The Patriotic History of "We Will Not Comply"

The phrase "We Will Not Comply" has been making headlines recently, particularly in the context of the Second Amendment Sanctuary movement. While some have criticized this mantra as undemocratic and anti-American, the truth is that it has a long and patriotic history in American democratic discourse.

Voicing a collective refusal to comply with laws perceived as unconstitutional or unjust is a fundamental part of American democracy. In fact, this mantra helped set the stage for America as it exists today. From the Boston Tea Party to the Civil Rights Movement, Americans have a long history of standing up against unjust laws and policies.

The Second Amendment Sanctuary movement is just the latest example of this tradition. Over 100 Virginia counties and cities have passed measures denouncing—and in some cases, preemptively refusing to enforce—constitutionally suspect gun laws. Some Virginians at the rally began chants of "We will not comply," echoing the sentiments of Americans throughout history who have refused to comply with unjust laws.

Conservatives have been accused of trying to erase and rewrite US history, particularly in the context of the anti-Critical Race Theory movement. However, the truth is that Americans of all political persuasions have a long history of standing up against injustice and refusing to comply with unjust laws. This is a fundamental part of American democratic discourse, and it is something that we should all be proud of.

So the next time you hear someone chanting "We Will Not Comply," remember that this is a patriotic and democratic tradition that has helped shape America into the country it is today.