Editor: This is the last edition of The Tactical Wire for 2020. We’ll resume our newswires in the first week of 2021. Now, put on your helmet and fasten your seat belt as we continue into the Roaring 20’s …

(Read Tiger’s first part of this feature -- from December 2019 -- here.)

The first year of the “Roarin’ 20’s” turned out to be much more than anyone expected. 2020 has had so much packed into it it’s about to burst at the seams. And, the threads holding the seams together are getting thinner and weaker. There’s no longer any middle ground; everyone is being forced to pick a side.

“The virus” has drastically changed our world – and by that, I mean the U.S.A. The pandemic has been deadly for some, and it’s been perfect for advancing various political agendas - “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but I think both sides have used this emergency to advance their sides’ goals. Which goes back to what my good friend Dr. Lee, who is a pathologist, said at the beginning, “Don’t trust anything anyone says.” Far as I can tell this is still good advice.

Unemployment is high. Many are hopeful for more government stimulus, which may or may not come. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to run out. Dumping money is not the answer. Along with high rates of unemployment comes increased levels of crime. Protests have become boring, unless you happen to get caught in one. I predict these trends will continue. The “Left” is never going to be “left enough.” At some point they’ll start eating their own. The best advice here is avoid and escape.

There’s going to be a new administration in power. Some things are going to change drastically, especially when it comes to firearms. We’ve known from the beginning what their plans are for restricting the ownership of firearms, ammunition and our firearm rights. When asked about this in an interview Biden replied, "Bingo, you're right if you have an assault weapon. The fact of the matter is they should be illegal. Period.” Now, we’re waiting to see how far they’ll actually take it. In a flash a lot of what we take for granted will be “illegal,” or require hefty fees – “taxes” - to comply with their new “gun safety” regulations.

Knowing all of this, the question is, “How will you/we respond?” Can you afford to pay their “toll” in order to comply with the new legislation? Or, will you suddenly become a criminal, an outlaw, simply because of what you own, which up to this point has been completely legal? Getting involved in protecting our rights is going to be more critical than ever.

This next year is going to be difficult. As mentioned above, there is no more middle ground; you’re going to have to pick a side. Luckily, we do still live in America, the home of the free and the brave. We have legal options and avenues that other countries do not have. Hang tight, and cinch down your seatbelts – next year is going to be a bumpy ride.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.