thank you and new question
strambo said:
Personal responsibility is what it's all about...not legislated "responsibility."
I hesitate to quote just one person here, with all of the many warm and sincere welcome's I have received - yet I have to say this comment stands out as it was the topic my daughter chose for her college entrance essays when she was just beginning her college career (and after four years, and talk of more - I'm beginning to think it really IS her chosen "career"!!)
But thanks to all of you for such an understanding and open welcome. I do look forward to reading and participating on the boards.
A few answers to some of your questions. I have no idea if they play music videos on MTV - I don't watch it. One, I live waaaaaaaaaaay out in the middle of nowhere, and really have no desire to have satellite and of course cable isn't an option. Aside from that, MTV hasn't interested me in years, so wouldn't watch it even if I could. I did try and catch a few episodes of True Life after they finished filming and before the "I'm a Gun Owner" show was released - and it really scared me what I saw - almost came across as a twisted comedy - an "I can't believe they are putting this on television" kind of reaction. I truly believe that Shadowbox Films is the only reason this episode was presented as well as it was - we grew very fond of the film crew, and they adored Lennie and were determined to present her side as completely and fully as they were allowed. What I think most people watching the show don't stop to think about is that they (the film crew) were with us almost daily from August to October - the camera never stopped filming - on some days, literally from the moment we first opened our eyes (although both of them learned quickly to keep that danged camera out of my face until after I'd had my first couple cups of coffee!) The amount of footage that had to be weeded through and ultimately rejected was enormous - and certainly not a job I would have wanted to tackle. Justin and Dave have both commented that it was one of the hardest segments they have had to edit, as there was so much important and good material that they wanted to include - but couldn't. In some instances, the decisions were easy - for example, it has been questioned why the footage shot of her at the range in Virginia Beach was not used instead of showing her tinkering around at the farm with her Dad - a question I had as well, as it - at least to me - would have showed responsible gun ownership. But I never even had to raise the question - when I spoke with Justin just prior to the show airing, he told me that they had to cut out the segment at the range as the lighting was poor on the film, and consequently, the footage there was just not of high enough quality to be included. Sad - because that was the day she actually took her NRA class and received her certification, and I would really think that would have been beneficial to have included that. But regardless - there was a tremendous amount of things left out because they simply didn't have time to show it all ... As I stated before, I do wish they could have found a way to have presented her being a little "stronger" on film - but all in all, given the parameters they were given to work with by MTV, I think they held as true to their promise to present her side honestly as they could.
As for the comment "guys don't date girls that can shoot them." from the DNR article - my daughter and I are both clueless as to where that came from. My daughter is quite full of sarcastic humor - and we are guessing that it was taken from something that she meant as a joke, though neither of us really remember the conversation going off in that direction. I'm not going to say she didn't say that as I don't think Mr. Reynolds would have made up a quote out of thin air, but I will say it's never been a concern or issue, and left Lennie feeling a little betrayed when she read it. Not to mention the amount of email it generated - I am presuming from people going to the college website and locating her name and email address ... was a little unsettling that so many people had taken that one ridiculous quote as "an invitation" ...
As for being "brave" for taking on the whole MTV experience - well I am not sure brave is the proper word here. My daughter has shown strength and bravery to the point of leaving me in awe of her - those of you who have read the story of what happened to us know how difficult the next few years were for us, and how rationally and poignantly she refused to give up the fight. MTV was quite an experience, yes - but nothing compared to the road she had traveled to get to that point. Bottom line is - if "we" (and I use we collectively as those who believe in the sanctity of gun rights) don't stand up to the MTV stereotypical masses - then who will? It was a risk, yes - but risks are something that have never really intimidated my daughter, not when it involves something she believes in.
And lastly - I have asked my daughter to stop by, however, it may be awhile before she gets here. Couple things are taking a priority in her life right now. One, she has switched her major from political science to history with a minor in historical archeology, and as this is her fourth year - the workload is pretty intensive. Also, she has a steady guy in her life - so balancing the school work load and a social life leaves her pretty short on time. But aside from all of that - the MTV episode was very draining on her emotionally. For the last six years, Lennie has been in the "limelight" so to speak with her activism - and right now, more than anything, she just wants to lead the life of a normal college student. She just recently declined to even be quoted in "The Breeze" (the JMU school newspaper) because as she told the reporter with her polite but firm refusal: "
I just want to be normal for a while." She still wants to help out with the SAS - gun shows, meetings, etc, and she - in her own words - will never stop fighting for what she believes in ... but for now, she wants to be invisible for a while. Having been by her side throughout all of this - to be honest, it saddens me a little that she feels that way - Lennie is a powerful speaker, and it always gave my heart a little tug to watch her grasp her audience in the palm of her hand ... Yet, as her Mother, I can tell you that I respect decision 200% - she's more than earned the right to be anonymous for a while ...
With that said, anyone have any advice/knowledge on the Para-Ordance Warthog? Considering a purchase in the next few weeks, and have been really impressed with what I've read and researched on that particular model. Would be curious to hear from someone that has owned or fired one though ...
, we just send them to the chief. they can twist your words any way they want to. master manipulators.
Here you loose your CHL if you walk into a bar with your HG (granting that the establishment finds out and calls the coppers).
