Author Pete Beringer is a firearms instructor and EMT extraordinaire. He migrated his family from NJ to TN and now truly understands the concealed carry lifestyle

I hope you are all doing well! WOW, there is so much going on in New Jersey, and the country right now! I’m not sure where to begin. The Supreme Court has shot down the “justifiable need” requirement for a carry permit. A great win for the six “may issue” states. This has been a costly and lengthy fight that has gone on wayyyy to long. Congratulations on this huge win!

If you spend any time on social media, I’m sure you have seen the massive amount of comments, questions, information, and misinformation going around. Let’s take a moment and talk about something very serious. Concealed Carry has been a very hot topic of discussion in New Jersey for many years. I’ve seen many posts and pictures from New Jerseyans traveling abroad that make me cringe. I get it. You feel great being able to express your 2^nd amendment right while in a free state. I have seen pictures of people showing off their guns with comments regarding how good it feels to not be restricted. The New Jersey governor and the media would have you believe the country’s  “free states” are like the old Wild West. This is simply not true. Not even a little bit.

Those of you that know me know I moved to Tennessee in April of last year. In the 14 months I’ve lived here, I think I’ve seen maybe two people openly carrying a sidearm. Why doesn’t everyone carry? Actually, many do. While we in New Jersey can’t stop talking about reclaiming a Constitutional right, it has been a non-issue in other states. It’s not a topic of conversation because it’s just a common thing here, and elsewhere. You put your shoes on in the morning, grab your keys, lunch and coffee, and head out the door. The same thing happens here, but with the addition of arming yourself if you so choose. 

The point I’m making is, in the coming months you are going to see a lot of discussion. Some good, and sadly, some destructive, to finally getting CCW restored. Be prepared, and politely educate those that are saying or doing things potentially harmful to our right to keep and BEAR arms. There will be a learning period with this that is quite understandable. Take it slow and one day at a time. I look forward to the day you casually leave home with your coffee, lunch, and sidearm.

Best regards, stay safe,

Pete