So How Do We Get The Truth Out?

[Talonap]

First of all, let me say that I am very appreciative of this board and all it's members for the plethora of knowledge.

My question is, how do we get the truth about firearms into the mass/general public and not just, "Preach to the choir", on this and other gun boards?

Being in, "Ill-anoys", makes it even more of a problem considering the anti attitude here around Chicago, (I'm in the burbs so I can at least own a firearm.) And the news media is for the most part compliant with what Mayor Daley wants. Suggestions?

 

[misANTHrope]

I would say that the key to victory here is grassroots-level education. Convince individuals that guns are not evil, that gun owners are not violent sociopaths, that self-defense really is a human right. Seek out the fence-sitters, those who may parrot the anti lines but seem unsure of themselves.

There will always be the hardcore unchanging folk, and trying to convince that lot to see the light is as ineffective as teaching the proverbial pig to sing. The swing vote is our target, and education is our tool.

 

[bdickens]

Get to know people. All kinds of people. Be friendly, energetic, caring, kind. Show them what a good person and how peaceful, and level-headed you are. Then, and only then, let slip you're a gun owner at an opportune moment. Be casual and don't hit them over the head.

 

[Picard]

Join the Illinois State Rifle Association and the NRA. Write your local Senator and Representative. Write to your local newspaper and news station. Teach others how to shoot. Basically, do what you can. You'll see opportunities to engage others in discussion, just don't come off like a "gun nut". Be calm and respectful.

It's a shame that one has to convince another that guns are good. I mean, we're living in America, the land of the free.

 

[Sans Authoritas]

One of the best things that you can do is invite people to go shooting. Make it sound like it's as casual as asking them if they want to go bowling. (Let them find out for themselves that it's about ten times as fun.)

-Sans Authoritas