xd9fan
Member
no offence Barbara but maybe you should take this talk to hunters.......
What keeps you from being involved?
- Thread starter Barbara
- Start date
- Status
Eight months ago, after moving to another part of the country, I decided to get involved in politics again after a few years of minimal involvement. For the six months prior to the November election, I worked on a losing gubernatorial campaign two nights a week for a total of four hours a week. I also did a few County Committee meetings and was a delegate to the state Republican convention.
After eight months of minimal effort, I am suddenly an important political "player" in my county. You see, here the local Republican organization is mostly composed of 70 and 80 year-old folks that no longer have fire in their bellies. So, a guy that puts in just a few hours a week is considered politically influential. The county chairman treats me with deference, female State Reps give me hugs. I was able to give encouragement to pro-gun candidates along the way.
Its amazing what just a little political effort can do at the right place and the right time.
After eight months of minimal effort, I am suddenly an important political "player" in my county. You see, here the local Republican organization is mostly composed of 70 and 80 year-old folks that no longer have fire in their bellies. So, a guy that puts in just a few hours a week is considered politically influential. The county chairman treats me with deference, female State Reps give me hugs. I was able to give encouragement to pro-gun candidates along the way.
Its amazing what just a little political effort can do at the right place and the right time.
dasmi
Member
I help by voting, and talking to anyone who will listen about guns, and our right to self defense. And about our out of control government in general.
I am an active shooter, I have brought my daughter and son into the world of shooting. I have encouraged friends and neighbors to do likewise. I have encouraged complete strangers, such as folks on this site, to do the same.
I am an active hunter. I purchase a hunting license annually even if I will not be able to hunt that year. I have brought my son into the world of hunting as a licensed hunter. I encourage anyone who will speak to me about hunting to be likewise.
I am an active voter, I made sure my wife and daughter registered to vote and strongly suggested they vote (which they did). My son is too young to vote, but he already gets the picture. I urge everyone who can vote legally, to become familiar with the issues and do so. See my blog before election day.
I write to to my elected officials and to other politicians on a regular basis concerning such topics as the right to keep and bear arms. I would like to be much more active in the political arena; but I am forbidden by law from taking an active part in elections, campaigning or other political activities as per the Hatch Act. If you need to ask; "What is that?", do your homework before you post polls like this. I say this because I see no mention of the Hatch Act, that effects tens of thousnads of American citizens, in your poll.
As a collateral duty, I was a firearms instructor on my job for 14 years. This was a voluntary assignment. During that time I encouraged others on my job to enjoy shooting sports, to join ranges, to take part in matches, and to join groups like the NRA. I was forbidden by the Hatch Act from trying to sway them to vote on certain issues for certain candidates.
At work, I make charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign. I regularly give to firerms related charities. For excample this year I donated to: The Wild Turkey Federation and to the Gun Owners Federation. They split my $520 donation. (I remember how much because I just signed the form 2 weeks ago.)
I am a life member of the NRA. I financially support the NRA on a regular basis with donations. I probably give them at least a hundred to a couple hundred dollars, sometimes even a few hundred dollars per year. I am a paid member of the NY State Rifle and Pistol Association. I am a member of a local range at which I pay annual dues.
I shop at local gun shops and at sporting goods stores that sell firearms, and firearms related items. I make it known to stores that do not sell such, that I am dissatisfied with them. I also regularly boycott some such stores.
I regularly use firearms related Internet websites such as blogs, bulletin boards, forums, auction sites, and dealers. I have my own blog on which I post firearms related topics regularly. I post at various firearms related forums.
I am the average guy when it comes to stuff like this. So I am a little befuddled when you say you wonder why more folks don't do something. Not eveyone is ever going to be able to or want to do what you expect of them.
As for me: Excuse me if I take some time to raise my family, protect my family, provide for my family, go to work on a regular basis, vote, shoot, relax, mow my lawn, take care of my other interests, pay my taxes legally, and so on - but because of all those little inconveniences I will not do more relative to firems. You see there are other things that matter too; but I will admit I think I and the average guy do pretty good at supporting the RKBA.
All the best,
Glenn B
I am an active hunter. I purchase a hunting license annually even if I will not be able to hunt that year. I have brought my son into the world of hunting as a licensed hunter. I encourage anyone who will speak to me about hunting to be likewise.
I am an active voter, I made sure my wife and daughter registered to vote and strongly suggested they vote (which they did). My son is too young to vote, but he already gets the picture. I urge everyone who can vote legally, to become familiar with the issues and do so. See my blog before election day.
I write to to my elected officials and to other politicians on a regular basis concerning such topics as the right to keep and bear arms. I would like to be much more active in the political arena; but I am forbidden by law from taking an active part in elections, campaigning or other political activities as per the Hatch Act. If you need to ask; "What is that?", do your homework before you post polls like this. I say this because I see no mention of the Hatch Act, that effects tens of thousnads of American citizens, in your poll.
As a collateral duty, I was a firearms instructor on my job for 14 years. This was a voluntary assignment. During that time I encouraged others on my job to enjoy shooting sports, to join ranges, to take part in matches, and to join groups like the NRA. I was forbidden by the Hatch Act from trying to sway them to vote on certain issues for certain candidates.
At work, I make charitable donations through the Combined Federal Campaign. I regularly give to firerms related charities. For excample this year I donated to: The Wild Turkey Federation and to the Gun Owners Federation. They split my $520 donation. (I remember how much because I just signed the form 2 weeks ago.)
I am a life member of the NRA. I financially support the NRA on a regular basis with donations. I probably give them at least a hundred to a couple hundred dollars, sometimes even a few hundred dollars per year. I am a paid member of the NY State Rifle and Pistol Association. I am a member of a local range at which I pay annual dues.
I shop at local gun shops and at sporting goods stores that sell firearms, and firearms related items. I make it known to stores that do not sell such, that I am dissatisfied with them. I also regularly boycott some such stores.
I regularly use firearms related Internet websites such as blogs, bulletin boards, forums, auction sites, and dealers. I have my own blog on which I post firearms related topics regularly. I post at various firearms related forums.
I am the average guy when it comes to stuff like this. So I am a little befuddled when you say you wonder why more folks don't do something. Not eveyone is ever going to be able to or want to do what you expect of them.
As for me: Excuse me if I take some time to raise my family, protect my family, provide for my family, go to work on a regular basis, vote, shoot, relax, mow my lawn, take care of my other interests, pay my taxes legally, and so on - but because of all those little inconveniences I will not do more relative to firems. You see there are other things that matter too; but I will admit I think I and the average guy do pretty good at supporting the RKBA.
All the best,
Glenn B
I think for many especialy in leftist controlled areas the tyranny and fear or being targeted and a known firearm 'nut' keeps people from wanting to be branded. In a culture where guns are mainly experienced through computer games used to slaughter dozens at a time, or in action movies where very irresponsible gun use is promoted and glamorized, or where the media reports any gun use by anyone other than police as a very negative detrimental to society event (ie crime or not mentioned) being associeted with the 'baby killing machines' is a big step to take. It may be a necessary step to keep the right from vanishing altogether, but it is still a big step.
Also the knee jerk perspective of biological mothers is to protect, smother and nurture even to the extent of sacraficing freedom for safety. So only through explaining the only the strong are safe without guns philosophy do many women raised without them understand thier place in society actualy coincides with thier maternal instinct. Since women are half of society, all you need is a decent number of men to agree they are evil and you have a Nanny government.
Education fixes this, but those that educate are branded gun nuts.
Also keep in mind that anyone prohibited from owning firearms should rightly be opposed to them being owned at all. So felons are very anti gun. They know thier own ownership will get them sent back to thier second home, so why should you be allowed to own them openly when they have to live knowing they either live defenseless in thier ghettos as victims, or break the law and be armed.
So the target population for education is limited to rural areas that are hard to be heard in. Where people already hunt and do outdoor activites knowing the value of firearms at least recreationaly.
People in cities and children from an early age in schools are taught the dial 911 and die philosophy. Thier teachers are not allowed to be armed or confront dangerous situations and must wait for police, so by that very example students are taught to hide and hope for the best while waiting for police. They take that example into adulthood.
Also the knee jerk perspective of biological mothers is to protect, smother and nurture even to the extent of sacraficing freedom for safety. So only through explaining the only the strong are safe without guns philosophy do many women raised without them understand thier place in society actualy coincides with thier maternal instinct. Since women are half of society, all you need is a decent number of men to agree they are evil and you have a Nanny government.
Education fixes this, but those that educate are branded gun nuts.
Also keep in mind that anyone prohibited from owning firearms should rightly be opposed to them being owned at all. So felons are very anti gun. They know thier own ownership will get them sent back to thier second home, so why should you be allowed to own them openly when they have to live knowing they either live defenseless in thier ghettos as victims, or break the law and be armed.
So the target population for education is limited to rural areas that are hard to be heard in. Where people already hunt and do outdoor activites knowing the value of firearms at least recreationaly.
People in cities and children from an early age in schools are taught the dial 911 and die philosophy. Thier teachers are not allowed to be armed or confront dangerous situations and must wait for police, so by that very example students are taught to hide and hope for the best while waiting for police. They take that example into adulthood.
Danus ex
Member
I almost never venture into Legal and Political, so I figure I'm precisely who you want to hear from. You asked a straight question, so I'll give you my unrestrained answer.
I'm young, white, from the upper-middle class, and am very well-educated. Unlike one of our previous posters, I am a professional communicator, and am trained in rhetoric, philosophy, and discourse; as well as verbal and oral communication. I have oodles of experience working successfully with people of all ages from many different backgrounds and nationalities. Everybody takes me very, very seriously when I want them to. A young, handsome, intelligent, educated white man gets treated very well in America and I'm very much aware of it. I'm a product of that first-class treatment.
In other words: I'm precisely the kind of person you're seeking. But you won't find me "involved".
Why? While I support all the rights granted by the constitution, I keep my politics to myself, for the most part. I'm responsible for me and mine. If I really want to live by my hands-off beliefs, I need to walk the walk, which requires that I do not talk the talk. So I'll carry my Colt with me, and nobody outside my trusted circle will know. My girlfriend and I will go shooting and try to hit the bullseye as many times as possible, and then we'll leave. Quietly. I'll order a Garand from CMP and shoot the crap out of it when it arrives, and enjoy the hell out of doing it. Deeds, not words, truly.
Our rights are under attack, I know, and it's reprehensible. I'd love to fight off the gun-grabbing hordes alongside all the pro-gunners--but pro-gunners, I have issues with you as well. People love to choose sides, and the majority of the pro-gun faction is as eager to extinguish certain rights as it is to extend others. Religious freedom is great, but I do not support a Christian America. I am very, very much an atheist, which makes me an easily-persecuted minority. I support full rights for homosexuals, stem-cell research, and support womens' rights to choose what happens with their bodies and what's inside them. I want to see smaller government, border control, and economic freedom though (in capitalism, money = choice, choice that heavy taxes limit), too. I want the American people to have an extremely powerful and frightening military at its disposal.
Who pushes for the America that I want? Nobody who stands a chance. Every politician is an ideological package deal, and many pro-gunners absolutely hate the things I stand for. Many gun grabbers do too. Each bank of the political ocean is fraught with peril for someone like me. I'll navigate those waters best not with a motorboat or a sailboat, but with a submarine. I'll focus on my family, my career, my friends, and my fun--and stay out of everything yours--instead of burning time on a political crusade. Isn't that what America is supposed to be about? If anything, I'm a portrait of something all the pro-gunners want: a functional, normal, intelligent person who makes firearms a regular, non-sensational part of his life.
I'm young, white, from the upper-middle class, and am very well-educated. Unlike one of our previous posters, I am a professional communicator, and am trained in rhetoric, philosophy, and discourse; as well as verbal and oral communication. I have oodles of experience working successfully with people of all ages from many different backgrounds and nationalities. Everybody takes me very, very seriously when I want them to. A young, handsome, intelligent, educated white man gets treated very well in America and I'm very much aware of it. I'm a product of that first-class treatment.
In other words: I'm precisely the kind of person you're seeking. But you won't find me "involved".
Why? While I support all the rights granted by the constitution, I keep my politics to myself, for the most part. I'm responsible for me and mine. If I really want to live by my hands-off beliefs, I need to walk the walk, which requires that I do not talk the talk. So I'll carry my Colt with me, and nobody outside my trusted circle will know. My girlfriend and I will go shooting and try to hit the bullseye as many times as possible, and then we'll leave. Quietly. I'll order a Garand from CMP and shoot the crap out of it when it arrives, and enjoy the hell out of doing it. Deeds, not words, truly.
Our rights are under attack, I know, and it's reprehensible. I'd love to fight off the gun-grabbing hordes alongside all the pro-gunners--but pro-gunners, I have issues with you as well. People love to choose sides, and the majority of the pro-gun faction is as eager to extinguish certain rights as it is to extend others. Religious freedom is great, but I do not support a Christian America. I am very, very much an atheist, which makes me an easily-persecuted minority. I support full rights for homosexuals, stem-cell research, and support womens' rights to choose what happens with their bodies and what's inside them. I want to see smaller government, border control, and economic freedom though (in capitalism, money = choice, choice that heavy taxes limit), too. I want the American people to have an extremely powerful and frightening military at its disposal.
Who pushes for the America that I want? Nobody who stands a chance. Every politician is an ideological package deal, and many pro-gunners absolutely hate the things I stand for. Many gun grabbers do too. Each bank of the political ocean is fraught with peril for someone like me. I'll navigate those waters best not with a motorboat or a sailboat, but with a submarine. I'll focus on my family, my career, my friends, and my fun--and stay out of everything yours--instead of burning time on a political crusade. Isn't that what America is supposed to be about? If anything, I'm a portrait of something all the pro-gunners want: a functional, normal, intelligent person who makes firearms a regular, non-sensational part of his life.
Honestly, I'd love to get more involved, and I've been trying to do so. I just started shooting about a year ago. I recently joined the NRA, I've e-mailed our MI politicians numerous times (F- Stabenow & Levin, especially), and I try to keep up to date via these boards & America's First Freedom magazine.
My limiting factors are time and money. My job requires a lot of time, and will continue to do so. My finances are rather tight right now and will continue to be for a while. Plus, my wife is not as gung ho as me and limits my firearm-related spending. She is pro-gun, but not to the point of being politically active about it other than with her votes.
Also, I don't know how to become more involved, to be honest. I do feel at times like I can't make a huge difference when I get canned B.S. responses written by 18 year old aides (or no responses at all) when I write well thought out and well-written letters to our politicians. :banghead: However, I will continue to write my politicians as it's the least I can do, and if I don't, then they won't get as many pro-gun letters. I won't passively sit back and watch our IIA rights be whittled away to nothing.
If you have suggestions as to how to become more involved without making a career out of it (as I'm pretty invested financially & chronologically in my current career), please let me know.
P.S. I'm glad that you're in MI, Barbara, b/c we need more pro-IIA people here. Thank God Granholm isn't an F-, despite being a Dem. I was thrilled and a little surprised that she signed the Castle Doctrine bills.
My limiting factors are time and money. My job requires a lot of time, and will continue to do so. My finances are rather tight right now and will continue to be for a while. Plus, my wife is not as gung ho as me and limits my firearm-related spending. She is pro-gun, but not to the point of being politically active about it other than with her votes.
Also, I don't know how to become more involved, to be honest. I do feel at times like I can't make a huge difference when I get canned B.S. responses written by 18 year old aides (or no responses at all) when I write well thought out and well-written letters to our politicians. :banghead: However, I will continue to write my politicians as it's the least I can do, and if I don't, then they won't get as many pro-gun letters. I won't passively sit back and watch our IIA rights be whittled away to nothing.
If you have suggestions as to how to become more involved without making a career out of it (as I'm pretty invested financially & chronologically in my current career), please let me know.
P.S. I'm glad that you're in MI, Barbara, b/c we need more pro-IIA people here. Thank God Granholm isn't an F-, despite being a Dem. I was thrilled and a little surprised that she signed the Castle Doctrine bills.
Gordon Fink
Member
I do my part, but saving the world or human freedom or even just the right to arms is a lost cause … at least for now. If we can’t convince firearms enthusiasts to embrace the right to arms, how can we convince anyone of anything important?
~G. Fink
~G. Fink
I think I do my share at least. Member of a few organizations. Wage my own private letter writing campaign to my officials... many of whom respond! I've also sucessfully educated my local judge on CCW laws regarding issuances of permits. I've taken a few newbs to the range and worked on some hunters at work. But I doubt anyone cares, and I don't care if anyone cares lol.
But, here is what those on the fence should do.
Go to
http://www.capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/
You don't have to be a member of the NRA to write your officials. If they want to kill us with a thousand small cuts, lets use the same tactics on them. You don't have to be some kind of English major to write letters either... 9 out of 10 times, some minion reads them, sees that you are against gun-control and checks the box that says "constituent is pro-gun". When politicos vote, I imagine they check those lists and see how many registered voters they will piss off by doing what they do. If you suck at teh English, just say "I am a registered voter in your state/district and I am against any new laws restricting my 2nd amendment rights." Of course, find where this politician stands and vote for/against him based on this and other issues and then proceed to let them know how you voted.
But, here is what those on the fence should do.
Go to
http://www.capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/
You don't have to be a member of the NRA to write your officials. If they want to kill us with a thousand small cuts, lets use the same tactics on them. You don't have to be some kind of English major to write letters either... 9 out of 10 times, some minion reads them, sees that you are against gun-control and checks the box that says "constituent is pro-gun". When politicos vote, I imagine they check those lists and see how many registered voters they will piss off by doing what they do. If you suck at teh English, just say "I am a registered voter in your state/district and I am against any new laws restricting my 2nd amendment rights." Of course, find where this politician stands and vote for/against him based on this and other issues and then proceed to let them know how you voted.
Interesting post. I see your point on a lot of issues. However, I don't think being pro-gun necessarily means that you fit the stereotype of being a white Christian male Republican who is anti- everything else you mentioned. I certainly don't fit that stereotype, either. To be honest, I agree with most with the Libertarians, and I'd love to see a Libertarian President and Congress. I think government should be small and stay out of our lives. Live and let live. When I looked at the profiles of the Libertarians running locally, it was no surprise that they were all highly educated like you and like myself.
I totally agree with making firearms a normal, non-sensational part of life, and I always was "in a submarine", as you mentioned, in my youth. However, every time I've ever mentioned firearms in my professional circle, people immediately react as though I'm some sort of wacko until I explain in a calm & educated manner that firearms are not the root of all evil. For example, somehow firearms came up at work one day, and a guy I work with mentioned that he wants to buy a pistol. I told him about my pistol, and we started talking about guns.
Long story short, we're going shooting together, and he thought we should invite the rest of our co-workers. So we did, and most of them initially gave no response to the invitation. I inquired as to why, and most were afraid of guns. After explaining that gun safety is a huge priority of mine and of every responsible firearm owner, I got several more people to agree to come.
Several people who were completely freaked out by the concept of guns are now "maybe" coming to the range. We'll see how many actually do come, but if I can convert even a few of them from totally fearing guns to actually feeling comfortable and maybe even enjoying shooting them, then I'll feel pretty good about that.
It's amazing how programmed to fear guns these highly educated people are. One of them kept speaking of his fear that guns "just go off" and was afraid somehow we'd shoot each other at the range. Another guy said, "You can't honestly tell me that if we made it really hard for someone to get a handgun that crime wouldn't go down." This guy hunts and owns shotguns, but blames violence on handguns and supports more regulations on handguns. I couldn't not explain to him the reality of things.
How do you stay in your submarine at that point? How do you let someone so clearly ignorant continue thinking something that is erroneous? If this were a religious matter, I'd agree with you completely. What a person chooses to believe is his or her own private business, and I can't tell someone what is "right" and what is "wrong". There is no clear answer as it's all faith-based no matter what you do or don't believe.
However, firearms are a clear black & white issue to me. The Second Amendment is in plain English that is unmistakeable in meaning. This isn't about religious zealotry or preaching morals... this is about basic human rights to defend oneself. You clearly support IIA in your keeping and bearing of arms. This right does not force anyone to do anything they don't want to do. It's a right, not a decree that everyone will own and carry firearms. You seem to support more rights and fewer restrictions. What if you grew up with anti-gun parents in an anti-gun environment (as higher education typically is)? How would you ever get exposure to firearms to become comfortable with them if everyone stayed in their submarines?
I find that a lot of highly educated people are afraid to speak their minds b/c in general to successfully climb the educational & professional ladder, you need to be able to quietly go through the ocean of BS in your submarine without making too many waves. This, unfortunately, breeds passive people. I was raised that way, but now I'm not that way.
I find the higher I go up the educational & professional ladder, the more active and less passive I become b/c there are fewer people above me whose BS I have to put up with. I find that the unpleasantries at this level are surprising, and I find that being at that high level it is my responsibility to not be passive. Frankly, the passiveness of some of these higher-ups is shocking to me. The things they allow to go on by being passive really are disheartening. It surprises me that you haven't found the same thing at whatever high educational level you have achieved.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Danus ex, if you were to spend more time in the Legal and Political forum, you'd find that those of us who are passionate about pro-gun issues cannot be lumped into a single ideology. We are conservatives, liberals, libertarians, atheists, Christians, Mormons, Jews, black, white, Asian, pro-abortion, anti-abortion, gay, straight, and members of every other subset of humanity.
As a very well-educated, handsome, affluent professional communicator, you are precisely the sort of person our side needs. Yet, you choose not to get involved, as is your right.
However, you have a carry permit. I don't know what state you're from, but it's likely that thousands of pro-CCW volunteers worked tens of thousands of man-hours to pass a law giving you the privelege of carrying a weapon. Here in Wisconsin, thousands of volunteers have worked those same number of hours, and we still cannot carry.
You shoot your targets because hundreds and hundreds of thousands of volunteers have put in countless hours trying to keep the anti-gunners from taking your guns. That isn't wild rhetoric: it's the truth. If you deny that truth, it's only because you haven't been paying attention.
"If anything, I'm a portrait of something all the pro-gunners want: a functional, normal, intelligent person who makes firearms a regular, non-sensational part of his life."
Forgive me for being blunt, but you are not what I would consider a portrait of what pro-gunners want. You are a portrait of what those of us who are involved in the fight see as the 98% of gun owners who enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Barbara's sig line, "Deeds, not words" refers to her fight to preserve gun rights. It also refers to those who give lip service to the Second Amendment, but won't lift a finger to preserve it.
My impression, which you are free to correct, is that guns are a hobby for you. That's fine. For some of us, though, they are an inalienable right.
You say that you don't get involved politically on gun issues because politicians are an "ideological package deal". Well, that's often if not usually the case. I have yet to find a candidate for office with whom I agree 100%. But, when I've found a candidate who agrees with me on the majority of my hot-button issues, I work my tail off for him.
Freedom is not free. It requires constant vigilance, and the time and effort of citizens to protect it.
As a very well-educated, handsome, affluent professional communicator, you are precisely the sort of person our side needs. Yet, you choose not to get involved, as is your right.
However, you have a carry permit. I don't know what state you're from, but it's likely that thousands of pro-CCW volunteers worked tens of thousands of man-hours to pass a law giving you the privelege of carrying a weapon. Here in Wisconsin, thousands of volunteers have worked those same number of hours, and we still cannot carry.
You shoot your targets because hundreds and hundreds of thousands of volunteers have put in countless hours trying to keep the anti-gunners from taking your guns. That isn't wild rhetoric: it's the truth. If you deny that truth, it's only because you haven't been paying attention.
"If anything, I'm a portrait of something all the pro-gunners want: a functional, normal, intelligent person who makes firearms a regular, non-sensational part of his life."
Forgive me for being blunt, but you are not what I would consider a portrait of what pro-gunners want. You are a portrait of what those of us who are involved in the fight see as the 98% of gun owners who enjoy the fruits of our labors.
Barbara's sig line, "Deeds, not words" refers to her fight to preserve gun rights. It also refers to those who give lip service to the Second Amendment, but won't lift a finger to preserve it.
My impression, which you are free to correct, is that guns are a hobby for you. That's fine. For some of us, though, they are an inalienable right.
You say that you don't get involved politically on gun issues because politicians are an "ideological package deal". Well, that's often if not usually the case. I have yet to find a candidate for office with whom I agree 100%. But, when I've found a candidate who agrees with me on the majority of my hot-button issues, I work my tail off for him.
Freedom is not free. It requires constant vigilance, and the time and effort of citizens to protect it.
SoCalShooter
Member
Working hard with every chance I get.
Danus ex
Member
Juna
You and I have a lot in common. I was raised by very gun-ambivalent parents, but most of my neighbors hunted, and I've spent my young adult and adult years in a martial art that has many shooters involved. Sort of a sideways exposure, but exposure is exposure.
And I know precisely what you mean about active and passive types. Strangely, I'm actually considered by many in my professional circle to be overly aggressive, so I avoid political chatter with most to buffer that. Slowly, I encounter level-headed people who can handle a conversation about guns, and sometimes they're minimally interested in shooting. If it's someone I like, I may, and have, invite them shooting. With my friends, though, I say anything.
It's very tough to keep a clamp on my tongue when people misinterpret the Second Amendment, and often those people have (very direct) power over me and some of my loudest supporters think I'm a good Democrat even though I haven't actually revealed anything. I'm still a young man (just turned 24), so while I may have certain credentials or credibility, I haven't had either for long.
Monkeyleg
I'm from Minnesota and am saddened that Wisconsin got screwed out of it's CCW bill. Yours was the last L&P thread I posted in. I know you fought hard for that.
I also know I can't simply lump everyone together. However, I think my generalization is fair in the sense that it describes a significant portion of people who are pro-gun.
"Hobbyist with interest in defense" might well be the best way to describe my relationship with guns, and there's no shame in that. Most gun owners don't shoot often, read The High Road, or have a carry permit, and there's no shame in any of that, either. People like you and Barbara fought hard to give me the right to carry in Minnesota, and it's a right I choose to excercise.
When doing my best to see things from your point of view as a lobbyist/volunteer, the inactivity of the general firearm-owning population must be infuriating. Our rights aren't simply being smashed in front of our eyes--they're eroding slowly. To the public, someone whining about small problems is a crackpot whereas someone blowing the whistle on a large problem is a leader. Motivating a huge number of apathetic people with what seems, at first glance, to be a small issue (like CCW) is damn near impossible without an extremely refined (and well-publicized) message.
At the voting booth, I vote for whoever I thought the best candidate was after doing research, regardless of their political party. Still, it's tough get behind many candidates because so few of them even approach a 50% match with my views.
You and I have a lot in common. I was raised by very gun-ambivalent parents, but most of my neighbors hunted, and I've spent my young adult and adult years in a martial art that has many shooters involved. Sort of a sideways exposure, but exposure is exposure.
And I know precisely what you mean about active and passive types. Strangely, I'm actually considered by many in my professional circle to be overly aggressive, so I avoid political chatter with most to buffer that. Slowly, I encounter level-headed people who can handle a conversation about guns, and sometimes they're minimally interested in shooting. If it's someone I like, I may, and have, invite them shooting. With my friends, though, I say anything.
It's very tough to keep a clamp on my tongue when people misinterpret the Second Amendment, and often those people have (very direct) power over me and some of my loudest supporters think I'm a good Democrat even though I haven't actually revealed anything. I'm still a young man (just turned 24), so while I may have certain credentials or credibility, I haven't had either for long.
Monkeyleg
I'm from Minnesota and am saddened that Wisconsin got screwed out of it's CCW bill. Yours was the last L&P thread I posted in. I know you fought hard for that.
I also know I can't simply lump everyone together. However, I think my generalization is fair in the sense that it describes a significant portion of people who are pro-gun.
"Hobbyist with interest in defense" might well be the best way to describe my relationship with guns, and there's no shame in that. Most gun owners don't shoot often, read The High Road, or have a carry permit, and there's no shame in any of that, either. People like you and Barbara fought hard to give me the right to carry in Minnesota, and it's a right I choose to excercise.
When doing my best to see things from your point of view as a lobbyist/volunteer, the inactivity of the general firearm-owning population must be infuriating. Our rights aren't simply being smashed in front of our eyes--they're eroding slowly. To the public, someone whining about small problems is a crackpot whereas someone blowing the whistle on a large problem is a leader. Motivating a huge number of apathetic people with what seems, at first glance, to be a small issue (like CCW) is damn near impossible without an extremely refined (and well-publicized) message.
At the voting booth, I vote for whoever I thought the best candidate was after doing research, regardless of their political party. Still, it's tough get behind many candidates because so few of them even approach a 50% match with my views.
Monkeyleg
Member.
Danus ex, now that I know that you're from MN, I can better understand your political position. We're left with slim pickings when it comes to political candidates here in the Midwest.
Given your age, I can also somewhat understand your reluctance to go to the wall for gun rights.
I've been in the same position for years. I've lost clients because I allowed the discussions to get into the realm of gun issues. Since then, I've learned to just either keep my mouth shut, or to nod in agreement. "Don't try to teach a pig to sing."
"When doing my best to see things from your point of view as a lobbyist/volunteer, the inactivity of the general firearm-owning population must be infuriating."
No, it's not infuriating. It's incendiary.
I'm 56 years old, dress respectably, and drive a modest car with Endangered Species plates (courtesy of my wife).
I've been carrying all sorts of weapons since I was in my late teens. Fortunately, I've only had to employ those weapons on a few occasions.
My point here is that I really don't have a dog in the CCW fight. My chances of being patted down these days are slim.
My involvement in the RKBA fight, though, has little to do with my own self-interests. I hate lies, and gun control is a lie. When my liberal friends have asked me why I don't volunteer for a cause they see as more worthy, my answer is simple: I'm obviously a crusader. If they would simply leave the Second Amendment alone, I'd be free to work for all sorts of worthy causes. Maybe even saving whales.
But, as long as they continue to perpuate lies and try to disarm all of us in the name of some common "good," the fight goes on.
I envy you your youth, and for multiple reasons. For the purposes of this thread, though, let me just say I envy you your youth because you have the ability to reach out to people in college or just out of high school who have been brainwashed. They'll listen to you.
You can either choose to be in this fight, or choose to sit on the sidelines. The choice is yours.
Recognize this, though: if people like you choose to sit on their hands, by the time you're my age there will be no private gun ownership in this country.
An hour or two a month is all it takes to help secure your freedoms.
If that's too high a price to pay, then please do not complain when your rights are gone. I'll be dead by then, so it won't affect me.
Given your age, I can also somewhat understand your reluctance to go to the wall for gun rights.
I've been in the same position for years. I've lost clients because I allowed the discussions to get into the realm of gun issues. Since then, I've learned to just either keep my mouth shut, or to nod in agreement. "Don't try to teach a pig to sing."
"When doing my best to see things from your point of view as a lobbyist/volunteer, the inactivity of the general firearm-owning population must be infuriating."
No, it's not infuriating. It's incendiary.
I'm 56 years old, dress respectably, and drive a modest car with Endangered Species plates (courtesy of my wife).
I've been carrying all sorts of weapons since I was in my late teens. Fortunately, I've only had to employ those weapons on a few occasions.
My point here is that I really don't have a dog in the CCW fight. My chances of being patted down these days are slim.
My involvement in the RKBA fight, though, has little to do with my own self-interests. I hate lies, and gun control is a lie. When my liberal friends have asked me why I don't volunteer for a cause they see as more worthy, my answer is simple: I'm obviously a crusader. If they would simply leave the Second Amendment alone, I'd be free to work for all sorts of worthy causes. Maybe even saving whales.
But, as long as they continue to perpuate lies and try to disarm all of us in the name of some common "good," the fight goes on.
I envy you your youth, and for multiple reasons. For the purposes of this thread, though, let me just say I envy you your youth because you have the ability to reach out to people in college or just out of high school who have been brainwashed. They'll listen to you.
You can either choose to be in this fight, or choose to sit on the sidelines. The choice is yours.
Recognize this, though: if people like you choose to sit on their hands, by the time you're my age there will be no private gun ownership in this country.
An hour or two a month is all it takes to help secure your freedoms.
If that's too high a price to pay, then please do not complain when your rights are gone. I'll be dead by then, so it won't affect me.
Many good replies. Of course I could do more. I live in Montgomery County MD which is as anti-gun as can be. I volunteer for WOT and similar events, preach gun rights to anyone I can, have taken all of my nephews and a few nieces (workng on the rest) shooting, I vote for the less anti's - the pro-gunners are rare here. Write/email legislators, attend hearings - etc.
I do less lately. Perhaps it's a sense of futility. Never give up.
The problem is apathy or I don't care if they ban the black rifles cause I don't own one. There is an interesting thread on www.shotgunworld.com regarding registration.
If all of the gunowners felt as strongly as most of us do and acted accordingly then we wouldn't have as many restrictive laws, if any. If I knew how to get them involved I would be pres. of the NRA or a politician.
p.s. Barbara - Were you at the 2000 SAS rally in DC? If so, if you have a picture of me in the "My MOM has gun Control" T-shirt I would love a copy.
I do less lately. Perhaps it's a sense of futility. Never give up.
The problem is apathy or I don't care if they ban the black rifles cause I don't own one. There is an interesting thread on www.shotgunworld.com regarding registration.
If all of the gunowners felt as strongly as most of us do and acted accordingly then we wouldn't have as many restrictive laws, if any. If I knew how to get them involved I would be pres. of the NRA or a politician.
p.s. Barbara - Were you at the 2000 SAS rally in DC? If so, if you have a picture of me in the "My MOM has gun Control" T-shirt I would love a copy.
DerringerUser
Member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2006
- Messages
- 238
Arent we all?
Yep, I was there. I'll dig out my pictures one of these days and see if I can find anything.
I started this thread shortly after the election, when I had spent a LOT of time over the prior weeks working on stuff, especially Michigan's dove hunting referendum, and after having to argue with hunters about animal rights activists, I was a bit discouraged.
The problem is, the people who even read this thread are the ones who probably are doing the work already.
Dunno what the answer is..keep plugging away, I guess. The problem is, I'd like to do a lot less than I do..there are other things I want to do with my life, and I get frustrated by some of the rhetoric I hear, with not so much action to back it up a lot of times.
Hey, Luna..you don't happen to be an accountant, do you? I'm looking for one.
RealGun
Member
A good way to participate in a way that is essentially neutral to all the other political issues is to contribute money to NRA-PVF and GOA. You know you will get a "package" but have not then personally endorsed anything but gun ownership. Just for the record, NRA-PVF did endorse more than Republicans. See Lampson (D-TX). Those more toward the left side of the political spectrum get an endorsement when they deserve it. However, the practice is to favor a pro-gun incumbent as part of the bargain for pro-gun performance. No other issue is considered. A contested open seat rarely gets any endorsement if both major party candidates are well rated. It's all very logical, objective, and above board.
geronimotwo
Member
your right, i could do more. i'm new to this. could someone direct me to some good links promoting action instead of bs?
Linda
Member
Huge kudos to Barbara and Monkeylegs and anyone else here who are involved in the 2A grassroots movement, just like I am.
We are seeing our rights, any rights, across our country being chipped away little by little. Look at the cities who have banned all handguns, DC., Chicago, many smaller municipalities, etc. Look at NY's Mayor Bloomburg who would take your rights away in a heartbeat. We've allowed the UN to set up in our front yard as they conspire to take away our guns rights. I feel for Illinois and Wisconsin in being the only 2 states without CCW. But I look at my own state of Ohio, and the current Gov., and OSP want to make those of us who are the most law abiding citizens, who have passed a background check, into felons because of their ridiculous poison pills they inserted into our CCW law.
Here in Ohio, it seems we have a lot of voter apathy going on, BUT...,it was the pro-gun movement that made ALL the difference in this election. We now have a pro-gun incoming Gov., and the Senate and House remain pro-gun majority, because of all the work that was done on campaigns by a handful of individuals.
For those who don't know how to get involved, find a statewide gun rights organization and help them out when asked. As much begging as we did to get people to just give a couple hours a month to a candidates campaign, it fell on deaf ears most of the time. That is where you can make a huge impact. There's a ton of things that can be done, a lot from the comfort of your own computer.
I think it would help, if everyone who is a member here, put the state in which you reside on your profile. It helps in giving direction to where or who your statewide organizations are.
If you're in Ohio and you want to get involved in preserving your 2nd Amendment rights, Buckeye Firearms is looking for you!!
Get involved, preserve your rights!!!!
We are seeing our rights, any rights, across our country being chipped away little by little. Look at the cities who have banned all handguns, DC., Chicago, many smaller municipalities, etc. Look at NY's Mayor Bloomburg who would take your rights away in a heartbeat. We've allowed the UN to set up in our front yard as they conspire to take away our guns rights. I feel for Illinois and Wisconsin in being the only 2 states without CCW. But I look at my own state of Ohio, and the current Gov., and OSP want to make those of us who are the most law abiding citizens, who have passed a background check, into felons because of their ridiculous poison pills they inserted into our CCW law.
Here in Ohio, it seems we have a lot of voter apathy going on, BUT...,it was the pro-gun movement that made ALL the difference in this election. We now have a pro-gun incoming Gov., and the Senate and House remain pro-gun majority, because of all the work that was done on campaigns by a handful of individuals.
For those who don't know how to get involved, find a statewide gun rights organization and help them out when asked. As much begging as we did to get people to just give a couple hours a month to a candidates campaign, it fell on deaf ears most of the time. That is where you can make a huge impact. There's a ton of things that can be done, a lot from the comfort of your own computer.
I think it would help, if everyone who is a member here, put the state in which you reside on your profile. It helps in giving direction to where or who your statewide organizations are.
If you're in Ohio and you want to get involved in preserving your 2nd Amendment rights, Buckeye Firearms is looking for you!!
Get involved, preserve your rights!!!!
Last edited:
Linda
Member
Gerinomotwo, what state are you in? And the rest who want to be involved...,where are you located? Someone on here can certainly point you in the right direction.
geronimotwo
Member
hi, i'm located in delaware county, ny.
The Canuck
Member
Leave me alone, I'm already doing it!
But you guys won't really notice in the US. You see, I'm fighting the fight in Canada, that's right, I spelled it with a "C" instead of a "K" because I still love my country.:banghead:
But you guys won't really notice in the US. You see, I'm fighting the fight in Canada, that's right, I spelled it with a "C" instead of a "K" because I still love my country.:banghead:
Monkeyleg
Member.
"And I have Tammy Baldwin and Judy Robson as my representatives."
Oh, my God. You're suffering more than any other Wisconsin citizen.
You can fight. But you'd be better off moving. Judy Robson has a huge campaign war chest. And, for most of those living under Tammy Baldwin's socialist rein, she's a goddess.
How did this state ever get so screwed up?
Oh, my God. You're suffering more than any other Wisconsin citizen.
You can fight. But you'd be better off moving. Judy Robson has a huge campaign war chest. And, for most of those living under Tammy Baldwin's socialist rein, she's a goddess.
How did this state ever get so screwed up?
- Status