Is This Response from a State Rep the Wake-Up Call the 2A Movement Needs?

A supporter shared an email response they received from State Representative Arthur J. Corvese (District 55) regarding the proposed “Assault Weapons Ban” bill. We will highlight key excerpts and analyze their implications for the Second Amendment movement in Rhode Island.

---

Rep. Corvese: “Let me state at the outset that I am a fervent supporter of gun rights. Simply put, I believe the Second Amendment was placed there to protect the First Amendment.”

This opening statement is reassuring, but what follows highlights a stark reality. A strong belief in the Second Amendment means little without strategic action.

Rep. Corvese: “First, the ‘Assault Weapons Ban’ bill will not remain in the budget. It will be removed, and a state budget will be passed WITHOUT the bill in it.

Second, HB 5436, the ‘Assault Weapons Ban’ bill, has been submitted to allow this issue to be presented through a stand-alone bill, untethered to the budget. Unfortunately, it is my understanding there may be ‘Trojan Horse’ legislation within the bill that will outlaw certain handguns, also.”

Corvese is laying out what he believes will happen next. While removing the bill from the budget might seem like a temporary victory, it’s clear that the fight is far from over. The introduction of HB 5436 as a stand-alone bill ensures that the issue remains alive, and the possibility of hidden provisions targeting handguns means gun owners must stay vigilant. The opposition is always thinking a step ahead, so must we.

Rep. Corvese: “Third, the bill is going to pass and become law, and there is not a God damn thing you can do about it.”

This is not a defeatist statement—it’s a wake-up call. Corvese is acknowledging the political reality: the numbers are against us, and without coordinated effort, gun owners will continue to lose ground.

Rep. Corvese: “Because the so-called ‘leaders’ of the pro-Second Amendment movement in this state have become seemingly INEFFECTIVE.”

This is a blunt but necessary critique. Pro-gun advocates must reassess their strategies. If the current leadership isn’t getting results, it’s time for a new approach.

Rep. Corvese: “There are literally hundreds of Second Amendment supporters within the many Rod and Gun clubs from one end of this state to another, but NO ONE APPARENTLY HAS THE BRAINS OR THE BALLS TO ORGANIZE YOU.”

Harsh words—but is he wrong? The opposition is organized, visible, and vocal. Corvese underestimates the numbers—it’s not just hundreds, it’s likely thousands of gun owners within the clubs. The challenge isn’t willingness—it’s coordination. The energy is there, but without a structured effort and the right tools to mobilize, it remains untapped potential.

Rep. Corvese: “DO WHAT THE OPPOSITION DOES. ORGANIZE. PLAN. ENGAGE. RESIST.”

This is the core of the message. The anti-gun movement operates with a structured strategy, backed by powerful organizations, well-funded lobbying efforts, and a top-down network of activists. They have professional operatives, coordinated messaging, and relentless legislative pressure. Meanwhile, the pro-Second Amendment movement is truly grassroots—driven by everyday citizens who care about their rights. But without a structured effort to harness that passion, we risk being drowned out by a well-financed opposition.

Rep. Corvese: “I HAVE SEEN NOT ONE ‘YELLOW SHIRT’ ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE ESPOUSING OUR CAUSE, OR FIGHTING BACK, THIS YEAR.”

Visibility matters. The “red shirts” have made their presence known. Some claim that showing up is ineffective, that it’s a waste of time. But we cannot afford to take that attitude. Increasing pressure through presence is just as important as expanding strategic efforts like the disaffiliation campaign. Throwing our hands up in defeat is not an option—it’s poor advice. We must show up, engage, and make our voices impossible to ignore.

Rep. Corvese: “It only takes good men to do nothing for bad men to prevail.”

This classic quote rings true. Passivity is not an option.

Rep. Corvese: “In closing, I will be working against, and voting against, the ‘Assault Weapons Ban.'”

His stance is clear, but resistance alone is not enough—we must amplify these efforts by making our presence felt and forcing legislators to acknowledge the political cost of supporting anti-gun legislation.

---

Before you say “Screw that guy!”

It’s easy to react with frustration to Corvese’s words, but that would be missing the point. He’s not insulting us—he’s challenging us to prove him wrong. Instead of dismissing his criticism, we should channel that energy into action. Corvese believes the pro-2A movement is disorganized and ineffective; let’s show him otherwise. We need to stop reacting and start executing a plan that makes our movement impossible to ignore.

Where does RI Gun Rights fit into this?

Corvese’s response makes one thing clear: without a serious change in approach, gun owners will continue to lose their rights in Rhode Island. This is exactly why RI Gun Rights exists—not as an organization, but as a force multiplier. We are here to provide tools, infrastructure, and a clear path to action for activists and organizations who are ready to step up.

The Call to Action!

The disaffiliation campaign is the first step because it directly disrupts the political establishment’s ability to take gun owners for granted. Unlike other efforts that attempt to influence politicians already in office, disaffiliation is an offensive maneuver. It is not about making them earn our votes, but about ensuring they lose their seats. By infiltrating their primaries, we send a clear message: Push anti-gun laws, and we will remove you from power. Vote for anti-gun laws, and we will take the fight to your primary.

This isn’t about making threats—it’s about taking action. The political class assumes we are not a factor in their elections. It’s time to prove them wrong.