Does this site depress anyone else?

[NCBUSA]

Just thought I would share some feelings.

Quick BIO: I’m in my mid 30’s, married with 2 children and one on the way. Live in central NC and have been an active shooter X 20 years. In love with the “evil black gun” and variants. College educated with multiple degrees/honors (cum laude from UNC). NRA instructor and NC CCH instructor. Registered nurse working in psychiatry/substance abuse treatment. Most importantly, AMERICAN BY BIRTH (southern by the grace of God).

This is my first post (I think) though I have been lurking here for years. Lack of posts here is directly proportional to the thickness of aluminum foil wrapping my head . I have been an active reader in the Legal and Political section in particular. However, most of the times I end up logging off with feelings of disgust and sadness. I suppose it kind of like watching a train wreck, you just can’t turn away.

A lot of the posts regarding the abuses of the judicial system are horrid, yet I keep reading. The posts speaking about the stripping away of the second amendment rights are very bothersome in deed. I try to empathize with the post’s writers (or subjects) and imagine what I would do in similar circumstances (i.e. Illinois man detained my mall security). I would probably not fair well in that context, reverting to a more primal “fight or flight” mixed with “righteous indignation”.

What saddens me most is the probable pointless nature of our purpose. I would really like to believe that I/we could be successful in turning the tide of public opinion before it becomes totally futile. However, We (NRA withstanding) don’t have the political pull or exposure that is required. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but if that tool never reaches the “anti’s”, we are only reinforcing OUR OWN beliefs. I’m afraid that nothing competes with the boob tube that the masses seem so fond of. The public media doesn’t skip any opportunity to put a little anti-gun “spin” wherever they are able. If you can convince the majority that “X” is really “Y”, it doesn’t take long before “X” is forever changed to “Y”. It’s the whole death of a thousand cuts principle.

For example, it seems the latest buzzwords revolves around “saving the children”. Now, “saving the children” is a worth goal in deed and I suspect everyone would agree. However, if they were really interested in saving the children they would outlaw swimming pools or bicycles. But then, swimming pools and bicycles don’t have the proper “bite” to get ratings up.

I know I’m preaching to the choir. Does this site (or others) depress anyone else or am I just overly sensitive?

I just had to share and thanks for letting me vent. If anyone central to NC ever wants to shoot or needs a CCH class send me a PM.

Chris

 

[gunsmith]

Great first post, thanks.

Yes it can be depressing, but I know how to make it worse, I would just move back home to NYC.

The way I feel is, that even if your in a war against overwhelming odd's you just don't give up and let the enemy kill you.

 

[NCBUSA]

Thanks

I’m just feeling tired of the fight I guess. I’m a fairly articulate person and I pretty good at framing an argument. I try to be open and honest when talking to fence sitters, it just seems that the battle is all up hill most of the time.

A lot of people that I talk to already believe in restrictions that are, up to this point, fictional. I try to emphasize the aspect that the 2nd amendment is for everyone. I try to put in a way that they see it is their own personal RIGHT, as people normally want what they are ENTITLED too. People also pay more attention if they have a personal stake in what you are talking about.

However, it seems that we have already lost so much proverbial ground it makes it hard to get a foothold with people. I don’t want to get started on my dummy-ing down of our great society, but that’s where if fear the biggest problem lies. It is all too easy to let yourself be told what to believe, rather that think for oneself. Unfortunately, far too many people take the easy way out, and the “talking heads” KNOW IT.

 

[Baba Louie]

I’m just feeling tired of the fight I guess.

Never give up. Never surrender. (Love that movie) Some things are worth fighting for. Some things are even worth dying for. Belief in Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness, Equal Law and Justice for All are all ideals, extremely HIGH ideals that are, as someone once put it "We Hold these Truths to be Self Evident...", an almost religious creed penned into a few words, upon which, our nation was founded.

Keep the faith baby (Love that movie too). Old Louis L'Amour often wrote that man is only as strong as his enemies. Thus, the stronger your enemy, the more reason you have to resist and/or defeat.

Remember your history lessons as to the founding of this nation and all that that action has wrought, some bad, true... a whole lot more, good. Maybe more than any other people on the face of the planet, founded by men who KNEW their history and philosphy, who knew human nature... followed by men and women who were "stayers", millions of whom "died trying" to make their world a better place for their having passed through.

That's about all you can do, besides teaching your children and one or two others to value the same creed our forefathers fought and died for. Men and women who continue to fight and die today. They're probably tired too.

At the same time, we must watch and guide those elected into office, to make sure that they not only believe in the same values, but that they ACT on those values, instead of lining their pockets with gold for business' sake at the expense of the individual. Another fight worth the effort. In fact, I'd call that, "THE" fight Supreme. (Now, if we could only do something about the judicial system as well)

So if you get tired, exercise some more. Get in shape.
By finally posting, I think you might be ready.

So I say, "welcome to THR, NCBUSA". Ever notice the number of members on board as opposed to the number of visitors? Usually it's something like a 1 to 4 ratio. A lot of people lurk, read and learn. Hopefully they all get something out of the time spent and will someday join in the fight... or at least in the discussion. Every journey begins with the first step.

 

[Preacherman]

In Africa we have a saying: "How do you eat an elephant? Mouthful by mouthful!" In other words, when a monumental task confronts you, start by breaking it down into manageable segments, and tackle each in turn.

Yes, there are significant problems and abuses in our legal and political system: but there are also many good things. We've won some major battles in the past twenty years or so. Back in 1986, how many states allowed legal concealed carry? In 2006, how many states do this? You see - already there's a major victory for our side.

Sure, the battle never ends, and sure, it's sometimes depressing to see the stupidity and blind idiocy of others. However, if we let that stop us trying, we may as well go and live in a socialist paradise somewhere else in the world. Our Founding Fathers didn't hesitate to take on the greatest empire in the world to gain their - and our - freedom. Let's take heart from their example, and follow it!

 

[Waitone]

I think reality will intrude on our society thereby giving blissninnies a case of the vapors. Think back to 11 Sept 2001. For the first time in a long time Americans were and believed they were vulnerable. Many headed to the gunshop only to be told:
--gotta wait to pick it up
--mags hold no more than 10 rounds
--why can't I buy a black rifle
--what background check
--and so forth

Reality intruded and for the first time for a number of people they learned they were lucky enough to live in a country that lets the little people arm themselves then places obstacles in the way of doing so. The second amendment increased in stature that september day. I have every expectation there will be a repeat and the response will be just the same.

 

[Kingcreek]

. Does this site (or others) depress anyone else or am I just overly sensitive?

Nope. No depression here, but thanks for asking.
Are you overly sensitive? Dunno, I'm not qualified to answer that one. (I do know my past episodes of depression were completely resolved by improved diet and lifestyle.)

The Internet is a wonderful tool, but if that tool never reaches the “anti’s”, we are only reinforcing OUR OWN beliefs.

We don't have to reach the "anti's". We just have to keep reaching more of the neutral, middle ground, uninformed, fence-sitters. That is really the largest group.
Welcome to THR

 

[Barbara]

I'm not seeing much cause for disappointment. A lot of work to do, yes, but if you think back to '99 and the constant drum beat for gun control, and then you think about how many people got their leftist tushes voted out of office for that, then you see, we're making progress. As Preacherman said, nearly every state allows you to carry. Is that a full restoration of our 2A rights? No, of course not, but it is a long way on the road. We're currently in a good position in most places in the country.

I've said all along this will be a cultural battle, more than a legal one. And the cultural issue is the one we have to be the most wary of. We have to get kids involved. Absolutely have to, or there's no point in doing any work right now. And I don't mean kids whose parents shoot..too many kids growing up in urban areas only see guns in a negative light, or their parents don't have any interest in shooting or hunting, so its never an issue they support. We have to change that.

And you know, I know there are those of you who say that gun rights have no relationship to hunting or sporting clays or whatever, but I disagree. Part of my initial reason for getting involved gun rights was the fact that every night on the news I'd see people claiming that guns were evil and you were likely to be killed if you had one in your house. I'd grown up around guns, probably had a dozen or so in my house around that time..all but one long guns, I think, and even though I didn't know anything about guns, I knew that line was a bunch of hooey. Had I grown up in a different area without influence from hunters and sport shooters, I may never have given the claims a second thought.

 

[Barbara]

I will say that if you are concerned, you need to become personally involved..its not difficult and even an hour or two a month would be a huge help.

 

[Knotthead]

It is all too easy to let yourself be told what to believe, rather that(sic) think for oneself.

I think that you have identified the problem here. This mindset is fostered by our educational system, where it has become easier to indoctrinate students than teach them to think for themselves. Consequently, most people don't learn how to think for themselves until several years after they leave school, if ever. Thus they are ready to accept without question claims made by perceived authorities. Organizations such as the Brady Campaign rely on this tendency, which allows them to make assertions based upon misconstrued statistics and unsupported claims, which go unchallenged.

 

[Baba Louie]

NCBUSA... Just re-reading the thread again, a little more carefully this time and I noticed...

Quick BIO: I’m in my mid 30’s, married with 2 children and one on the way. Live in central NC and have been an active shooter X 20 years. In love with the “evil black gun” and variants. College educated with multiple degrees/honors (cum laude from UNC). NRA instructor and NC CCH instructor. Registered nurse working in psychiatry/substance abuse treatment. Most importantly, AMERICAN BY BIRTH (southern by the grace of God).

Reading that again, I feel that You ARE part of the solution and have a reason or twelve, not to be depressed, but to exhibit JOY and Delight in sharing what you ARE with your children and ALL of those you come in contact with, who come to YOU to learn, who come to YOU for help.

I wish I had half of what you have to offer society (don't know that I've got what it takes to help substance abuse patients... that takes special people, and I'm certainly not gifted in that direction).

No need to be depressed, methinks. Here you sing with the choir. It's elsewhere our work and words should be spread and I think you probably do it daily, at home, at work and in what little spare time you devote to the shooting sports/education of others.

I have to thank you for all you've done and will continue to do. The world, to some degree, has always sucked (here and there from time to time). It's what you do with the time you've got and what you leave behind that counts.

Carry on. Please.

 

[utahminirevolver]

This may cheer us up:

(it's from www.texasminutemen.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10504)

Hope For Liberals

Hans-Hilger Ropers, at Max Planck Institute in Berlin has tested a pill to help stabilize short-term memory and improve attentiveness (only in mice and fruit flies, so far), dubbed the world's first anti-stupidity pill.

 

[bumm]

Actually, as has been pointed out, in recent years, we've managed to turn the tide against gun control just a bit. Like the anti's have nibbled away at our rights with so much effect, we have to nibble back.
Things could well turn around over the next few years if Democrats gain control of the Senate and House, and possibly the presidency, depending on which pundits turn out to be forcasting correctly. However, we can keep up the good fight.
In this forum, we are indeed preaching to the choir. Even the most eloquent posts will win over very few fence sitters. I often take the opportunity in other forums (usually for me, astronomy groups,) to argue our case when the opportunity comes up. One can't just post off topic... very bad form, and it will lose points. However, when one sees the chance to argue against restrictive gun laws, by all means TAKE IT! That's a chance to present our case to people who haven't already committed themselves to one side or the other. Just be polite, freindly and diplomatic. Remember, most anti's are pretty much a lost cause. We need to make freinds with those who are open to discussion.
Marty

 

[longeyes]

I think reality will intrude on our society thereby giving blissninnies a case of the vapors. Think back to 11 Sept 2001. For the first time in a long time Americans were and believed they were vulnerable. Many headed to the gunshop only to be told:
--gotta wait to pick it up
--mags hold no more than 10 rounds
--why can't I buy a black rifle
--what background check
--and so forth

Reality intruded and for the first time for a number of people they learned they were lucky enough to live in a country that lets the little people arm themselves then places obstacles in the way of doing so. The second amendment increased in stature that september day. I have every expectation there will be a repeat and the response will be just the same.

Don't despair: Catastrophe is your friend. Americans are complacent and in denial. Reality's stomach is growling; it's getting ready to bite.

 

[hillbilly]

NCBUSA.

On the one hand I sort of understand what you said in your post. I do know what it's like to get tired.

But on the other.....well, please understand that I'm going to say the following in a spirit of love.





Tired of the fight? You're TIRED??

NCBUSA, we've been winning fight after fight lately and you're TIRED??????

You write the following:

" However, We (NRA withstanding) don’t have the political pull or exposure that is required. The Internet is a wonderful tool, but if that tool never reaches the “anti’s”, we are only reinforcing OUR OWN beliefs. I’m afraid that nothing competes with the boob tube that the masses seem so fond of. The public media doesn’t skip any opportunity to put a little anti-gun “spin” wherever they are able. If you can convince the majority that “X” is really “Y”, it doesn’t take long before “X” is forever changed to “Y”. It’s the whole death of a thousand cuts principle. "


Have you checked how many states have gotten CCW laws passed in the last 10 years? Are you aware of how few states do not allow CCW now?

Are you aware that states like Tennessee and Georgia now offer shooting sports as varsity high school sports?

You do know that the Assault Weapons Ban is dead, dead, dead, right?

You have seen the House and Senate passing anti-emergency confiscation laws in the last few months, right?

You are, as you say, a long-time lurker on this site. Are you aware of how quickly the membership on this site has grown in the last couple of years?

Have you not read all the accounts of folks who post on this site who were either antis or at best, fence-sitters before they got into it a bit? (Maybe you ought to spend less time in the Legal and Political?????)

Do you know that the membership in the NRA has never been higher?

Have you not seen story after story after story after story about the growth in the number of women involved in shooting and CCW and the shooting sports?


NCBUSA, I want to say that my bio is a lot like yours.

I'm in my mid-30s. I'm an NRA Instructor and an Arkansas CCW instructor and I also coach a rifle team. I've got college degrees, and I'm a faculty member at a public college. I work in the belly of the proverbial beast in that respect.

But now is not the time to be tired, NCBUSA.

Now is the time to fight harder than ever, for we do have actual victories to look back on in the recent past.

Instead of being tired, I've started a college club air rifle team and begun recruiting shooters at my college. I've got other things in the works that are on the verge of happening in the near future.

I do fully understand the natural human tendency to get tired and down.

But, NCBUSA, now is not the time to get tired. Now is not the time to get down.

Now is the time to fight unlike we've ever fought before.

hillbilly

 

[bg]

You know things are rough. A lot of people and groups
would like the see gun banisment here and now..However
I take simple joy in sometimes reading how one of the
female gender has taken up safe and responsible training
and shooting. Same with young people. Parents take
their sons & daughters out and teach them to shoot in
a safe and responsible way as well. To me that's a great
sign that there is still a place for our hobby / lifestyle.

We try to fight the good fight and enjoy those little
positive rewards with the family that present themselves
once a good day has ended going to the range or out
to the desert etc, for some fun shooting.

I feel in the long run, thats hard to beat..

 

[FrogClan]

We don't have to reach the "anti's". We just have to keep reaching more of the neutral, middle ground, uninformed, fence-sitters. That is really the largest group.

Right on. The esteemed opposition has made up its mind and will not be swayed by argument or reason. That is all there is to it. Might as well try turning a Southern Baptist into a Catholic.

The fertile ground is the vast majority of folks with no firm opinion yet, and who are willing to listen to quiet discussion.

As for whether or not this site is depressing.... it can happen anytime you immerse yourself in one particular aspect of anything. Watch Jerry Springer non-stop for a few days and you would have the idea the fringe of our society was the main stream.

Maintain balance (moderation in all things, as the philosopher said), but don't lose focus.

 

[JohnBT]

"However, most of the times I end up logging off with feelings of disgust and sadness. I suppose it kind of like watching a train wreck, you just can’t turn away."

I wish I had your self control. Or more tinfoil.

John

 

[antarti]

I have been an active reader in the Legal and Political section in particular. However, most of the times I end up logging off with feelings of disgust and sadness. I suppose it kind of like watching a train wreck, you just can’t turn away.

Do what I did:

Take a 2 month sabbatical from all internet forums, real-life groups, obligations (except work), etc. Spend time with family and friends relaxing and enjoying the good life we have as much as possible. Recharge your batteries.

You'll realize the world didn't go to hell in a handbasket while you were out, and the same things are getting discussed, so you really didn't miss anything.

 

[JesseJames]

I'd like to commend you on your thoughts. Welcome to the board.
Being a firearms enthusiast is difficult these days. I've never really understood how much power the mass media had until I really started to pay attention.
It can get disheartening at times. Thank goodness for the mid-west where the gun tradition is alive and well and will hopefully stay strong and vibrant.
I am EXTREMELY cautious in who I tell that I am a firearms aficionado. Those initial looks of, "Man, don't go nuts and shoot us all." from people that don't know any better makes it more disheartening.

But I've gotten a second wind. This site sure has been a relief. Finally, a place to discuss all things GUN! With sensible people at that!
This former fencesitter is now an NRA member and I plan to get more involved as much as I can. I plan on getting into competition shoots and will try to enlarge the sphere of good values of firearms training to all those wish to learn one of the great American traditions.

 

[lionking]

Im agreeing with Barbara.At the present time 2nd amendment rights are seeing "better times " as opposed to 8 years of the Clinton terms.What happens in the future who knows?

You mention turning an opinion of a anti gun person.Well certainly its possible on a individual level but Ill say it again when it comes to battling them on a political level there's no sense in debating them but better to just defeat them.

what depresses me is how political correctness has been imbeded and it seems its getting worse and worse...people use the excuse of being "offended" at the drop of a hat these days to the point they use it as a political weapon,or to crush any opposing views.

 

[ScottsGT]

Right on. The esteemed opposition has made up its mind and will not be swayed by argument or reason. That is all there is to it. Might as well try turning a Southern Baptist into a Catholic.

The fertile ground is the vast majority of folks with no firm opinion yet, and who are willing to listen to quiet discussion.

FrogClan took the words right out of my mouth. OK, where does FrogClan come from? Cannot picture a little frog hopping around in a little white sheet with a hood on

Anyhow, I don't even try to waste my time on the diehard antis. Usually they are politically left, will never see eye to eye with me, and banter anti gun crap because it the left thing to do. I help plant the seed in the young, being my children and their friends. With their parents permission, I have taken a few youngsters, or "Youts" as Vinney would call them, on the ocassional shooting session. That's all they talk about for days. Heck, last month I had one of the parents still talking about it 2 years later and how positive of an experience it was for his son.

 

[lamazza]

Yes ScottsGT -I think the ultimate deal closer for a middle of the road to anti is the actual shooting range experience. If you can get them that far they end up losing their unreasonable fear of inanimate objects and realize that 'hey!, Those talking heads are lying to me'

As far as being depressed and tired of 'The fight' well.. most of my peers already think I'm a tin foil hatter. I have given up trying to handle irrational liberals with tactical kid gloves-when confronted I let em have it with both verbal barrels.
I spread the word when I'm asked and freely offer range trips and gun education to curiosity seekers. Its the best I can do and I don't get tired of it because I've chosen the side of truth and I stick to it.

 

[TxPhantom]

Thanks NCBUSA......

This is a great thread. I certainly don't get depressed reading the gun forums. I get a little P.O'ed at some of the postings but not depressed. There are some very fine people here.
If you really want to get depressed go to AOL posts on the rediculous spins of AP news stories. It's like venturing into "moveon.orgy" hell. Most of these posts are made by young people that have been indoctrinated by public schools.
My feeling is, liberalism is the greatest danger our society faces today. That includes terrorism, which the liberals are afraid to fight, and communism which the liberals embrace. Liberals have infested our school systems, the news media, the Democratic Party, which is almost unrecognizable now, and all of Europe which is being taken over by jihadist because their own fear. They caused us to lose a war in Viet Nam which they consider their greatest victory. They introduced this P.C. nonsense to us. There is even a group that uses the 4th of July as a occasion to burn the American flag. They hate the country that they couldn't survive without it's protection. There is much more that could be added but I think you get my point.
What I see is, the pendalem swinging back the other direction. It took 911 to get the attention of some of us and I'm afraid it will take another 911 to wake up the rest. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger and I feel in the long run we will survive this.

 

[FrogClan]

FrogClan took the words right out of my mouth. OK, where does FrogClan come from? Cannot picture a little frog hopping around in a little white sheet with a hood on

Whoa baby! LOL... I'm going to have to change my moniker if that is the signal it's sending!

Nope... that is not it at all. It is a reference to the clan names used to track family relations.