44Brent:
Your opposition to self defense in schools....
You very effectively point out the quandry we pro-gun activists find ourselves in. The truth is I am not opposed to self defense in schools or carry on school grounds. However, I am opposed to shooting ourselves in the foot. We have to be smart and choose our battles carefully. The problem was with public perception.
The bottom-line, as I stated, we could not publicly support carry on school grounds. That does not make us the Brady Bunch who is
opposed to carry on school grounds.
Unfortunately some think if you're not with us, you're against us. This truly is counter productive. The truth is, if we had publicly supported the change, the media would have drummed up opposition much sooner. As it was the effort nearly made it through and the media didn't catch on until late in the game.
Once they did the outcome was exactly as we expected.
The NRA is a HUGE target for the media. That is why the local grass roots groups can be so effective when they focus on the objective rather than bash the NRA. When the NRA is involved more people know about it and more attention is focused on the issue. Sometimes you want more attention, sometimes you don't. We should use our strengths wisely.
I know of at least two states (Connecticut and Alabama) which allow the right-to-carry for self defense in schools.
I actually learned this from GRSC. Rob Butler researched the issue and found that CWP holders are exempt from the federal law that prohibits carry on school grounds. This is the kind of information that will eventually lead to the needed changes. If I didn't know this, you can bet the general public doesn't know it. We have to win their hearts and minds first. Otherwise the news media will deal a knock-out blow on such emotional issues every time.
Again, we should all work together, but do so wisely and with a willingness to wait when its the right thing to do. On issues we can't agree on then we should stay out of each other's ways. We should not accuse each other of being against gun owners or with the other side. Its wrong and it needs to stop.
Look at any road map and you'll see several different routes to any given destination. As pro-gun activists we are working towards the same final destination. When we can help each other along we should. When were on different paths we should wish each other well and keep the ultimate goal in mind.