It's important for new leftist gun owners, or those thinking of buying a gun, to keep in mind that firearms are an important, but small part of Community Defense.

If you own a gun as an abstract token of safety, then you are participating in reactionary fear culture.

If you own a gun solely to protect your life and property, that's valid, but no more so than any random NRA member.

Community Defense requires being a part of your community. That is why we engage in mutual aid — to put ourselves in touch with, and understand the needs of, the most vulnerable people in our society.

That is why we oppose racism and colorism, sexism and misogyny, queerphobia, and religious discrimination. So that we can stand as allies with all of the working class, rather than just its whitest parts.

The firearms are there to provide a backstop. As socialist projects become more successful, the government and reactionary forces will ramp up their violent oppression of socialists and workers.

Having armed and trained elements of the working class willing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the poor and minorities against oppression makes oppression more costly in terms of men and materiel. It forces the state's enforcers to think twice before using violence.

Community Defense gives you space to build power in the face of opposition.

And eventually, with luck, you will be powerful enough to win.