The Story of The Patriots’ Mercantile
About Us
Our Story
Over the Years
1776
The Birth of Our Nation
The Patriots’ Mercantile. On the surface the name may seem to be somewhat of an oxymoron; true mercantilism is that of government-controlled commerce. In the days preceding the establishment of the greatest country the world has ever known this is precisely the system that people were restricted to use. In its purest form control of product, price, origin and even destination was restricted by the King. As such, “We the People” had to be content with what and how business could be conducted. It is with little doubt that this system of commerce was at least contributory to the American Revolution and the resultant birth of our nation.
2003
The Story
Fast forward about 227 years. The year is now 2003, the internet is well established and e-commerce is going strong. I sought out and used a notable venue to procure a host of parts and components for my two favorite projects, one being the building of an experimental aircraft and the other being the reloading of ammunition. I am an avid target shooter and hunter. I also referred other people who were interested in reloading to this same venue. At the time, you were able to purchase everything that was needed except primers and powder. This includes all manner of tooling as well as cartridge brass, projectiles (bullets), shot, wads and empty hulls. This is no longer the case. Today you may with their blessing buy and sell the tooling, just not any of the pieces.
Forbid the fact that someone might actually want to use the tooling that they bought to complete a project such as making their own customized target ammunition. Other examples that used to be bought and sold include a variety of firearms parts and accessories, certain historic artifacts, and emblems. The reason that these items are prohibited, the same as the historic “mercantilism” – someone decided to restrict it. At least the original restrictive nature of mercantilism was motivated by good old-fashioned greed. It is hard to argue money as a motivator.
Present Day
The Patriot’s Mercantile
Today the root of restriction is far more sinister; goods are being banished for one of two underlying reasons. The first is because not all things are legal in all places, the second is even more of an assault on our freedoms – because someone might be offended by another’s wish to buy or sell some particular item. Rest assured there is still a venerable cornucopia of items available on this venue that many find offensive. Evidently that is of no concern to those making these decisions. Until now, as then, “We the People” have had little if any other option.
We at The Patriots’ Mercantile with “S’”, feel that it is not the place, obligation nor responsibility of the market place to restrict legal commerce based on local restrictions, let alone based on “sensitivities of feelings”. We are not the agent of any governmental department, bureau or agency. Nor are we self-appointed thought police. As such all patriots are free to post and purchase any and all legal goods and services. It is incumbent of those using this venue to be aware of and act in accordance with all applicable laws, ordinances, etc.
If you can own it so can someone else. Therefore, we have founded this venue so that an uncensored opportunity is available to all. Our advice to those who might be offended by a particular item such as a .22 K-Hornet case or something else – don’t search for it or stay with the modern version of the King’s mercantilism.
Best Regards,
The Patriots Mercantile