Why?

Questioning the nature of firearms is the first step to obliterating their existence.
-J7

Think for Yourself:

Information is a basic human right, as is freedom of expression, freedom of speech. As a society, there must always be an arena for public discourse, we must allow for new ideas, for creativity and exploration, if we are to survive. In the past, others have told us that we need not concern ourselves with such matters. They would do the legwork for us, we would reap the benefits. Better living through chemistry, see the wonderous miracle of the atom, the glory of plastic. They would protect us, they would improve our lives, they knew what was best.

Only they didn't. Turns out they weren't the gods we made them out to be, they didn't know it all. Worse than that, they didn't always have our best interests at heart. Sometimes they lied to us, withheld information. Perhaps the side effects of smoking cigarettes, or using DDT, perhaps the downside to nuclear energy. Maybe a corporation didn't want the extra expense of seatbelts, until consumer advocates made it too unpleasant for them not to.

The truth is, just because someone is in a position of power or authority, doesn't mean they are right all the time. Look into it up for yourself, read up on it, learn as much as you can and make up your own mind. Question everyhing, don't take anything for granted. Because if you don't, if you just let other people speak for you, they will. And you might not always like what they have to say.

-MattX

Legacy By RyGuy

Legacy:

We have the means to end world hunger and cure a plethora of treatable diseases that have been allowed to reach epidemic levels in what were once termed "third world" countries. It would not take much money, comparatively, and it is certainly not beyond possibility. Yet governments and corporations continue to spend money and resources developing weapons and military technology, diverting funds that could be used for humanitarian aid, or at the very least, to address the issues of poverty within their own borders. Is this the legacy we will leave for future generations? The gift of bigger, better bombs?

-RyGuy (edited with permission by Matt X)

What Vanguard is about

Vanguard is an acronym for: Visual Artists Nurturing Greater Understanding and Awareness through Responsible Design. We are a collective, a coalition of artists from every discipline (photography, fine arts, graphic design, illustration ect.) who have decided to use our art to affect positive socio-political change. We have decided to use our natural gifts and abilities as a means of subverting the status quo, to raise social and political awareness, and hopefully to make a difference in the world we live in. What we do is polemic, cathartic, and ultimately hopeful. Art for change, art for resistance, and art for a better tommorow, for present and future generations.

We feel that art has a vital role to fulfill in society, it should be our conscience, a vehicle for public discourse and social commentary. We feel that it is our responsibility as artists to use our abilities responsibly. To use a twist on the old industrial adage, Better living through artistry.

Vanguard's aim is to criticize the current system based on factual, credible arguments through the use of various visual mediums. We will depict numerous social and political issues objectively and demonstrate their consequences on the quality of life. We advocate peaceful non-violent resistance, freedom of thought and speech. We directly oppose prejudice racism, and violence in any form. The issues we will address are:

-Human rights
-Freedom of speech
-Environmental concerns
-Globalization
-Consumerism
-Responsibility from governments,
corporations and citizens
-Animal rights

We plan on working closely with Non Profit Organizations and foundations and acting as a resource for artists wishing to be involved in these issues. We want to educate, stimulate and provoke meaningful discussions. We want to provide resources and information to those who would seek to make a difference in the
world around them. It's not too late, people can affect change, and Vanguard wants to be there every step of the way.