods. We said 'You guys are lying to the people.'"

Black Guns Matter runs free classes teaching firearm safety, conflict de-escalation, and constitutional rights. Toure says the response has been overwhelming:

"We expected 30 people. 300 showed up and we had to feed them all. It was beautiful."

The organization has held classes across the country, often in areas with high crime rates. Toure believes this grassroots education is making a difference:

"In 2016, we only did classes in Philadelphia. That year, Philadelphia had its lowest violent crime rate since 1979."

Challenging Anti-Gun Arguments

Toure pushes back against common arguments made by gun control advocates:

"Only police should have guns"

Toure argues that relying solely on law enforcement for protection is misguided:

"The police have absolutely no legal obligation to protect you. That has been proven and upheld by the Supreme Court numerous times."

He believes individuals must take responsibility for their own safety.

"More guns lead to more crime"

Toure contends the data shows the opposite:

"The areas where there's less guns, there's more violent crime. The areas where there's more guns, there's less violent crime."

He cites research by economist John Lott supporting the idea that higher gun ownership correlates with lower crime rates.

"Guns cause suicides"

While acknowledging that firearms are often used in suicides, Toure argues banning guns won't solve the underlying issues:

"What we need to address is what's making those people feel so stressed out and depressed that they don't want to be here anymore."

He believes focusing on mental health and social factors is more important than restricting gun access.

Toure's Libertarian Views

Beyond gun rights, Toure identifies as a libertarian and advocates for limited government. He believes most Americans share libertarian values, even if they don't use that label:

"If you ask most Americans, 'Do you want more limited government? Do you want to keep more of your money? Should the general theme be don't hurt people, don't take their stuff?' You're going to be hard-pressed to get most Americans to say 'No, give me more government.'"

Toure is critical of both major political parties, arguing that many so-called conservatives actually support big government policies like increased policing and military spending.

He's also skeptical of mainstream education and media, proudly calling himself "self-educated." Toure encourages people to think independently and study a wide range of viewpoints:

"I'm going to read everything and I'm going to make the decision for myself. I'm actually an independent freethinker."

Conclusion

Maj Toure presents a passionate case for gun rights rooted in both constitutional principles and a desire to empower marginalized communities. While his views are controversial, he offers a unique perspective on the intersection of race, gun ownership, and individual liberty in America.

Through Black Guns Matter, Toure is working to change the culture around firearms, especially in urban areas. He believes education and training are key to promoting responsible gun ownership.

Whether one agrees with all his positions or not, Toure's advocacy has undoubtedly shifted the conversation around gun rights and race in America. As debates over gun policy continue, voices like his will likely play an important role in shaping the discourse.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TzCvdCAaX8