No. We shan't. I don't have the inclination to get into a pissing contest with any of my fellow gun owners. I will tell you this, however, and then I will let go and let you think whatever you want:
I've had numerous gun groups and activists email me, and only ONE said they had any significant grassroots support for any of their legislative activities. Everyone else said they experienced the same frustration.
If you think Republicans aren't a threat to your second amendment rights, you are sadly mistaken. Prime example: Bush administration's stand on the AW ban. Another prime example: GOA ratings. The problem is the vast majority of people in this country say they'll never vote for a third party because it doesn't have chance, but it doesn't have a chance because of views like that. It is a catch 22, and eventually, you either compromise your principles or have the gonads to cast a vote for the person who TRULY represents your views and values. Oh, Whoopee! Gun owners voted Republican. THAT is a big part of the problem!
Bringing up the demise of COA and UTGOA was meant as an example. They cited apathy as the main cause for their shutting down, and I have no reason not to take them at their word. There were undoubtedly other reasons for their collapse. But having experienced difficulty in getting people motivated, I would say you get tired of banging your head against the wall.
Regarding Silveira: You are entitled to your opinions. You gave me a reason for not supporting the case. I gave you a rebuttal for that reason, which I doubt you even glanced at. But that's OK. If we don't win this one, at least we will have tried our damnest. If we do, win it, this will be a major victory for the Second Amendment. At least we will have taken action, instead of talking a good game about how we treasure our freedoms, doing nothing to support them and then reaping the rewards of others' efforts on behalf of that freedom.
And finally, I love people who tell me how much they are doing! I think it's great! Unfortunately, you are in the minority - whether or not you are willing to admit it. I'm a gun owner. I know what it's like to be disarmed and helpless and at the mercy of the government, having been born in the USSR. And I will do whatever it takes to protect that freedom. No, I don't want to make this a career, as I would rather work on my novel, which I've had to put aside because I have no time to write it. But I volunteer my time and efforts as much as humanly possible because I believe in what we are doing. I know not everyone is as passionate as I am. But I figure if you claim to treasure your freedoms, you at least should take action in ensuring that they are protected.
