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  • Episode 175. Revitalizing the NRA: A New Era of Advocacy with John Richardson

    Episode 175. Revitalizing the NRA: A New Era of Advocacy with John Richardson
    2025/05/06

    Show Notes


    Episode 175. Revitalizing the NRA: A New Era of Advocacy with John Richardson


    In this conversation, Alex Ooley sits down with John Richardson to discuss the recent changes within the NRA, focusing on the importance of restoring trust among members, building value in membership, and collaborating with other gun rights organizations. He emphasizes the need for transparency and a grassroots approach to advocacy, particularly in engaging younger generations. The discussion also touches on the evolution of advocacy through blogging and the significance of the NRA 2.0 movement in shaping the future of the organization.


    Chapters

    00:00 NRA Board of Directors Election and Reform

    08:18 Restoring Trust in the NRA

    22:04 The Future of the NRA and Collaboration with Other Organizations

    33:37 The Value of Book Clubs and Discussions

    38:47 Cultural Shifts in Gun Rights Advocacy


    Resources:


    Original Live Recording from NRAAM

    https://www.youtube.com/live/FWsO1mHNrYM?si=6oQ0AUvbGMq1VVkF


    Only Guns and Money - Blog by John Richardson

    https://onlygunsandmoney.com/


    Previous Forge of Freedom Episodes with John Richardson

    https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-144-the-nras-fall-from-grace-corruption-trial-and-declining-influence/


    https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-149-goals-guns-and-the-nras-future/


    https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-166-nra-at-a-crossroads-with-john-richardson/


    Takeaways

    • The NRA needs to build value in its membership to attract new members.

    • Restoring trust is crucial after the fallout from litigation.

    • Financial transparency is essential for regaining member confidence.

    • Collaboration with other gun rights organizations can strengthen advocacy efforts.

    • Engaging younger generations is vital for the future of the NRA.

    • The NRA 2.0 movement represents a shift towards reform and transparency.

    • Grassroots advocacy is key to preserving Second Amendment rights.

    • The importance of showing tangible benefits for membership fees.

    • The NRA must take a firm stance against compromising on rights.

    • Bridging political divides can enhance the gun rights movement.


    Keywords

    NRA, gun rights, membership, transparency, advocacy, trust, collaboration, youth engagement, grassroots, litigation


    DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    38 分
  • Episode 174. Live Streaming from the NRA Annual Meeting

    Episode 174. Live Streaming from the NRA Annual Meeting
    2025/04/08

    Show Notes


    Episode 174. Live Streaming from the NRA Annual Meeting


    In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the upcoming NRA annual meeting in Atlanta, the internal politics and reform efforts within the NRA, and announces an upcoming episode focused on tariffs and economic insights. The conversation highlights the importance of the NRA in the Second Amendment movement and the need for reform to address past issues.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Live Streaming and NRA Annual Meeting

    05:51 NRA Annual Meeting Details and Guest Invitations

    09:02 Upcoming Episode on Tariffs and Economic Insights


    Resources


    NRAAM

    https://www.nraam.org/events/


    Forge of Freedom -- NRA - YouTube

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6_liiJJ_k4NgoT5yNSe6subWqvVN9cgo



    Takeaways

    • This is the first live streaming episode of the podcast.

    • The NRA annual meeting will be held in Atlanta from April 24th to 27th.

    • The podcast will feature live streaming from the NRA event.

    • Alex Ooley will be joined by guests during the live stream.

    • The NRA has faced internal turmoil and legal challenges recently.

    • Reform candidates are running to address issues within the NRA.

    • A playlist of previous NRA-related episodes is available on YouTube.

    • An upcoming episode will discuss tariffs and their implications.

    • William will provide insights on tariffs from an economic perspective.

    • Engagement with listeners is a key focus of the podcast.


    Keywords

    NRA, live streaming, Second Amendment, reform, tariffs, economics, podcast, freedom


    DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    11 分
  • Episode 173. Poland's History of Courage and Its Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Lawrence Reed)

    Episode 173. Poland's History of Courage and Its Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Lawrence Reed)
    2025/03/31
    Show NotesEpisode 173. Poland's History of Courage and Its Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict (with Lawrence Reed)In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley speaks with Lawrence (“Larry”) Reed about Poland's historical resilience and its current role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They discuss Poland's courageous legacy, particularly the story of Witold Pilecki, who infiltrated Auschwitz to expose Nazi atrocities. The conversation also covers Poland's humanitarian response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, public sentiment regarding NATO, and the importance of freedom and resistance against tyranny. Reed emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in safeguarding liberties and the growing influence of Poland in Europe.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Poland's Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict02:53 Larry Reed's Connection to Poland and Historical Context05:18 The Blinking Lights Project and Its Significance08:14 Poland's Historical Resistance to Oppression10:43 Witold Pilecki: A Hero of Courage and Resistance13:27 The Brutality of Soviet Occupation vs. Nazi Occupation15:59 Poland's Current Stance on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict18:41 Poland's Humanitarian Response to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis21:35 The Historical Relationship Between Poland and Ukraine24:11 Conclusion: Lessons from Poland's History for the Future31:20 Understanding Putin's Intentions34:09 Poland's Perspective on NATO and Ukraine37:14 Public Sentiment in Poland Regarding Ukraine39:33 The Role of the United States in European Defense41:35 Ukraine's Internal Struggles vs. External Threats44:50 The Historical Context of Ukrainian Suffering47:24 Poland's Humanitarian Response to Ukraine49:14 Future Outlook for Poland and Europe55:02 A Message to the Polish People58:10 Closing Thoughts and Reflections​​ResourcesLawrence W. Reedhttps://www.lawrencewreed.com/https://fee.org/people/lawrence-w-reed/ FEE’s President Emeritus Lawrence Reed to be Honored in Warsaw and Receive Order of Merit - FEEhttps://fee.org/resources/fee-s-president-emeritus-lawrence-reed-to-be-honored-in-warsaw-and-receive-order-of-merit/ A Tribute to the Polish Peoplehttps://fee.org/articles/a-tribute-to-the-polish-people/ Lawrence W. Reed: Statement to the President of Polandhttps://fee.org/articles/lawrence-w-reed-statement-to-the-president-of-poland/ Real Heroes: Inspiring True Stories of Courage, Character, and Conviction – FEE Storehttps://store.fee.org/products/real-heroes?_gl=1*1yle19c*_gcl_au*MTIxOTE4NzI5OC4xNzQyMjk5OTcx Witold Pilecki: Bravery Beyond Measurehttps://fee.org/articles/he-volunteered-to-go-to-auschwitz/ Pilecki's Reporthttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold%27s_Reporthttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt11912616/ Holodomorhttps://fee.org/articles/the-hero-of-the-holodomor-who-exposed-stalin-s-horrors-and-paid-with-his-life/https://fee.org/articles/holodomor-memorial-day-in-ukraine-and-around-the-globe/https://fee.org/shows/video/out-of-frame/the-holocaust-the-new-york-times-ignored/ Mr. Joneshttps://www.amazon.com/Mr-Jones-James-Norton/dp/B089XVJB9Shttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt6828390/ Lawrence Reed on Courage, Suffering, and Faith - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM7HGovBd5I Episode 40. Are We Good Enough for Liberty? by Lawrence Reed – The Forge of Freedomhttps://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-40-are-we-good-enough-for-liberty-by-lawrence-reed/ Our Job Is to Build Fires in the Darkness | Mises Institutehttps://mises.org/power-market/our-job-build-fires-darknessDISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    1 時間
  • Episode 172. Federal Firearm Rights and Indiana's Hindsight Ruling

    Episode 172. Federal Firearm Rights and Indiana's Hindsight Ruling
    2025/03/24

    Show Notes

    Episode 172. Federal Firearm Rights and Indiana's Hindsight Ruling

    In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses two main topics: the restoration of firearm rights under federal law and a recent Indiana Supreme Court case, Turner v. State, which addresses self-defense laws. Ooley explains the implications of a recent announcement that could revive the process for individuals with federal convictions to restore their firearm rights. He then delves into the complexities of self-defense law in Indiana, particularly focusing on the Turner case, where the court ruled on the reasonableness of a defendant's actions in a self-defense situation. Ooley provides insights into the legal standards for self-defense and critiques the court's rationale in the Turner case, emphasizing the importance of understanding self-defense dynamics.

    Chapters

    00:00 Restoration of Firearm Rights

    06:28 Self-Defense Law in Indiana

    22:35 Analysis of Turner v. State Case

    Resources

    18 USC 925(c)

    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/925

    Indiana General Assembly (IC 35-41-3)

    https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/35#35-41-3

    Turner v. State

    https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/supreme-court/2025/24s-cr-00147.html

    Other resources re Turner case

    https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2025/03/13/indiana-supreme-court-overturns-conviction-and-strengthens-states-self-defense-laws-n1227971

    https://x.com/guyrelford/status/1900865243728773247

    https://omny.fm/shows/the-gun-guy-podcast/the-gun-guy-full-show-3-15-25#description

    https://reason.com/volokh/2025/03/14/indiana-defendants-get-benefit-of-hindsight-when-it-reveals-their-conduct-was-necessary-in-self-defense/

    Bench Trial v. Jury Trial

    https://gundigest.com/handguns/personal-defense/self-defense-trial-bench-or-jury

    Takeaways

    • Restoration of firearm rights is gaining new momentum.

    • Federal law allows for relief from firearm possession disabilities.

    • Self-defense laws vary significantly by state.

    • The Turner v. State case highlights the complexities of self-defense.

    • Subjective and objective reasonableness are key in self-defense cases.

    • The court's decision in Turner raises questions about hindsight in self-defense.

    • Understanding self-defense law is crucial for personal safety.

    • The Indiana Supreme Court's ruling could set a precedent.

    • Legal interpretations can complicate self-defense claims.

    • Public safety considerations are central to firearm rights discussions.

    Keywords

    firearm rights, self-defense, Indiana law, Turner v. State, legal analysis, gun control, self-defense statute, public safety, legal precedent, criminal justice

    DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    31 分
  • Episode 171. Liberty as a Life Philosophy

    Episode 171. Liberty as a Life Philosophy
    2025/03/10

    Show Notes

    Episode 171. Liberty as a Life Philosophy

    In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley shares insights from Lawrence Reed's essay, 'Liberty as a Life Philosophy.' The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-governance, personal responsibility, and the moral imperative of liberty. Ooley explores how individuals can embody liberty in their lives and advocate for it effectively, while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of living a life committed to freedom.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Liberty as a Life Philosophy

    06:12 Liberty as a Life Philosophy: Commitment and Consistency

    11:51 Interpersonal Relationships and Mutual Respect

    18:05 Effective Advocacy for Liberty

    25:07 Personal Reflections and the Journey of Liberty

    30:06 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Resources

    Liberty as a Life Philosophy

    https://fee.org/articles/liberty-as-a-life-philosophy/

    Are We Good Enough for Liberty?

    https://fee.org/ebooks/are-we-good-enough-for-liberty#link-10

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJC77He8bMo&t=389s

    Aristotle's 12 Virtues

    https://forgeoffreedom.com/episode-20-aristotles-12-virtues-and-the-good-life/

    Takeaways

    • Liberty requires self-reflection and personal responsibility.

    • The justification for government is based on the assumption that people are not inherently good.

    • A commitment to liberty must be consistent across all aspects of life.

    • Self-perception plays a crucial role in how we embrace liberty.

    • Interpersonal relationships should be based on mutual respect and understanding.

    • Character and personal integrity are essential for advocates of liberty.

    • Effective communication is key to promoting liberty.

    • Humor can be a powerful tool in discussions about liberty.

    • Building alliances is more effective than creating divisions within the liberty movement.

    • Embracing liberty as a life philosophy can inspire others to do the same.

    Keywords

    liberty, self-governance, personal responsibility, life philosophy, advocacy, character, individuality, interpersonal relationships, moral imperative, effective communication

    DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    34 分
  • Episode 170. Being Responsibly Armed: Ethics, Training, and Freedom (with Dr. David Yamane)

    Episode 170. Being Responsibly Armed: Ethics, Training, and Freedom (with Dr. David Yamane)
    2025/03/04
    Show Notes Episode 170. Being Responsibly Armed: Ethics, Training, and Freedom (with Dr. David Yamane) In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley engages with Dr. David Yamane, a sociology professor and author of 'Gun Curious.' They explore the complexities of responsible gun ownership, the evolution of gun culture, and the ethical dimensions of self-defense. Dr. Yamane shares his personal journey into firearms, the importance of training, and the societal implications of being responsibly armed. The conversation emphasizes the need for a thoughtful approach to gun ownership, advocating for education and responsibility among gun owners to foster a safer society. Chapters00:00 Exploring Responsibility in Gun Ownership07:21 Understanding Gun Culture 2.013:36 The Importance of Training and Skill25:10 Defining Responsible Gun Ownership35:19 Ethics and Justifiable Use of Force37:59 Combat Mindset and Preparedness42:47 The Toolkit for Defensive Options45:56 The Costs of Using Force50:28 Responsible Gun Ownership and Freedom52:54 Teaching Gun Safety and Culture56:46 The Role of Armed Citizens in Society Resources Light Over Heat Substackhttps://lightoverheat.substack.com/about Gun Culture 2.0https://gunculture2point0.com/about/ https://gunculture2point0.com/2024/07/30/bibliography-and-videography-of-my-major-works-on-guns-and-gun-culture/ Socials for Professor David Yamanehttps://www.facebook.com/GunCulture2Point0/ https://x.com/gunculture2pt0 https://www.instagram.com/gunculture2pt0/ https://www.youtube.com/@LightOverHeat/videos Books (Gun Curious and Concealed Carry Revolution)https://www.amazon.com/Gun-Curious-Professors-Surprising-Americas/dp/1476695873 https://www.amazon.com/Concealed-Carry-Revolution-Liberalizing-America/dp/096003837X/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=ystig&content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&pf_rd_r=130-7501097-1279548&pd_rd_wg=VPcRU&pd_rd_r=9ffe6aed-822f-48b3-9be6-3fa587f53127&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk Psychology Today Exchange with Michael Austinhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ethics-for-everyone/201905/a-counterargument-to-virtue-and-guns https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ethics-everyone/201804/good-guy-gun Gun Curious: An Honest Book With Great Takeaways For Gun Ownershttps://bearingarms.com/ranjit-singh/2024/09/01/gun-curious-an-honest-book-with-great-takeaways-for-gun-owners-n1226112 Other Resourceshttps://gunculture2point0.com/2024/05/29/what-the-professor-learned-in-his-surprising-journey-inside-gun-culture/ https://gunculture2point0.wordpress.com/2023/06/23/my-podcast-appearances-cumulative-list-and-links/ Sound Bites"The gun is a tool of last resort.""Thinkers before shooters.""Rights come with responsibilities." TakeawaysResponsible gun ownership requires training and education.Gun Culture 2.0 emphasizes self-defense and responsible ownership.Owning a gun does not equate to being a skilled user.Training helps develop the mindset needed for self-defense.Ethical considerations are crucial in the use of firearms.Understanding the law is essential for responsible gun ownership.A robust toolkit for defense includes non-lethal options.Cognitive dissonance can lead to productive conversations about guns.Promoting responsibility can reduce calls for mandatory training.Engaging in civil discourse is vital for understanding gun culture. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    1 時間 7 分
  • Episode 169. The Difference Between the Private and Public Sector

    Episode 169. The Difference Between the Private and Public Sector
    2025/02/17

    Show Notes

    Episode 169. The Difference Between the Private and Public Sector

    In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the fundamental principles of government, private property, and the free market. He emphasizes the detrimental effects of government on human prosperity and freedom, advocating for a reduction in government size and influence. Ooley contrasts the private and public sectors, highlighting the inefficiencies and coercive nature of government operations compared to the voluntary exchanges in the market. He also explores the implications of democracy on economic systems and the inherent flaws in socialist models. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of the state and the importance of individual conscience in governance.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Government and Property Rights

    02:55 The Role of Government in Economic Prosperity

    06:00 Private vs Public Sector: Understanding the Differences

    11:52 The Impact of Democracy on Economic Systems

    18:13 The Nature of the State and Economic Means

    24:08 Conclusion and Reflections on Freedom

    Takeaways

    • The right to self-ownership and private property is essential.
    • Government often hinders economic freedom and prosperity.
    • Cuts to government can be beneficial if they reduce waste.
    • The private sector operates on voluntary exchanges, unlike the public sector.
    • Public goods are not truly free; they are funded by taxes.
    • Democracy can lead to the majority living at the expense of the minority.
    • The state is fundamentally a coercive entity.
    • Socialism fails due to the absence of a pricing mechanism.
    • Economic calculation is impossible in a socialist system.
    • Individual conscience should guide governance, not blind obedience.

    Keywords

    government, private property, free market, economic prosperity, public sector, democracy, capitalism, voluntary exchange, socialism, economic calculation problem

    DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    28 分
  • Episode 168. Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker: The Fight for Gun Rights and Voices for Change at the NRA

    Episode 168. Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker: The Fight for Gun Rights and Voices for Change at the NRA
    2025/02/03
    Show Notes Episode 168. Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker: The Fight for Gun Rights and Voices for Change at the NRA In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, host Alex Ooley discusses the current state of the NRA with guests Amanda Suffecool and Theresa Inacker. They delve into the ongoing reform efforts within the NRA, the challenges faced by gun rights advocates, and the importance of grassroots activism. Amanda shares her journey to becoming a board member, while Theresa discusses her advocacy work in New Jersey. The conversation highlights the need for transparency, effective marketing, and collaboration with state organizations to restore the NRA's mission and member confidence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guests and NRA Context 02:52 Amanda Suffecool's Journey to the NRA Board 05:45 Theresa Inacker's Advocacy in New Jersey 12:04 Grassroots Efforts and Legal Battles 15:06 NRA Board Elections and Reform Strategies 20:54 Challenges Faced by the NRA and the Old Guard 27:10 The Importance of Transparency in the NRA 29:21 The Call for Transparency and Change 30:30 Debating the Size of the NRA Board 39:42 Legal Challenges and Organizational Mission 46:38 Restoring Trust and Membership 52:45 Marketing and Communication Strategies ​​Resources Elect a New NRA https://electanewnra.com/ Theresa Inacker https://x.com/theresainacker https://electanewnra.com/inacker/ https://www.news2a.com/author/tinacker/ https://linktr.ee/theresainacker https://www.scotusblog.com/2022/07/from-constitutional-orphan-to-treasured-heirloom-the-second-amendment-is-no-longer-a-second-class-right/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMDWwNuacYY https://www.instagram.com/theresa.inacker Amanda Suffecool http://eyeonthetargetradio.com/ https://www.facebook.com/amanda.suffecool/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-ZM8ageqjM&t=1642s https://gunculture2point0.com/2024/05/20/nra-at-the-crossroads/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIvuM_JHFNM&t=1s https://www.firearmtrainerpodcast.com/2021/05/10/ep-113-the-dc-project-and-why-its-important/ Other resources https://nraindanger.wordpress.com/2025/01/07/if-you-wonder-how-much-damage-the-cabal-did-to-nra/ https://www.womenforgunrights.org/about/ https://onlygunsandmoney.com/?p=186 Takeaways Amanda Suffecool emphasizes her desire to use her skills for NRA reform. Theresa Inacker has been actively fighting for gun rights in New Jersey. Grassroots efforts are crucial for the NRA's success. The NRA needs to focus on transparency to regain member trust. The upcoming elections are critical for the future of the NRA. A smaller, more effective board could enhance decision-making. Legal battles are ongoing and require member support. Marketing efforts must be revitalized to attract new members. Collaboration with state organizations is essential for advocacy. The organization must return to its core mission of defending gun rights. Keywords NRA, gun rights, reform, Amanda Suffecool, Teresa Inacker, board of directors, transparency, grassroots advocacy, elections, legal battles DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
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    57 分